EPA's $18.8M Remediation Services Contract Awarded to EA Engineering for Texas Environmental Cleanup

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,821,904 ($18.8M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2008-09-29

End Date: 2011-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,035 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.2K/day

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LEWISVILLE, DENTON County, TEXAS, 75067, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $18.8 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for environmental remediation services, indicating a focus on addressing hazardous sites. 2. The contract duration of 1035 days suggests a significant, multi-year effort for environmental restoration. 3. Awarded to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, a company with experience in environmental services. 4. The contract's value of approximately $18.8 million highlights the substantial investment in environmental protection. 5. Texas is the primary geographic focus, suggesting localized environmental challenges requiring specialized attention. 6. The 'Remediation Services' NAICS code points to activities like hazardous waste site cleanup and site restoration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.8 million for remediation services appears reasonable given the scope of environmental cleanup. Benchmarking against similar large-scale remediation contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The award to a single entity suggests a potentially streamlined approach to project management for this specific environmental challenge.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition level for this contract is not specified in the provided data. Understanding whether this was a full and open competition, a limited solicitation, or a sole-source award is crucial for assessing price discovery and potential cost efficiencies. A competitive process typically leads to better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition directly impacts taxpayer value. More bidders generally result in lower prices due to market forces. If this was not competitively bid, taxpayers may have paid a premium.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities in Texas impacted by environmental contamination, receiving services to clean up hazardous sites. Services delivered include environmental remediation, likely involving the assessment, containment, and cleanup of pollutants. The geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, addressing specific environmental concerns within the state. Workforce implications may include the creation of jobs for environmental scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information could mask potential overspending.
The 'TIME AND MATERIALS' contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specific nature of 'Remediation Services' can involve unforeseen complexities and costs.

Positive Signals

Award to a specialized firm like EA Engineering suggests expertise in handling complex environmental issues.
The substantial funding indicates a commitment to addressing significant environmental problems.
The contract's duration suggests a thorough and comprehensive approach to remediation.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation sector is a critical component of the broader environmental services industry, focusing on cleaning up contaminated sites. This contract fits within the government's ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate environmental hazards. Spending in this sector is often driven by regulatory requirements and the need to address legacy pollution from industrial activities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracting officers and program managers. Inspector General reviews may also be applicable depending on the nature and scale of the work. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting on contract performance and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Brownfields Program
RCRA Corrective Actions
Environmental Consulting Services
Hazardous Waste Management

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to TIME AND MATERIALS contract type.
Unforeseen site conditions could increase project scope and cost.
Lack of detailed competition information may obscure value for money.
Environmental risks associated with cleanup operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $18.8 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-29. End: 2011-07-31.

What is the track record of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC with federal remediation contracts?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC has a history of performing environmental services for federal agencies. While specific details on past remediation contracts are not provided here, their designation as a prime contractor for this EPA award suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous federal projects, would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness in delivering similar services.

How does the $18.8 million contract value compare to similar environmental remediation projects awarded by the EPA or other agencies?

Without specific comparable contract data, it is challenging to definitively benchmark the $18.8 million value. However, environmental remediation projects can vary significantly in cost based on the scale of contamination, complexity of the site, and required cleanup technologies. Large-scale Superfund site cleanups or extensive industrial site remediation can easily run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. This contract's value appears to be within a moderate range for significant remediation efforts, but a direct comparison with contracts for similar types and sizes of environmental issues would be necessary for a precise assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of environmental remediation contract?

Key risks include unforeseen site conditions (e.g., discovering more contamination than initially assessed), changes in regulatory requirements during the contract period, potential for environmental accidents or spills during cleanup operations, and contractor performance issues. The 'TIME AND MATERIALS' contract type also carries a risk of cost escalation if not managed diligently. Furthermore, public health and environmental impacts from delays or inadequate cleanup are significant risks that require robust oversight.

How effective is the EPA in overseeing environmental remediation contracts to ensure taxpayer value?

The EPA generally has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including contracting officer representatives (CORs) responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on resource allocation, staff expertise, and the complexity of the project. Inspector General reports and program audits provide insights into areas where oversight may need strengthening. For this specific contract, the effectiveness of oversight would depend on the diligence applied to monitoring progress, costs, and adherence to environmental standards.

What has been the historical spending trend for environmental remediation services by the EPA?

Historical spending on environmental remediation by the EPA has been substantial, driven by programs like Superfund and RCRA. Annual outlays fluctuate based on the number and scale of active cleanup projects, legislative appropriations, and national environmental priorities. While specific year-over-year data for remediation services isn't provided, the EPA consistently allocates significant resources to address environmental contamination across the country, reflecting an ongoing commitment to environmental protection.

What is the significance of the 'Remediation Services' NAICS code (562910) in the context of federal spending?

The NAICS code 562910, 'Remediation and Waste Management Services,' signifies federal spending directed towards cleaning up contaminated sites and managing hazardous waste. This includes activities such as site assessment, soil and groundwater remediation, hazardous waste treatment, and disposal. Federal agencies, particularly the EPA, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy, utilize this code extensively for contracts aimed at addressing environmental liabilities and ensuring compliance with environmental laws, making it a key indicator of investment in environmental restoration and protection.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

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

Contractor Details

Address: 11019 MCCORMICK ROAD, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,883,967

Exercised Options: $18,883,967

Current Obligation: $18,821,904

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EPW06004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline