EPA awards $2.16M for Remediation Services in Texas, highlighting environmental cleanup needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,157,392 ($2.2M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-03-23

End Date: 2028-09-27

Contract Duration: 2,015 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RAF DES DELFASCO FORGE RI/FS RD TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75270

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.2 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: RAF DES DELFASCO FORGE RI/FS RD TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental remediation tasks, addressing potential contamination. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting a competitive market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration extends over five years, indicating a long-term commitment to the project. 4. Performance will be key to ensuring effective cleanup and environmental protection. 5. This award falls within the broader category of environmental services, a significant sector for federal spending. 6. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while managing project expenses.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.16 million over approximately five years suggests a moderate investment in environmental remediation. Benchmarking against similar contracts for Remediation Services (NAICS 562910) would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure is common for complex projects where scope may evolve, but it requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. With two bids received, the competition level appears moderate. This suggests that while the market is not saturated with bidders for this specific task order, there was sufficient interest to drive some price discovery and ensure a selection based on merit and cost.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and better quality services. The presence of multiple bidders, even if only two, increases the likelihood that the selected contractor offers a competitive price and a strong technical approach.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities impacted by environmental contamination, receiving services aimed at cleanup and restoration. Services delivered include Remedial Action/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) tasks, crucial for identifying and planning environmental cleanup strategies. The geographic impact is focused on Texas (ST: TX), addressing specific environmental concerns within the state. The contract supports a specialized workforce in the environmental engineering and remediation sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Ensuring the fixed fee accurately reflects the complexity and risk associated with the remediation tasks.
The moderate number of bidders could indicate potential market concentration or specialized requirements limiting participation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and accessible process.
The extended contract duration allows for sustained focus on environmental cleanup objectives.
The selection of a specialized firm like EA Engineering indicates access to necessary technical expertise.

Sector Analysis

The environmental services sector is a critical component of federal contracting, encompassing a wide range of activities from consulting and engineering to remediation and waste management. This contract for Remedial Action/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) falls within the remediation sub-sector, which is vital for addressing legacy contamination and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Spending in this area is often driven by Superfund sites and other federal cleanup initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (SS: false, SB: false). While there is no direct indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data, large prime contractors are often encouraged or required to engage small businesses for portions of their work. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC actively seeks out and utilizes small business subcontractors for specialized tasks within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracting officers and technical representatives. The CPFF structure necessitates rigorous financial and performance oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and that the fixed fee is earned. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, and the EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) may conduct audits or investigations as deemed necessary.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Environmental Remediation Services
Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential
Contractor Performance Uncertainty
Environmental Regulatory Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.2 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. RAF DES DELFASCO FORGE RI/FS RD TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-23. End: 2028-09-27.

What is the historical spending pattern of the EPA with EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC for similar remediation services?

Analyzing historical spending between the EPA and EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC for similar remediation services would provide crucial context for this $2.16 million award. A review of past contracts would reveal the frequency of awards, the typical contract values, and the duration of previous engagements. If the EPA has a history of awarding substantial, long-term contracts to this firm for RI/FS and remediation tasks, it suggests a level of trust and proven performance. Conversely, if this is a significant departure from previous award sizes or types, it might warrant closer scrutiny of the contractor's qualifications and the justification for the award. Understanding this history helps assess whether the current award represents a continuation of a successful partnership or a new venture requiring careful monitoring.

How does the estimated cost per year for this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar environmental remediation projects in Texas?

The estimated annual cost for this contract, approximately $431,478 ($2.16M / 5 years), can be benchmarked against industry standards for environmental remediation projects in Texas. Factors influencing this comparison include the specific type of contamination, the complexity of the site, the scope of the RI/FS tasks, and the prevailing labor and material costs in the region. If this annual figure is significantly higher or lower than comparable projects, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential risks related to cost efficiency. For instance, a higher cost might be justified by unique site challenges or advanced technological requirements, while a lower cost could suggest aggressive pricing or a potentially underestimated scope. A detailed analysis would require access to specific project details and market data for environmental services in Texas.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to evaluate the success of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC under this contract?

The success of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC under this contract will likely be evaluated through a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to the Remedial Action/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) objectives. These KPIs would typically focus on the timely and accurate completion of study milestones, the development of effective and cost-efficient remediation strategies, adherence to regulatory requirements, and the quality of deliverables such as reports and plans. For example, KPIs might include meeting deadlines for draft and final RI/FS reports, achieving specific technical objectives outlined in the statement of work, and maintaining compliance with environmental standards. Performance will also be assessed based on the contractor's ability to manage costs within the CPFF structure and their responsiveness to EPA's technical direction. Regular performance reviews will likely track progress against these KPIs.

What is the potential risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this specific remediation project?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this remediation project presents specific risks that require diligent oversight. The primary risk for the government is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as all allowable costs are reimbursed. While the fixed fee provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit, there's a potential for scope creep or inefficiencies to inflate the overall cost. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the effort required to earn the fixed fee; if the work proves more complex or time-consuming than anticipated, their effective profit margin could decrease. Effective risk mitigation involves robust government oversight of all incurred costs, clear definition and management of the contract scope, and regular performance evaluations to ensure efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

How does the geographic focus on Texas influence the selection of contractors and the potential cost of this remediation contract?

The geographic focus on Texas for this remediation contract can influence contractor selection and costs in several ways. It may favor contractors with established operations, local expertise, and familiarity with Texas's specific environmental regulations and geological conditions. This can lead to more efficient project execution and potentially lower logistical costs. However, if the required specialized expertise is scarce within Texas, the EPA might need to consider firms from outside the state, potentially increasing travel and mobilization expenses. The cost of labor, materials, and regulatory compliance within Texas will also directly impact the overall contract price. A competitive bidding process among firms with relevant Texas experience is crucial to ensure that the geographic focus translates into value rather than inflated costs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HERH23R0001

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIR STE 400, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,974,899

Exercised Options: $2,157,392

Current Obligation: $2,157,392

Actual Outlays: $1,044,452

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0318D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline