FEMA awards $8.1M for hazard mitigation technical assistance in Pacific Islands and Arizona

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,079,706 ($8.1M)

Contractor: WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-11-25

End Date: 2027-02-24

Contract Duration: 821 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HAZARD MITIGATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HMTAP) 609: REGION 9 MULTIPLE DISASTER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR HMGP, BCA AND EHP IN PACIFIC ISLANDS AND ARIZONA

Place of Performance

Location: BLUE BELL, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19422

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $8.1 million to WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC. for work described as: HAZARD MITIGATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HMTAP) 609: REGION 9 MULTIPLE DISASTER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR HMGP, BCA AND EHP IN PACIFIC ISLANDS AND ARIZONA Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical disaster mitigation services for vulnerable regions. 2. WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. secured the award. 3. The contract duration spans over two years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. This award falls under Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can introduce cost variability. 6. The award amount is substantial for specialized technical assistance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.1 million for a period of approximately 2.7 years appears reasonable for specialized technical assistance in hazard mitigation, benefit-cost analysis, and environmental/historic preservation. Benchmarking against similar large-scale technical assistance contracts for disaster recovery and mitigation efforts would provide further context. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates careful monitoring of costs to ensure value for money, as it allows for reimbursement of allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. However, CPFF is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined upfront.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces and encouraging a wider pool of capable contractors to participate.

Public Impact

Residents and infrastructure in the Pacific Islands and Arizona will benefit from enhanced disaster resilience. Services include technical assistance for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA), and Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP). The geographic impact covers FEMA Region 9, specifically the Pacific Islands and Arizona. This contract supports the development of more resilient communities against natural disasters.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The specialized nature of the services requires robust oversight to ensure quality and adherence to scope.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical technical assistance in disaster-prone regions warrants close monitoring of performance.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Focus on critical hazard mitigation services addresses significant public safety and infrastructure needs.
Long-term contract duration suggests a commitment to sustained support for disaster preparedness and recovery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector, specifically addressing environmental, infrastructure, and disaster resilience consulting. The market for such services is driven by government needs for specialized expertise in areas like disaster recovery, environmental compliance, and risk assessment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large technical assistance contracts awarded by FEMA or other agencies for similar disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts, often in the range of millions of dollars for multi-year engagements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus is on large business prime contractors. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. actively seeks small business subcontractors for specialized tasks within the scope of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. Given the nature of the services, regular performance reviews, cost audits, and technical progress reports will be crucial. The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates stringent financial oversight to ensure costs are allowable and reasonable. Transparency will be maintained through contract reporting mechanisms and public contract databases, though specific details of internal oversight processes are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) programs
Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) reviews
Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for infrastructure projects

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Geographic remoteness of Pacific Islands may introduce logistical and communication challenges.
Specialized nature of technical assistance requires robust quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $8.1 million to WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC.. HAZARD MITIGATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HMTAP) 609: REGION 9 MULTIPLE DISASTER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR HMGP, BCA AND EHP IN PACIFIC ISLANDS AND ARIZONA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-25. End: 2027-02-24.

What is the historical spending pattern for hazard mitigation technical assistance by FEMA in Region 9?

Analyzing FEMA's historical spending on hazard mitigation technical assistance in Region 9 requires accessing detailed contract databases and program reports. Generally, FEMA's spending in this area fluctuates based on the frequency and severity of declared disasters, as well as the availability of specific grant programs like the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Region 9, encompassing the Pacific Islands and Arizona, is prone to various natural hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires, which often trigger significant technical assistance needs. Past awards for similar services have ranged from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration of the assistance required for post-disaster recovery and pre-disaster mitigation planning. This $8.1 million award for HMTAP suggests a substantial, multi-year commitment to addressing these ongoing risks.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar technical assistance services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not fully defined at the outset or is expected to evolve, which is common in technical assistance and consulting services, especially those related to disaster response and mitigation. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government if the scope changes but carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed closely. Cost-Reimbursement contracts (like Cost Plus Incentive Fee or Cost Plus Award Fee) might offer better value by incentivizing performance or cost control. However, FFP contracts provide the most cost certainty for the government but are less suitable for uncertain scopes. For specialized technical assistance like HMTAP, CPFF can be appropriate if detailed requirements are difficult to establish upfront.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely used to evaluate WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.'s performance on this contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this HAZARD MITIGATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HMTAP) contract would likely focus on the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the technical assistance provided. Specific KPIs could include: 1. Timeliness of Deliverables: Meeting deadlines for reports, analyses, and recommendations related to HMGP, BCA, and EHP. 2. Quality of Analysis: Accuracy and thoroughness of Benefit-Cost Analyses, ensuring they meet FEMA standards and support sound decision-making. 3. Compliance: Ensuring all EHP reviews and mitigation strategies adhere to federal regulations and best practices. 4. Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback from FEMA, local governments, and community stakeholders on the usefulness and clarity of the technical support. 5. Cost Control: While a CPFF contract, managing costs within reasonable bounds relative to the scope and effort expended is crucial. 6. Impact on Mitigation Efforts: Ultimately, the success will be measured by how well the technical assistance contributes to effective hazard mitigation planning and implementation in the target regions.

What is the track record of WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. with FEMA or similar disaster-related contracts?

WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. (formerly WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff) has a significant track record in providing engineering, environmental, and infrastructure consulting services, including work related to disaster recovery and resilience. They have been involved in numerous large-scale projects for government agencies, including FEMA, often focusing on infrastructure resilience, environmental assessments, and program management. Their experience typically includes supporting disaster response and recovery efforts, developing mitigation strategies, and conducting environmental compliance reviews. While specific contract details and performance ratings for every FEMA engagement are not always publicly available, WSP's general profile suggests they possess the technical expertise and capacity to handle complex contracts like the HMTAP. Their history likely includes managing similar multi-disciplinary technical assistance programs.

What are the potential risks associated with providing technical assistance in remote Pacific Island locations?

Providing technical assistance in remote Pacific Island locations presents several unique risks and challenges. Logistical complexities are significant, including travel costs, limited infrastructure (transportation, communication, accommodation), and potential delays due to weather or remoteness. Cultural and linguistic barriers can also impact communication and the effectiveness of technical advice, requiring culturally sensitive approaches. Furthermore, the environmental conditions in these regions (e.g., vulnerability to extreme weather, unique ecosystems) necessitate specialized knowledge and careful consideration in mitigation planning. Ensuring consistent connectivity for data sharing and collaboration can be difficult. Finally, the limited local capacity and resources in some island nations may require more intensive support and capacity building from the contractor, potentially increasing the effort and cost associated with the assistance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 751 ARBOR WAY, BLUE BELL, PA, 19422

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,530,917

Exercised Options: $8,079,706

Current Obligation: $8,079,706

Actual Outlays: $206,987

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FA6020D00000003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline