EPA awards $2.85M for Global Methane Pledge support, highlighting environmental consulting needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,852,561 ($2.9M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2022-10-17

End Date: 2025-10-16

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: GLOBAL METHANE PLEDGE IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT, TASKS 3,4,5 & 8

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: GLOBAL METHANE PLEDGE IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT, TASKS 3,4,5 & 8 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical implementation support for a key environmental initiative. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. Performance period extends over three years, indicating a sustained need. 4. The contract type (Time and Materials) warrants close monitoring for cost control. 5. This award aligns with broader federal efforts to address climate change. 6. The geographic focus is primarily domestic, supporting EPA's mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.85 million for three years of support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for policy implementation and research support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common for evolving requirements, necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain within expected parameters and do not escalate unnecessarily. The number of bidders (4) suggests a competitive environment that likely contributed to a fair price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. Four bids were received, demonstrating a healthy level of interest and competition within the environmental consulting sector for this type of work. The open competition process is expected to yield a fair market price and encourage innovative solutions from the participating firms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that drives efficiency and potentially lower costs for essential environmental policy implementation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which receives critical support for the Global Methane Pledge. Services delivered include research, analysis, and technical assistance related to methane emission reduction strategies. The geographic impact is national, supporting the EPA's nationwide environmental protection mandate. Workforce implications include specialized roles for environmental scientists, policy analysts, and researchers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires vigilant oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond initial projections if not managed effectively.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical implementation support may pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a broad base of potential providers.
Contract duration of three years provides stability for implementing complex environmental initiatives.
Contractor's focus on research and consulting aligns with the technical demands of the Global Methane Pledge.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting services sector is a significant market supporting government agencies in policy development, implementation, and compliance. This contract fits within the broader category of professional, scientific, and technical services. The Global Methane Pledge represents a critical international effort, and support contracts like this are essential for its operationalization. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within federal procurement data for environmental policy support and scientific research services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award went to a larger entity, Research Triangle Institute. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing specialized expertise, and opportunities for small business participation may be limited unless they are subcontractors to the prime awardee.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a Time and Materials contract, the EPA will need to closely monitor labor hours, rates, and direct costs to ensure compliance with the contract terms and prevent potential overspending. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Global Methane Pledge
Environmental Protection Agency Contracts
Climate Change Initiatives
Environmental Consulting Services
Federal Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Effectiveness of methane reduction strategies requires ongoing monitoring.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical implementation tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. GLOBAL METHANE PLEDGE IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT, TASKS 3,4,5 & 8

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-17. End: 2025-10-16.

What is the track record of Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in performing similar environmental consulting services for the federal government?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has a substantial track record in providing research, analysis, and technical assistance to various federal agencies, including the EPA. Their expertise spans environmental science, policy, and program implementation. RTI has been involved in numerous projects related to air quality, climate change, and sustainable development. While specific details on past performance for similar 'Pledge Implementation Support' contracts are not provided here, their general profile suggests a capacity to handle complex environmental initiatives. A deeper dive into their contract history with the EPA and other agencies would reveal the scope and success of their prior engagements in related areas.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar federal contracts for environmental policy implementation support?

The awarded amount of approximately $2.85 million over three years for Global Methane Pledge implementation support is within a reasonable range for specialized federal environmental consulting services. Similar contracts often involve extensive research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and technical guidance. The average value for such contracts can vary significantly based on scope, duration, and the specific agency's needs. Without direct comparisons to identical 'Pledge Implementation Support' contracts, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, considering the duration and the critical nature of international climate initiatives, this figure suggests a focused effort rather than a large-scale program implementation.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for this type of service?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for environmental consulting services is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual time and materials used. This structure can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work if oversight is weak. For the EPA's Global Methane Pledge implementation support, risks include scope creep, where the project expands beyond its original intent, leading to increased labor hours and costs. Effective risk mitigation requires robust monitoring of labor hours, detailed reporting, clear task definitions, and proactive communication between the EPA and RTI to ensure the work remains focused and efficient.

How effective is the Global Methane Pledge in achieving its stated goals, and how does this contract contribute?

The Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26, aims to collectively reduce global methane emissions by at least 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030. Its effectiveness is still emerging, as it relies on voluntary commitments from signatory nations and the subsequent implementation of national policies. This contract directly contributes by providing the EPA with essential research, analysis, and technical support needed to facilitate the implementation of the pledge within the United States and potentially assist in international coordination. The support services are crucial for developing strategies, tracking progress, and ensuring the US meets its commitments, thereby bolstering the overall effectiveness of the global initiative.

What has been the historical spending trend for environmental consulting services by the EPA?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently spends significant amounts on environmental consulting services, reflecting the complexity and breadth of its mission. Historical spending trends show a steady demand for expertise in areas such as regulatory analysis, scientific research, policy development, and program management. While specific figures fluctuate year-to-year based on agency priorities and budget allocations, consulting services represent a vital resource for the EPA to supplement its internal capabilities. This contract for Global Methane Pledge support aligns with the agency's ongoing focus on climate change mitigation and environmental protection, suggesting continued investment in related consulting needs.

What are the potential implications of this contract on achieving US methane reduction targets?

This contract is crucial for supporting the US in meeting its methane reduction targets under the Global Methane Pledge. The awarded services, including research, analysis, and technical assistance, will directly inform the development and refinement of domestic methane mitigation strategies. By providing specialized expertise, the contractor helps the EPA identify effective policies, track emission sources, and monitor progress towards the goal of a 30-30% reduction by 2030. The insights gained and strategies developed through this support are vital for translating the pledge's commitment into tangible actions and achieving measurable reductions in methane emissions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 E CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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: $11,384,306

Exercised Options: $11,384,306

Current Obligation: $2,852,561

Actual Outlays: $2,765,794

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $2,761,364

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline