NASA awards $2.28M task order to Tetra Tech for environmental services at Wallops Flight Facility
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,282,527 ($2.3M)
Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-09-24
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 887 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TASK ORDER - MAIN BASE NORTH AT WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY, WALLOPS ISLAND, VA. ISSUED UNDER - KSC NASA ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND COMPLIANCE CONTRACT (NERCC).
Place of Performance
Location: WALLOPS ISLAND, ACCOMACK County, VIRGINIA, 23337
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.3 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER - MAIN BASE NORTH AT WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY, WALLOPS ISLAND, VA. ISSUED UNDER - KSC NASA ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND COMPLIANCE CONTRACT (NERCC). Key points: 1. Task order issued under a larger NASA Environmental Restoration and Compliance Contract (NERCC). 2. Full and open competition indicates a broad search for qualified contractors. 3. Firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. Contract duration of approximately 2.5 years allows for sustained environmental support. 5. Environmental consulting services are critical for maintaining operational compliance and safety. 6. The award value represents a small fraction of the overall NERCC contract potential. 7. Geographic focus on Wallops Island, Virginia, highlights regional environmental needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The task order value of $2.28 million for environmental consulting services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. As a task order under a larger IDIQ contract, pricing is likely benchmarked against pre-negotiated rates. Without direct access to the NERCC contract's ceiling and specific task order details, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an effort to ensure cost predictability for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This task order was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that NASA sought proposals from all responsible sources. The fact that it is a task order under an existing IDIQ contract (NERCC) implies that the initial competition for the IDIQ established a pool of qualified vendors. The specific competition for this task order would have involved evaluating proposals from eligible contractors on the IDIQ.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of bidders to offer competitive pricing.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, ensuring environmental compliance and operational continuity. Services delivered include environmental consulting, likely encompassing assessments, remediation planning, and compliance support. The geographic impact is localized to Wallops Island, Virginia, supporting federal operations in that region. Workforce implications include employment for environmental scientists, engineers, and technicians employed by Tetra Tech.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial environmental assessments reveal unforeseen complex issues.
- Dependence on the overall performance and capabilities of Tetra Tech under the parent NERCC contract.
- Environmental regulations can change, potentially impacting the scope and cost of services required.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under a competitive IDIQ contract, suggesting pre-qualification of contractor capabilities.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Task order issued to an established contractor (Tetra Tech) with likely prior experience in environmental services.
- Clear performance period (end date) allows for defined project management and oversight.
Sector Analysis
Environmental consulting services represent a significant sector supporting government operations, particularly in areas with complex regulatory requirements like aerospace facilities. The market includes numerous firms specializing in environmental assessment, remediation, and compliance. NASA's spending in this area is driven by the need to manage environmental impacts from its facilities and operations, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations. Benchmarks for similar environmental consulting contracts vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific services, but task orders in the low millions are common for specialized support.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Tetra Tech, Inc. is a large business. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision on this specific task order. However, large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized services, and it remains possible that Tetra Tech may engage small businesses as subcontractors, though this is not mandated by the contract structure.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this task order will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the technical point of contact within NASA at Wallops Flight Facility. As a task order under the NERCC contract, the overall contract likely has established reporting requirements and performance metrics. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Environmental Restoration and Compliance Contract (NERCC)
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Federal Environmental Compliance
- Aerospace Facility Environmental Management
Risk Flags
- Potential for unforeseen environmental conditions impacting scope and cost.
- Reliance on contractor's ability to meet complex regulatory requirements.
- Need for robust government oversight to ensure performance and value.
Tags
nasa, wallops-flight-facility, environmental-consulting, tetra-tech, task-order, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, virginia, aerospace, compliance, consulting-services, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.3 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. TASK ORDER - MAIN BASE NORTH AT WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY, WALLOPS ISLAND, VA. ISSUED UNDER - KSC NASA ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND COMPLIANCE CONTRACT (NERCC).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-24. End: 2027-02-28.
What is Tetra Tech's track record with NASA and similar federal environmental contracts?
Tetra Tech, Inc. is a large, well-established government contractor with extensive experience in environmental services. They have a significant history of performing work for NASA and other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency. Their portfolio typically includes environmental assessments, remediation, compliance support, and engineering services. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards for Tetra Tech on federal contract databases would provide more granular detail on their specific successes and any challenges encountered on similar projects. Their consistent presence as a prime contractor on large IDIQ vehicles like the NERCC suggests a generally positive track record and capability to meet federal requirements.
How does the $2.28 million value compare to other environmental consulting task orders issued by NASA?
The $2.28 million value for this task order is within a common range for specialized environmental consulting services supporting federal facilities. NASA, like other agencies operating complex sites, frequently issues task orders for environmental assessments, compliance monitoring, and remediation planning that can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. The specific value is influenced by factors such as the geographic scope, the complexity of environmental issues at Wallops Flight Facility, the required duration of services, and the specific deliverables. Without access to a comprehensive database of all NASA environmental task orders, a precise benchmark is difficult, but this award appears to be a moderate-sized task order for dedicated support.
What are the primary risks associated with this environmental consulting contract?
Key risks include potential scope creep if initial assessments uncover unforeseen environmental contamination requiring extensive remediation, leading to cost overruns beyond the firm-fixed-price. There's also a risk related to regulatory changes; evolving environmental laws could necessitate additional services or alter compliance requirements, impacting project scope and cost. Contractor performance risk exists, where Tetra Tech might not meet performance standards or deadlines, potentially delaying NASA's compliance efforts. Finally, there's a dependency risk on the overall success and management of the parent NERCC contract under which this task order is issued.
How effective are environmental consulting services in ensuring NASA's compliance at facilities like Wallops?
Environmental consulting services are crucial for ensuring NASA's compliance at facilities like Wallops. These services provide the specialized expertise needed to navigate complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act). Consultants conduct site assessments, identify potential hazards, develop management plans, and ensure adherence to permitting requirements. Their work helps prevent environmental incidents, mitigate risks, and avoid costly fines or legal actions. By leveraging external expertise, NASA can maintain operational integrity while demonstrating responsible environmental stewardship, which is vital for public trust and regulatory standing.
What are historical spending patterns for environmental services at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility?
Historical spending patterns for environmental services at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility would likely show consistent investment in compliance and operational support. Facilities like Wallops, involved in launch operations and research, inherently generate environmental considerations related to emissions, waste management, and potential historical contamination. Spending would fluctuate based on specific projects, such as major infrastructure upgrades, remediation efforts, or routine compliance monitoring programs. Analyzing past contract awards for environmental consulting, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental engineering at Wallops would reveal trends in the types of services procured and the typical contract values over time, indicating a sustained need for such support.
What is the significance of the 'Environmental Consulting Services' NAICS code (541620)?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541620 specifically designates 'Environmental Consulting Services.' This classification is significant because it categorizes the primary business activity of the contractor for this task order. It helps government agencies track spending within specific service sectors, enabling better analysis of market trends, contractor capabilities, and overall federal investment in environmental management. For agencies like NASA, using this code ensures that contracts for environmental expertise are properly classified, facilitating procurement processes and allowing for comparisons with similar services procured by other federal entities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting 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
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 661 ANDERSEN DR STE 200, 400, 500, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15220
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,282,527
Exercised Options: $2,282,527
Current Obligation: $2,282,527
Actual Outlays: $112,040
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80KSC024DA005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-24
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-03
More Contracts from Tetra Tech, Inc.
- Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement HAS a Humanitarian Demining Request for International Assistance to Ukraine/Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) — $218.6M (Department of State)
- Under This Task Order the Contractor Provides ALL Services, Equipment, and Supplies to Neutralize Unexploded and Abandoned Ordnance and Ieds Throughout Iraq — $138.3M (Department of State)
- Usaid Overseas Contract — $123.9M (Agency for International Development)
- Shared Early Warning Systems 3 (sews 3) — $66.9M (Department of Defense)
- Overseas Contract — $59.7M (Department of State)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →