NASA Awards $4.58M for Environmental Consulting, Including PFAS Assessment, to Tetra Tech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,585,286 ($4.6M)
Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-04-01
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 912 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SITE WIDE PROGRAM SUPPORT AND PFAS ASSESSMENT, NASA JPL AND GDSCC
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91109
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $4.6 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: SITE WIDE PROGRAM SUPPORT AND PFAS ASSESSMENT, NASA JPL AND GDSCC Key points: 1. Contract focuses on site-wide program support and PFAS assessment at NASA facilities. 2. Tetra Tech, Inc. secured the award, indicating potential specialization in environmental services. 3. The contract value is moderate, suggesting a focused scope rather than a large-scale program. 4. Environmental consulting services are crucial for regulatory compliance and risk management.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $4.58 million for a period of approximately 2.5 years appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for PFAS assessment and site-wide support would provide a more precise valuation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, promoting competitive pricing and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more efficient use of taxpayer funds by ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for services rendered.
Public Impact
Ensures environmental compliance and safety at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex. Addresses critical PFAS contamination concerns, protecting human health and the environment. Supports ongoing NASA missions by maintaining operational readiness of key facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen environmental complexities arise.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical environmental services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Focus on PFAS assessment addresses a significant environmental concern.
- Long-term contract provides stability for essential environmental support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541620). Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory requirements, infrastructure development, and environmental remediation efforts across various government agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this procurement, though they may have participated as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts. The use of full and open competition suggests a transparent procurement process.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep if unforeseen environmental issues arise.
- Reliance on contractor expertise for critical environmental assessments.
- Complexity of PFAS regulations and remediation technologies.
- Long-term nature of environmental projects can introduce uncertainty.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $4.6 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. SITE WIDE PROGRAM SUPPORT AND PFAS ASSESSMENT, NASA JPL AND GDSCC
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 $4.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-01. End: 2027-09-30.
What is the specific scope of 'program support' included in this contract, and how does it relate to the PFAS assessment?
The 'program support' likely encompasses a range of services necessary for the effective execution of environmental programs at NASA facilities. This could include project management, data analysis, reporting, regulatory liaison, and technical assistance. Its integration with the PFAS assessment suggests that the support services are tailored to facilitate the identification, evaluation, and potential remediation of PFAS contamination, ensuring a comprehensive approach to environmental management.
What are the potential risks associated with PFAS contamination assessment and remediation, and how might they impact this contract's cost and timeline?
PFAS contamination can be complex and widespread, often requiring extensive site investigations and advanced remediation technologies. Risks include the discovery of contamination exceeding initial estimates, the need for specialized and costly cleanup methods, and evolving regulatory standards. These factors could lead to scope changes, contract modifications, and potential cost overruns or schedule delays if not managed proactively through robust risk assessment and contingency planning.
How effective is the full and open competition method in ensuring NASA obtains the best value for environmental consulting services, particularly for specialized areas like PFAS?
Full and open competition is generally effective in driving down costs and encouraging innovation by allowing a wide range of qualified vendors to compete. For specialized services like PFAS assessment, this method ensures that NASA can identify contractors with the most relevant expertise and competitive pricing. However, effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to accurately assess technical capabilities alongside price.
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: 3
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: $4,585,286
Exercised Options: $4,585,286
Current Obligation: $4,585,286
Actual Outlays: $1,751,501
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80KSC024DA005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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