EPA Awards $761K Contract to Eastern Research Group for Climate Science Support and Website Maintenance
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $761,612 ($761.6K)
Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2024-12-23
End Date: 2026-01-05
Contract Duration: 378 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: SUPPORT FOR METHANE IMPACTS SCIENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE INDICATORS, CLIMATE CHANGE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE, AND HEAT ISLANDS REDUCTION
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20460
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $761,612.33 to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: SUPPORT FOR METHANE IMPACTS SCIENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE INDICATORS, CLIMATE CHANGE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE, AND HEAT ISLANDS REDUCTION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical climate science, indicators, and public-facing information. 2. Eastern Research Group Inc. is the awardee. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The sector is environmental consulting, supporting EPA's core mission.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $761,612.33 over approximately 378 days (delivery order duration) appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for climate science support and website development would provide a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support essential climate science research and public communication, which has long-term societal benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding of methane impacts and climate change indicators. Supports the development and maintenance of a climate change website, improving public access to information. Addresses heat island reduction strategies, contributing to urban environmental quality.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in website development and maintenance.
- Reliance on a single delivery order for a multi-year period.
- Ensuring continued relevance and accuracy of climate data presented.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research and public outreach.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Addresses a high-priority environmental issue.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541620). Spending in this sector supports government agencies in addressing complex environmental challenges, research, and policy development. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services required.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this was a delivery order under a larger contract, and it does not specify if small businesses were involved in the bidding or subcontracting process. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for delivery orders, including performance monitoring and payment verification, should be in place to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Scope definition for website maintenance may lead to undefined future costs.
- Dependence on contractor expertise for critical climate data interpretation.
- Ensuring data integrity and security for sensitive climate information.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, environmental-protection-agency, dc, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $761,612.33 to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. SUPPORT FOR METHANE IMPACTS SCIENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE INDICATORS, CLIMATE CHANGE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE, AND HEAT ISLANDS REDUCTION
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 $761,612.33.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-23. End: 2026-01-05.
What is the specific scope of work for the climate change website development and maintenance, and how will its success be measured?
The specific scope includes developing and maintaining the climate change website, likely involving content updates, technical infrastructure management, and user experience enhancements. Success metrics could include website traffic, user engagement, data accuracy, and timely updates of climate indicators. Detailed performance work statements and acceptance criteria would define these measures.
How does the pricing structure (Time and Materials) compare to industry standards for similar environmental consulting services, and what controls are in place to manage costs?
Time and Materials (T&M) contracts can be flexible but carry a higher risk of cost overruns if not closely managed. For specialized scientific support and website development, T&M can be appropriate when the scope is not fully defined. The EPA likely has established labor rate ceilings and requires detailed justification for hours billed to control costs.
What is the long-term strategy for the climate change website and the scientific data it presents to ensure its continued relevance and impact?
The long-term strategy should involve regular reviews of climate science advancements and user feedback to update content and features. Establishing a clear content lifecycle management plan, incorporating emerging research, and ensuring accessibility across devices are crucial. Collaboration with scientific bodies and public outreach programs will maintain its impact.
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: 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: $822,878
Exercised Options: $822,878
Current Obligation: $761,612
Actual Outlays: $730,233
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0028
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-23
Current End Date: 2026-01-05
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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