EPA Awards $7.5M for Clean School Bus Program Support, Including Outreach and BABAA Implementation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,512,249 ($7.5M)
Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2023-03-01
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR CLEAN SCHOOL BUS, DERA, AND IRA TO INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE, HELPLINES, PROGRAM OUTREACH, WEBINARS, DEVELOPMENT/IMPLEMENTATION, MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES, BUY AMERICAN (BABAA) IMPLEMENTATION. TOCOR: CHRISTINA GUERRA ALT TOCOR: JO
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20460
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $7.5 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR CLEAN SCHOOL BUS, DERA, AND IRA TO INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE, HELPLINES, PROGRAM OUTREACH, WEBINARS, DEVELOPMENT/IMPLEMENTATION, MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES, BUY AMERICAN (BABAA) IMPLEMENTATION. TOCOR: CHRISTINA GUERRA ALT TOCOR: JO Key points: 1. Contract supports critical environmental initiatives like the Clean School Bus Program, DERA, and IRA. 2. Eastern Research Group Inc. secured the BPA Call award. 3. Focus on administrative support, helplines, outreach, and Buy American Act implementation. 4. Spending is allocated over a 4-year period, ending in February 2027.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $7.5M over four years appears reasonable for comprehensive program support. Benchmarking against similar EPA administrative and consulting contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition via a BPA Call, suggesting a competitive process for selecting the contractor. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure effective implementation and outreach for significant environmental programs.
Public Impact
Enhances reach and understanding of clean school bus initiatives. Supports Buy American provisions, promoting domestic manufacturing. Provides essential administrative and helpline services to stakeholders. Facilitates program development and implementation through expert consulting.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics for outreach and helpline effectiveness.
- Potential for scope creep in administrative and development tasks.
Positive Signals
- Clear alignment with national environmental goals.
- Competitive award process.
- Dedicated support for Buy American implementation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within Environmental Consulting Services, supporting the EPA's mission. Benchmarks for similar support contracts vary widely based on scope, but this value seems aligned with program scale.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The EPA's oversight is crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of services and adherence to program goals. Regular performance reviews and reporting will be key accountability mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
- Reliance on contractor expertise for complex regulatory implementation (BABAA).
- Need for clear performance metrics to assess outreach effectiveness.
- Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, environmental-protection-agency, dc, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $7.5 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR CLEAN SCHOOL BUS, DERA, AND IRA TO INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE, HELPLINES, PROGRAM OUTREACH, WEBINARS, DEVELOPMENT/IMPLEMENTATION, MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES, BUY AMERICAN (BABAA) IMPLEMENTATION. TOCOR: CHRISTINA GUERRA ALT TOCOR: JO
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 $7.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the expected impact of the program outreach and helpline services on the adoption of clean school buses?
The program outreach and helpline services are expected to significantly increase awareness and understanding of the benefits and application processes for clean school bus funding. By providing clear information and support, the initiative aims to encourage more school districts to apply for and utilize grants, thereby accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation and reducing harmful emissions.
What are the primary risks associated with the Buy American Act (BABAA) implementation support, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include potential supply chain disruptions for compliant components and challenges in verifying domestic content. Mitigation strategies likely involve close collaboration with manufacturers, clear guidance on compliance requirements, and robust verification processes. The contractor's expertise in navigating these complexities is critical to successful implementation.
How will the effectiveness of the administrative and program development support be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
Effectiveness will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as timely processing of applications, successful resolution of inquiries via helplines, and the efficient development and implementation of program guidelines. Regular performance reviews, stakeholder feedback, and adherence to project milestones will ensure accountability and demonstrate the value delivered.
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: RFQ-PR-OAR-23-00162
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: $13,602,353
Exercised Options: $13,602,353
Current Obligation: $7,512,249
Actual Outlays: $4,488,143
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERH22A0020
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-01
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-21
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