DOE awards $8.29M for Solar Energy Tech Support, extending services for another year
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,287,744 ($8.3M)
Contractor: Energy Technology Alliance LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-04-30
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.7K/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 EERE'S SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE (SETO) - FOLLOW-ON TO ORDER 89243424FEE000371
Place of Performance
Location: GOLDEN, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80401
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $8.3 million to ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC for work described as: SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT (SETS) FOR DOE EERE'S SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE (SETO) - FOLLOW-ON TO ORDER 89243424FEE000371 Key points: 1. Contract provides essential scientific and technical support for the Solar Energy Technologies Office. 2. The award represents a continuation of services, suggesting satisfactory performance in the prior period. 3. The Time and Materials contract type may pose cost control challenges if not closely managed. 4. The relatively short duration of one year warrants monitoring for potential future extensions or re-competition. 5. This contract supports a critical area of renewable energy research and development for the nation. 6. The value is moderate, indicating a focused scope of work rather than a large-scale program.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $8.29 million for a one-year period appears reasonable for specialized scientific and technical support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for R&D support within the Department of Energy or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the follow-on nature suggests that the pricing was deemed acceptable in a previous evaluation. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the work performed and do not escalate beyond expectations.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition was sought. This approach helps ensure the government receives the best value by leveraging the expertise of various potential contractors.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures that government funds are used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective provider.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), which receives critical support for its research and development initiatives. The services delivered include scientific, engineering, and technical expertise crucial for advancing solar energy technologies. The geographic impact is national, as advancements in solar energy benefit the entire country through cleaner energy production and potential economic growth. Workforce implications include the employment of specialized scientific and technical personnel required to fulfill the contract's objectives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed with strict oversight, as it directly reimburses labor hours and material costs.
- The one-year duration, while allowing for flexibility, may indicate a need for frequent re-evaluation or re-competition, potentially leading to administrative overhead.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or KPIs in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's efficiency and effectiveness beyond the general 'follow-on' indication.
Positive Signals
- The contract is a follow-on to a previous order, suggesting the contractor has a proven track record and satisfactory performance history with the agency.
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that likely resulted in a fair price and selection of a qualified vendor.
- The contract supports a strategic government objective in advancing renewable energy technologies, aligning with national energy goals.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Support (SETS) sector, specifically supporting the Department of Energy's efforts in renewable energy research and development. The Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) plays a vital role in accelerating the development and deployment of solar technologies. This contract's value of approximately $8.29 million for one year is modest within the broader federal R&D spending landscape but significant for the specific support functions required by SETO. Comparable spending might be found in contracts supporting other DOE technology offices or similar R&D initiatives within agencies like the National Science Foundation or the Department of Defense's research arms.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC, is likely a larger entity capable of performing the specialized services required. Opportunities for small businesses would typically arise through subcontracting if the prime contractor chooses to engage them, but this is not mandated by the contract's structure.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Solar Energy Technologies Office. As a Time and Materials contract, rigorous monitoring of labor hours, costs, and deliverables is essential to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns. Transparency is facilitated by the contract being publicly awarded under full and open competition. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, the DOE IG typically has oversight over agency spending and contract performance, including potential investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- DOE EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office Funding
- Federal Renewable Energy Research and Development Programs
- Scientific and Technical Support Services Contracts
- Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Need for robust oversight to manage labor hours and material costs.
- Uncertainty regarding long-term continuity if not re-competed or extended.
- Reliance on contractor's internal quality control for specialized technical services.
Tags
doe, eere, solar-energy, scientific-support, technical-support, research-and-development, energy-technology-alliance-llc, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, follow-on-contract, department-of-energy, colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $8.3 million to ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC. SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT (SETS) FOR DOE EERE'S SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE (SETO) - FOLLOW-ON TO ORDER 89243424FEE000371
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 $8.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-30. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the track record of ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC with the Department of Energy, particularly in supporting R&D initiatives?
The provided data indicates this contract is a 'follow-on' to a previous order (Order 89243424FEE000371), which strongly suggests ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE LLC has a prior performance history with the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). Follow-on contracts typically signify that the agency was satisfied with the contractor's previous performance, quality of work, and adherence to terms and conditions. While specific details of past performance are not included, the continuation of services implies a level of trust and demonstrated capability. Further investigation into the prior order's value, duration, and any performance reviews would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the contractor's track record.
How does the $8.29 million contract value compare to similar scientific and technical support contracts within the DOE or other federal agencies?
The $8.29 million contract value for one year of scientific, engineering, and technical support is considered moderate within the federal contracting landscape. For specialized R&D support, this amount is reasonable, especially for a focused office like SETO. Comparable contracts within the Department of Energy might support other technology offices (e.g., Advanced Manufacturing Office, Grid Modernization Initiative) or national laboratories for similar durations and scopes. Agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the Department of Energy's Office of Science also procure technical support services, with values varying widely based on the complexity and scale of the research supported. Without specific details on the deliverables, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the value aligns with targeted support rather than broad program management.
What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this SETO support services contract?
The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract type is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used, plus a fixed fee or labor rate. If not managed with stringent oversight, contractors may incur higher labor costs or use more materials than anticipated, leading to the total contract cost exceeding initial estimates. For this $8.29 million contract supporting SETO, risks include inefficient labor utilization, scope creep where tasks expand without formal modification, or unexpected increases in material costs. Effective risk mitigation requires diligent monitoring of timesheets, detailed cost tracking, and proactive communication between the government and the contractor.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific solar energy technology support contract?
The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that incentivizes contractors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. For this $8.29 million contract supporting the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), this approach likely led to a competitive selection process, driving down costs and ensuring the selection of a highly qualified contractor. While the specific number of bidders isn't provided, the designation implies a robust competition occurred. The value derived from this competition is maximized when the evaluation criteria are clearly defined and weighted appropriately to balance cost and technical merit, ensuring the government secures the best overall solution.
What are the potential implications of the one-year contract duration (ending April 30, 2026) for the continuity and long-term development of SETO's technical support?
The one-year duration of this contract, ending April 30, 2026, presents both opportunities and potential challenges for the continuity and long-term development of SETO's technical support. On the positive side, a shorter duration allows the agency to periodically reassess its needs and the contractor's performance, providing flexibility to adapt to evolving research priorities or to re-compete if better value can be obtained. However, it can also create uncertainty for the contractor regarding future work, potentially impacting long-term strategic planning and investment in specialized personnel or resources. Frequent re-competitions can also incur administrative costs and transition risks. For critical R&D support, a longer-term, stable relationship might foster deeper institutional knowledge, but the one-year term allows for agility in a rapidly advancing field like solar energy.
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: $20,779,062
Exercised Options: $10,188,764
Current Obligation: $8,287,744
Actual Outlays: $5,384,544
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $6,692,569
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89243423AEE000008
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-30
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-12
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