EPA awards $2.7M contract for air impact analysis, highlighting environmental consulting services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,702,352 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-02-14

End Date: 2026-08-13

Contract Duration: 1,276 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TITLE: CHARACTERIZING AND COMMUNICATING TRANSPORTATION AND AMBIENT AIR IMPACTS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.7 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: TITLE: CHARACTERIZING AND COMMUNICATING TRANSPORTATION AND AMBIENT AIR IMPACTS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on characterizing and communicating transportation and ambient air impacts and mitigation strategies. 2. The awardee, Eastern Research Group Inc., has a track record in environmental consulting. 3. This contract falls under the broad category of environmental consulting services. 4. The contract duration extends over three years, indicating a need for sustained effort. 5. The use of Time and Materials pricing suggests flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs. 6. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, implying a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.7 million over approximately three years for environmental consulting services appears reasonable given the scope of work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for air quality impact analysis and mitigation strategy development would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while offering flexibility, necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain within expected parameters and do not escalate beyond market rates for comparable services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure the selection of a vendor capable of delivering high-quality services. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition that benefits the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by promoting fair pricing and encouraging the selection of the most capable and cost-effective provider.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from this contract by gaining expertise in understanding and communicating air quality impacts. The services delivered will contribute to better informed environmental policies and public awareness regarding transportation and air pollution. The geographic impact is national, as air quality issues and transportation infrastructure are widespread concerns. The contract supports the environmental consulting sector, potentially involving specialized scientists, analysts, and communication experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing if not closely monitored.
Scope creep could increase the overall cost and duration of the contract.
Ensuring the quality and accuracy of the 'characterizing and communicating' aspects of the work is critical for effective policy.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market for these services.
The contract addresses a critical environmental issue (air quality) relevant to public health and policy.
The chosen contractor, Eastern Research Group Inc., likely possesses relevant expertise in environmental consulting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is characterized by firms providing specialized expertise in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The market size for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny and corporate focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This specific contract aligns with government efforts to monitor and mitigate the environmental impacts of transportation and industrial activities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most qualified large or established firm for the specialized environmental consulting services required. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities exist for small businesses to participate indirectly through subcontracting, though it is not explicitly mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would include adherence to the contract's statement of work, delivery of required reports and analyses, and compliance with the Time and Materials pricing structure. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement data system, where contract details are publicly available. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if specific concerns regarding performance or financial integrity arise.

Related Government Programs

Clean Air Act Implementation
Transportation Air Quality Planning
Environmental Impact Statements
Ambient Air Monitoring Programs
Environmental Data Analysis

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing requires vigilant oversight to control costs.
Clarity and accuracy in communicating complex environmental data are crucial.
The effectiveness of mitigation strategies depends on the quality of the analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.7 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. TITLE: CHARACTERIZING AND COMMUNICATING TRANSPORTATION AND AMBIENT AIR IMPACTS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

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 $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-14. End: 2026-08-13.

What is the specific expertise Eastern Research Group Inc. brings to air quality impact analysis?

Eastern Research Group Inc. (ERG) is a well-established environmental consulting firm with extensive experience in areas relevant to this contract. Their expertise typically includes conducting environmental impact assessments, analyzing air quality data, developing mitigation strategies, and communicating complex scientific information to various stakeholders. ERG has a history of working with federal agencies like the EPA on similar projects, often involving regulatory analysis, policy development support, and scientific research. Their capabilities likely encompass modeling air pollution dispersion, evaluating the health and environmental effects of emissions, and advising on strategies to reduce the negative impacts of transportation and industrial activities on ambient air quality. The specific details of their past performance on similar EPA contracts would provide further insight into their qualifications for this particular task.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar services?

Time and Materials (T&M) pricing is often used for services where the scope of work is not clearly defined at the outset or is expected to evolve. Compared to fixed-price contracts, T&M offers greater flexibility for the government to adjust the scope and for the contractor to adapt to changing requirements. However, T&M contracts carry a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the government pays for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred. For environmental consulting services, fixed-price contracts might be suitable for well-defined tasks like a standard environmental impact statement, while T&M is often preferred for research, analysis, or advisory roles where the exact effort is uncertain. Robust oversight, including detailed tracking of hours and justification of costs, is crucial to ensure value for money with T&M contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'characterizing and communicating' aspects of this contract?

The primary risks associated with the 'characterizing and communicating' aspects of this contract lie in the potential for misinterpretation, oversimplification, or inadequate dissemination of complex environmental data. 'Characterizing' impacts requires rigorous scientific analysis and accurate modeling, where errors in data or methodology could lead to flawed conclusions about air quality issues. 'Communicating' these findings effectively to diverse audiences—including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public—is equally challenging. Poor communication can result in public confusion, resistance to proposed mitigation strategies, or ineffective policy decisions. Ensuring the scientific integrity of the characterization and the clarity and accuracy of the communication strategy will be critical to the contract's success and its ultimate impact on environmental policy and public health.

How does this contract's value compare to historical EPA spending on similar air quality initiatives?

The $2.7 million contract value for characterizing and communicating transportation and ambient air impacts is a specific allocation for a defined period (approximately three years). To compare this to historical EPA spending, one would need to analyze broader EPA budgets and specific program expenditures related to air quality research, monitoring, and policy development over several fiscal years. The EPA's overall budget for air quality programs can fluctuate based on legislative priorities, emerging environmental concerns, and the need for scientific research. This particular contract represents a focused investment in analysis and communication, which is a component of larger air quality management efforts. A direct comparison would involve identifying similar, discrete contracts or program elements from past years and adjusting for inflation and changes in the scope of work.

What are the implications of this contract being awarded under a BPA Call?

The data indicates this contract was awarded as a 'BPA CALL'. A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified way to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services. A BPA Call is an order placed against an existing BPA. This implies that the EPA likely had a pre-established BPA with Eastern Research Group Inc. (or a broader contract vehicle) for environmental consulting services. Awarding this specific task via a BPA Call suggests that the foundational vetting of the contractor and the general terms and conditions were likely completed when the BPA was established. This method can expedite the procurement process for specific task orders, allowing for quicker initiation of services compared to a full, standalone solicitation. It also suggests a continuing relationship or anticipated need for these types of services from the awarded contractor.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting 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: PR-OAR-22-01469

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 561 VIRGINIA RD, CONCORD, MA, 01742

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: $3,256,612

Exercised Options: $3,256,612

Current Obligation: $2,702,352

Actual Outlays: $2,161,883

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $538,328

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH22A0020

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline