EPA awards $2.7M contract to UC Davis for environmental sample analysis and data submission

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,715,736 ($2.7M)

Contractor: University of California, Davis

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-01-21

End Date: 2027-03-06

Contract Duration: 409 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER FOR SUPPLIES DURING OPTION PERIOD III. THIS ORDER IS FOR ONE YEAR OF SUPPORT, (APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES AND 6 MONTHS TO ALLOW FOR THE LAB ANALYSIS AND DATA SUBMISSION).

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27711

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER FOR SUPPLIES DURING OPTION PERIOD III. THIS ORDER IS FOR ONE YEAR OF SUPPORT, (APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES AND 6 MONTHS TO ALLOW FOR THE LAB ANALYSIS AND DATA SUBMISSION). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on laboratory analysis and sample collection over a 13-month period. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration of approximately 409 days aligns with the described scope of work. 5. Awarded to a single entity, UC Davis, indicating specialized capabilities. 6. Geographic focus on North Carolina for sample collection and analysis.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.7 million for 13 months of specialized environmental testing and analysis appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory services and sample analysis is challenging without more specific details on the exact types of samples and analyses required. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The award to a university research institution suggests a focus on scientific expertise rather than pure commercial service provision, which can sometimes influence pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method of procurement generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The EPA's decision to use full and open competition suggests they sought the best value from a broad range of potential providers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a competitive bidding process, ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing for the required services.

Public Impact

The University of California, Davis, will benefit through research funding and operational support. The contract will deliver essential laboratory analysis and sample collection services for environmental monitoring. The geographic impact is focused on North Carolina, where sample collection and analysis will occur. The contract supports scientific and technical workforce needs within the environmental testing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays if sample collection or laboratory analysis encounters unforeseen scientific challenges.
Reliance on a single institution may limit flexibility if additional capacity or specialized expertise is suddenly required.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable university research institution suggests high-quality scientific execution.
Fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition indicates a thorough vetting of potential providers.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific and technical services sector, specifically environmental testing and laboratory analysis. The market for such services is diverse, including private laboratories, academic institutions, and government research facilities. The EPA's spending in this area is critical for regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, and research. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature and volume of samples and analyses, but contracts for specialized laboratory services can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. The award to a large university suggests that the primary focus was on specialized research capabilities rather than small business participation. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess any indirect impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms likely include regular progress reports from the contractor, site visits, and quality assurance reviews of the laboratory analysis and data submission. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms and the potential for remedies if performance standards are not met. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific performance details may be limited.

Related Government Programs

EPA Environmental Monitoring Programs
Environmental Laboratory Services
Scientific Research and Development Contracts
Environmental Sample Analysis

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if analytical requirements evolve.
Dependence on specific scientific expertise within UC Davis.
Logistical challenges in sample collection and transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS. DELIVERY ORDER FOR SUPPLIES DURING OPTION PERIOD III. THIS ORDER IS FOR ONE YEAR OF SUPPORT, (APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES AND 6 MONTHS TO ALLOW FOR THE LAB ANALYSIS AND DATA SUBMISSION).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS.

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: 2026-01-21. End: 2027-03-06.

What specific environmental samples will be collected and analyzed under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact types of environmental samples to be collected and analyzed. The description mentions 'collection of samples' and 'lab analysis,' which are broad terms. To understand the full scope, one would need to consult the detailed statement of work (SOW) or contract award document. Typically, such analyses could include water, soil, air, or biological samples, depending on the EPA's specific environmental monitoring or research objectives in North Carolina. The nature of the samples directly impacts the complexity and cost of the laboratory analysis.

How does the $2.7 million contract value compare to similar environmental testing contracts awarded by the EPA?

Direct comparison of the $2.7 million contract value to similar EPA environmental testing contracts is difficult without knowing the precise scope of work, sample types, and analytical methods. However, for a 13-month period involving sample collection and extensive laboratory analysis, this value appears within a reasonable range for specialized scientific services. Contracts for routine environmental monitoring might be lower, while those involving complex, novel analyses or large-scale remediation support could be significantly higher. The award to a university suggests a focus on research-grade analysis, which can command higher prices than standard commercial testing.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will UC Davis's performance be measured?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, typical KPIs for such contracts would likely include the timely and accurate collection of samples, adherence to chain-of-custody protocols, the quality and accuracy of laboratory analysis (e.g., meeting detection limits, precision, bias), timely submission of data and reports in the required format, and compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and scientific standards. Performance measurement would likely involve periodic reviews of deliverables, data audits, and potentially site inspections by EPA technical monitors.

What is the track record of the University of California, Davis, in performing similar environmental analysis contracts for federal agencies?

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), has a strong reputation as a leading research institution with extensive experience in environmental science and related laboratory analyses. While specific contract history with the EPA or other federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data, UC Davis routinely engages in research grants and contracts involving environmental monitoring, sample analysis, and scientific studies. Their expertise in various environmental disciplines suggests a high likelihood of successful performance on this contract. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases would reveal specific past awards and performance records.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks include delays in sample collection or analysis due to unforeseen environmental conditions, equipment failure, or scientific complexities. There's also a risk of data quality issues if protocols are not strictly followed. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed planning by UC Davis, robust quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for both field and lab work, contingency plans for equipment or personnel issues, and close communication with the EPA contracting officer's representative (COR) to address any emerging problems promptly. The fixed-price nature also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to maintain profitability.

How does this contract fit into the EPA's broader environmental monitoring and regulatory strategy in North Carolina?

This contract likely supports specific EPA initiatives or regulatory requirements within North Carolina. The EPA conducts various monitoring programs to assess environmental quality, enforce regulations, and respond to environmental concerns. The focus on sample collection and laboratory analysis suggests this contract is crucial for generating the scientific data needed to understand environmental conditions, identify potential pollution sources, evaluate the effectiveness of environmental programs, or support enforcement actions. The specific objectives would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, aligning it with the EPA's regional or national environmental priorities for the state.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1850 RESEARCH PARK DR, STE 300, DAVIS, CA, 95618

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veterinary College

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,715,736

Exercised Options: $2,715,736

Current Obligation: $2,715,736

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH23D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline