EPA awards $2.78M for dispute resolution services to Eastern Research Group Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,783,358 ($2.8M)
Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2019-09-26
End Date: 2024-07-22
Contract Duration: 1,761 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO PROCURE THE SERVICES OF ERG TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AS OUTLINED IN THE CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION CENTER JUST IN TIME DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROJECTS SOW. THIS ORDER ALSO INCORPORATES THE APPROVED WORK PLAN AND COST
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.8 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO PROCURE THE SERVICES OF ERG TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AS OUTLINED IN THE CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION CENTER JUST IN TIME DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROJECTS SOW. THIS ORDER ALSO INCORPORATES THE APPROVED WORK PLAN AND COST Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Eastern Research Group Inc. for dispute resolution services. 2. The contract value is $2,783,357.92. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition'. 4. The sector appears to be professional, scientific, and technical services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. The total value is substantial for specialized services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized dispute resolution services, with the value indicating a significant investment in this area.
Public Impact
Supports the Environmental Protection Agency's mission in conflict prevention and resolution. Provides essential services for dispute resolution projects. The duration of the contract (over 4 years) suggests ongoing needs for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep or evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under Full and Open Competition.
- Clear statement of purpose and SOW.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. Spending in this broad category can vary significantly, but this specific award is for specialized dispute resolution.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award (ss: false, sb: false).
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger agreement, suggesting it has undergone some level of review. Further oversight would focus on performance and adherence to the SOW.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, environmental-protection-agency, ma, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.8 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO PROCURE THE SERVICES OF ERG TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AS OUTLINED IN THE CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION CENTER JUST IN TIME DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROJECTS SOW. THIS ORDER ALSO INCORPORATES THE APPROVED WORK PLAN AND COST
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-26. End: 2024-07-22.
What is the benchmark pricing for similar dispute resolution services procured by the EPA or other federal agencies?
Benchmarking pricing for specialized services like dispute resolution is challenging without detailed SOW comparisons. However, federal agencies often use GSA schedules or conduct market research to establish fair and reasonable pricing. A review of similar contracts, considering factors like team expertise, project complexity, and duration, would be necessary to assess if $2.78M over nearly five years is competitive.
What are the specific risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for dispute resolution services?
The primary risk with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts is the potential for cost escalation if labor hours and material costs are not closely monitored and controlled. For dispute resolution, this could mean extended timelines or unforeseen complexities driving up billable hours. Robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and regular reviews are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value.
How effectively does Eastern Research Group Inc. perform dispute resolution services, and what is the impact on EPA's mission?
Effectiveness is best measured by the successful resolution of disputes, adherence to project timelines, and client satisfaction. Without specific performance data or case outcomes, it's difficult to definitively assess ERG's effectiveness. Positive impacts would include efficient resolution of environmental disputes, contributing to the EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 110 HARTWELL AVE STE 1, LEXINGTON, MA, 02421
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,415,056
Exercised Options: $5,415,056
Current Obligation: $2,783,358
Actual Outlays: $2,290,210
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $631,293
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0033
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-26
Current End Date: 2024-07-22
Potential End Date: 2024-07-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-09
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