DHS Awards $231,725 for Environmental Site Assessment at USCG Wood Island Lighthouse

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $231,725 ($231.7K)

Contractor: Brice Engineering, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 234 days

Daily Burn Rate: $990/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT (ESA) AT USCG WOOD ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE LOCATED ON WOOD ISLAND, WHICH IS OFF THE COAST OF BIDDEFORD POOL, ME

Place of Performance

Location: BIDDEFORD, YORK County, MAINE, 04005

State: Maine Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $231,725 to BRICE ENGINEERING, LLC for work described as: ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT (ESA) AT USCG WOOD ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE LOCATED ON WOOD ISLAND, WHICH IS OFF THE COAST OF BIDDEFORD POOL, ME Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Brice Engineering, LLC for essential environmental services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is relatively modest for engineering services. 4. The project supports critical infrastructure maintenance for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $231,725 for an Environmental Site Assessment appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the location. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale environmental assessments for remote or challenging locations would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified firms had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal, with the award representing a small investment in maintaining critical federal infrastructure and ensuring environmental compliance.

Public Impact

Ensures environmental compliance and safety at a historic U.S. Coast Guard facility. Supports the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard by maintaining its assets. Provides valuable data for future maintenance and potential remediation efforts at the lighthouse.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential logistical challenges due to the lighthouse's remote island location.
Scope creep risk if unforeseen environmental issues are discovered.
Dependence on Brice Engineering, LLC for timely and accurate assessment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting value.
Firm fixed price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Supports critical national infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a broad sector encompassing various specialized consulting and design services. Spending in this sector is driven by infrastructure projects, maintenance, and regulatory compliance needs across federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Brice Engineering, LLC. Information regarding the size status of the contractor (e.g., small business) was not provided, but the contract was competed full and open, which does not preclude small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for delivery orders under a larger contract would apply, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Logistical challenges due to remote island location.
Potential for unforeseen environmental issues requiring additional funding.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for accurate assessment.
Limited duration of the assessment may not capture all seasonal variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $231,725 to BRICE ENGINEERING, LLC. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT (ESA) AT USCG WOOD ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE LOCATED ON WOOD ISLAND, WHICH IS OFF THE COAST OF BIDDEFORD POOL, ME

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRICE ENGINEERING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $231,725.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-11-30.

What specific environmental concerns are being assessed at the Wood Island Lighthouse, and what is the potential impact of these findings?

The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) likely focuses on identifying potential contamination from past uses, such as fuel storage or historical building materials. Findings could range from minor concerns requiring monitoring to significant issues necessitating costly remediation, impacting future maintenance budgets and environmental safety protocols for the lighthouse and surrounding marine environment.

How does the remote island location of Wood Island Lighthouse affect the cost and execution of the environmental assessment?

The island location presents logistical challenges, potentially increasing costs for personnel transport, equipment mobilization, and waste disposal. Access restrictions and weather dependency can also impact project timelines. Brice Engineering, LLC's ability to manage these complexities efficiently is crucial for successful and cost-effective project completion.

What is the long-term value of this environmental assessment for the U.S. Coast Guard and its infrastructure?

This assessment provides critical baseline environmental data, enabling proactive management of potential risks and liabilities. It informs future capital investment decisions, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the preservation of a historic federal asset. The data gathered will be invaluable for long-term planning and ensuring the structural integrity and environmental soundness of the lighthouse.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70Z05326RENVI0001

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3800 CENTERPOINT DR STE 417, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $231,725

Exercised Options: $231,725

Current Obligation: $231,725

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z05019DBRENGR03

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline