DOE awards $4.5M for bioenergy tech support, continuing a prior BPA call with Energy Technology Alliance LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,531,511 ($4.5M)
Contractor: Energy Technology Alliance LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-04-25
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 370 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SETS FOR DOE EERES BIOENERGY TECHNOLOGY OFFICE BETO - FOLLOW-ON TO ORDER 89243424FEE000363
Place of Performance
Location: BEND, DESCHUTES County, OREGON, 97703
State: Oregon Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $4.5 million to ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC for work described as: SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SETS FOR DOE EERES BIOENERGY TECHNOLOGY OFFICE BETO - FOLLOW-ON TO ORDER 89243424FEE000363 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized scientific and engineering support services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a follow-on to a previous order, indicating potential for performance continuity. 4. Services are categorized under Remediation Services, though the description points to bioenergy technology. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks if not managed closely. 6. The award is a BPA Call, a mechanism for streamlined procurement under an existing agreement.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $4.5 million for a 13-month period (April 2025 - April 2026) for scientific, engineering, and technical support seems aligned with specialized services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for bioenergy research and development support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while flexible, necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and do not escalate unexpectedly.
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 bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the use of full and open competition suggests a deliberate effort to maximize market participation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and the assurance that the government sought the best value from the widest possible pool of qualified contractors.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO) benefits from continued scientific and technical expertise. Services will support advancements in bioenergy research and development, potentially leading to cleaner energy solutions. The contract is expected to contribute to the scientific workforce in the bioenergy sector. Geographic impact is likely concentrated around the contractor's facilities and DOE research sites, but the research outcomes have broader national implications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type requires diligent monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
- The follow-on nature of the award means performance history from the prior order is critical for assessing future success.
- Clarity on the specific technical deliverables and performance metrics is essential for evaluating success.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
- The contract is a follow-on, indicating a degree of familiarity and potential for efficient execution.
- The contractor, Energy Technology Alliance LLC, has secured this follow-on work, implying satisfactory past performance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the scientific, engineering, and technical support services sector, specifically supporting the Department of Energy's focus on bioenergy. The market for such specialized R&D support is driven by government funding and private sector innovation. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within DOE's R&D portfolio and other agencies funding similar scientific endeavors, often measured by contract value per year for specialized technical services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, if any, awarded by Energy Technology Alliance LLC. Without specific subcontracting plans detailed in the award, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Bioenergy Technology Office. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance metrics outlined in the contract, particularly given its Time and Materials nature. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy Research and Development Programs
- Bioenergy Technology Research Grants
- Scientific and Engineering Support Services Contracts
- Follow-on Service Contracts
- Energy Technology Innovation Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Need for clear performance metrics and deliverables for effective oversight.
- Reliance on contractor's past performance from the previous order.
Tags
doe, bioenergy, scientific-support, engineering-support, technical-support, energy-technology-alliance-llc, department-of-energy, full-and-open-competition, time-and-materials, follow-on-contract, research-and-development, oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $4.5 million to ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC. SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SETS FOR DOE EERES BIOENERGY TECHNOLOGY OFFICE BETO - FOLLOW-ON TO ORDER 89243424FEE000363
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $4.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-25. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the track record of Energy Technology Alliance LLC in performing similar scientific and engineering support services for the Department of Energy or other federal agencies?
Assessing the track record of Energy Technology Alliance LLC is crucial for understanding their capability to deliver on this contract. As this is a follow-on to a previous order (89243424FEE000363), the performance on that prior engagement is a primary indicator. Information regarding past performance evaluations, any awards or penalties, and the successful completion of similar technical tasks would provide insight. A review of federal procurement databases and agency performance reports (if available) could reveal their history with other contracts, including their size, scope, and client agencies. A strong history of successful, on-time, and within-budget delivery of complex technical support services would bolster confidence in their ability to meet the current contract's objectives.
How does the awarded amount of $4.5 million compare to the value of the previous order (89243424FEE000363) and similar bioenergy technology support contracts?
The current award of approximately $4.5 million is for a period of 370 days (approximately 13 months). To assess value, it's essential to compare this to the value of the preceding order, 89243424FEE000363, to understand if the scope or duration has changed significantly. If the previous order was substantially different in value or duration, it might indicate an expansion or reduction in requirements. Furthermore, benchmarking against other federal contracts for scientific, engineering, and technical support within the bioenergy R&D sector is vital. This comparison should consider the type of services rendered, the level of expertise required, and the contract duration. A higher or lower value compared to similar contracts could signal either exceptional value or potential overpricing, depending on the specifics of the services provided and the market rates.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables expected under this contract, and how will they be measured?
The contract specifies 'SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SETS FOR DOE EERES BIOENERGY TECHNOLOGY OFFICE BETO'. However, the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and detailed deliverables are not explicitly stated in the provided data. For a Time and Materials contract, clear definition of tasks, milestones, and expected outcomes is paramount for effective oversight and performance evaluation. The Department of Energy's Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be responsible for monitoring progress against these undefined metrics. Understanding the specific technical objectives, research outputs, reports, analyses, or prototypes expected, along with the criteria for their acceptance, is crucial for assessing the contractor's performance and the overall success of the contract in advancing bioenergy technology.
What is the potential risk associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this specific service, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type carries inherent risks, primarily the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. This can lead to unpredictable final costs, especially for services requiring extensive research or development where timelines can be fluid. Mitigation strategies typically involve establishing ceiling prices, requiring detailed timesheets and justifications for hours worked, and implementing robust oversight by the government COR to ensure efficiency and necessity of all labor and materials. Regular reviews of progress and expenditures are critical to identify and address any potential cost escalations early on.
How does this contract align with the Department of Energy's broader goals for bioenergy research and development, and what is the expected impact on energy innovation?
This contract directly supports the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) office, specifically the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). BETO's mission is to develop and deploy sustainable bioenergy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. The scientific, engineering, and technical support provided under this contract is intended to advance research in areas such as advanced biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and sustainable aviation fuels. The expected impact on energy innovation includes accelerating the development of next-generation bioenergy technologies, improving their cost-effectiveness and environmental performance, and ultimately contributing to the transition towards a cleaner energy economy. The success of this contract is thus tied to its contribution to BETO's strategic objectives and the broader national energy goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 920 NW BOND ST STE 204, BEND, OR, 97703
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,531,511
Exercised Options: $4,531,511
Current Obligation: $4,531,511
Actual Outlays: $2,829,984
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $3,897,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89243423AEE000008
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-25
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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