EPA awards $345K CPFF task order to Southwest Research Institute for electronic engine controls integration and support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $345,000 ($345.0K)
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2025-11-12
End Date: 2026-11-11
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $948/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PSC- R425 NEW TASK ORDER "INTEGRATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUPPORT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS" COST-PLUS FIXED-FEE (CPFF) TERM-TYPE, 12-MONTH PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
Place of Performance
Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78238
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $345,000 to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: PSC- R425 NEW TASK ORDER "INTEGRATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUPPORT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS" COST-PLUS FIXED-FEE (CPFF) TERM-TYPE, 12-MONTH PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical integration, development, and support for electronic engine controls, suggesting a need for specialized engineering expertise. 2. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in scope but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. 3. Full and open competition indicates a broad market search, potentially leading to competitive pricing and a wider pool of qualified contractors. 4. The single task order nature of this award suggests it's part of a larger, potentially indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, requiring analysis of the parent contract for full context. 5. Performance is concentrated in Texas, potentially impacting local workforce and economic development within the state. 6. The 12-month period of performance is relatively short, implying a focused project or a need for agile adaptation to evolving requirements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The provided data lacks sufficient detail to benchmark this specific task order against similar contracts or market rates. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common for complex R&D or integration efforts, can be prone to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Without historical data on the contractor's performance on similar tasks or a breakdown of the fixed fee, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The total award amount of $345,000 for a 12-month period suggests a moderate investment, but its true value hinges on the successful integration and support of the electronic engine controls.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sought proposals from all responsible sources. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, which would offer further insight into the intensity of the competition. However, the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust process aimed at maximizing competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices and encourages innovation among potential offerors.
Public Impact
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary beneficiary, likely utilizing the enhanced electronic engine controls for its environmental monitoring or enforcement activities. Services delivered include integration, development, and support of electronic engine controls, crucial for modern engine efficiency and emissions management. The geographic impact is primarily in Texas, where the contractor, Southwest Research Institute, is located, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. Workforce implications include the need for specialized engineers and technicians skilled in electronic systems, control theory, and potentially automotive or industrial engine technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for the fixed fee makes it difficult to assess the reasonableness of the contractor's profit margin.
- The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds.
- Without data on the parent contract (if applicable), the long-term strategic value and potential for future task orders remain unclear.
- The specific technical challenges and risks associated with integrating and supporting electronic engine controls are not detailed, hindering a full risk assessment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded a qualified contractor.
- Southwest Research Institute is a well-established research and development organization with a history of government contracting.
- The focus on electronic engine controls aligns with EPA's mission to regulate and improve environmental quality, indicating a relevant and potentially impactful project.
- The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract provides some cost certainty for the government, as a portion of the total price is predetermined.
Sector Analysis
The engineering services sector (NAICS 541330) is characterized by a wide range of specialized firms providing design, consulting, and technical support across various industries. This contract falls within the domain of advanced engineering, specifically focusing on the integration and development of complex electronic control systems for engines. Such systems are critical for optimizing performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control in a variety of applications, from transportation to industrial machinery. The market for these services is driven by technological advancements and regulatory requirements, such as environmental standards. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other government contracts for similar engineering R&D or system integration projects, often found within defense, energy, or transportation agencies.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses and the contractor, Southwest Research Institute, is a large research organization. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, this award does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting goals.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure the fixed fee is earned appropriately. The EPA's contracting officers and program managers will be responsible for ensuring performance meets the contract requirements and for approving costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details on public accessibility of performance reports are not provided. The Inspector General's office for the EPA would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any irregularities were detected.
Related Government Programs
- EPA Vehicle Emissions Programs
- Clean Air Act Regulations
- Advanced Engine Technology Research
- Environmental Monitoring Systems
Risk Flags
- Cost Control Risk (CPFF)
- Scope Creep Potential
- Limited Benchmarking Data
- Contractor Performance History (Requires further review)
Tags
engineering-services, environmental-protection-agency, cost-plus-fixed-fee, task-order, full-and-open-competition, electronic-engine-controls, southwest-research-institute, texas, research-and-development, environmental-regulation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $345,000 to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. PSC- R425 NEW TASK ORDER "INTEGRATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUPPORT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS" COST-PLUS FIXED-FEE (CPFF) TERM-TYPE, 12-MONTH PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $345,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-12. End: 2026-11-11.
What is the track record of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) with the EPA on similar engineering services contracts?
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has a substantial history of contracting with various U.S. government agencies, including the EPA, across a broad spectrum of research, development, and engineering services. While specific details on their past performance with the EPA on electronic engine controls are not provided in this data snippet, SwRI is generally recognized for its expertise in areas such as engine technology, emissions control, and advanced systems integration. Their extensive experience suggests a strong capability to undertake complex projects. A deeper analysis would involve reviewing historical contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any publicly available project reports related to SwRI's work with the EPA or similar agencies in the environmental and engineering domains.
How does the $345,000 award amount compare to typical EPA spending on electronic engine control integration and support?
The $345,000 award for a 12-month period of performance for 'Integration, Development, and Support of Electronic Engine Controls' represents a moderate investment for a task order. Without access to a comprehensive database of EPA's historical spending on similar, precisely defined tasks, a direct comparison is challenging. However, this amount is likely indicative of a focused project phase or a specific component of a larger initiative. Larger, multi-year R&D efforts or full system development contracts for advanced engine controls could easily run into millions of dollars. This particular award suggests a need for specialized engineering expertise for a defined scope, rather than a large-scale production or extensive research program.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract for this type of work?
The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for integrating and supporting electronic engine controls revolve around cost control and scope management. For the government, the risk is that the actual costs incurred by the contractor could exceed initial estimates, potentially leading to a higher final price than anticipated, even with a fixed fee. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fixed fee, but it requires robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Scope creep is another significant risk; if the requirements evolve or expand beyond the initial agreement, managing the impact on cost and schedule becomes more complex. The contractor bears the risk if their actual costs are significantly lower than anticipated, as their fee remains fixed, limiting potential upside.
What does the 'full and open competition' designation imply for the effectiveness of this procurement?
The 'full and open competition' designation implies that the EPA followed a procurement process designed to solicit offers from the widest possible range of qualified sources. This approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring fair and reasonable pricing, fostering innovation, and achieving best value for the government. By allowing any responsible source to submit a bid, the EPA likely received multiple proposals, enabling a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities and cost. This competitive pressure typically drives down prices and encourages contractors to offer their most advantageous solutions, ultimately benefiting taxpayers by maximizing the return on investment for the services procured.
How might this contract contribute to the EPA's broader environmental protection mission?
This contract directly supports the EPA's mission by focusing on the development and support of electronic engine controls. Modern engines rely heavily on sophisticated electronic controls to manage fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions after-treatment systems, and overall performance. By ensuring these systems are effectively integrated and supported, the EPA can potentially influence or monitor advancements that lead to reduced harmful emissions (like NOx, particulate matter, and CO2), improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities for environmental compliance. This work could underpin regulatory efforts, support research into cleaner engine technologies, or improve the efficiency of EPA's own operational fleets or monitoring equipment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 68HERC25R0265
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6220 CULEBRA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78238
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,337,051
Exercised Options: $1,337,051
Current Obligation: $345,000
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $82,719
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERC25D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-12
Current End Date: 2026-11-11
Potential End Date: 2026-11-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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