EPA awarded $42.3M for regulatory support, with Cadmus Group LLC managing complex environmental policy tasks

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,348,137 ($42.3M)

Contractor: THE Cadmus Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2008-02-01

End Date: 2015-08-31

Contract Duration: 2,768 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL, ANALYTICAL, LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, ENGINEERING AND STATISTICAL SUPPORT TO THE AGENCY'S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS, GUIDANCE AND POLICIES ACROSS THIS FULL RANGE OF SDWA IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES. THIS INCLUDES ACTIVITIES SUCH AS COLLECTING DATA, INFORMATION AND MATERIALS AND PROVIDING FACTUAL STUDIES, TREND ANALYSES AND RECOMMENDATIONS; CONDUCTING MODELING AND ASSESSMENTS TO SUPPORT RISK CHARACTERIZATION AND IMPACT ANALYSES DEVELOPMENT AND SURVEY SUPPORT AND FACILITATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUCH SUPPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPECIFIC WRITTEN WORK ASSIGNMENTS OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TASK ORDERS RELATED TO THE AGENCY'S DEVELOPMENT OF DRINKING WATER, GROUND WATER, AND UIC REGULATIONS, FUTURE REGULATORY AND PROGRAMMATIC DECISIONS, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS POLICIES AND PROGRAMS UNDER THE SDWA.

Place of Performance

Location: WATERTOWN, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02472

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $42.3 million to THE CADMUS GROUP LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL, ANALYTICAL, LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, ENGINEERING AND STATISTICAL SUPPORT TO THE AGENCY'S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS, GUIDANCE AND POLICIES ACROSS THIS FULL RANGE OF SDWA IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES. THIS INCLUDES ACTIVITIE… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on comprehensive technical, analytical, and logistical support for developing and implementing environmental regulations. 2. Services include data collection, trend analysis, risk characterization, and impact assessments for drinking water and groundwater policies. 3. The contract spans a significant period, indicating a long-term need for specialized consulting services. 4. Cadmus Group LLC, the contractor, has a history of providing similar support to federal agencies. 5. The contract's broad scope suggests a critical role in the agency's regulatory framework. 6. Performance is measured through specific work assignments and requests for proposals, ensuring task-specific accountability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $42.3 million over its duration appears reasonable for the extensive scope of services provided, which includes complex regulatory development and implementation support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale consulting contracts for federal environmental agencies suggests this level of investment is within expected parameters for comprehensive policy and technical assistance. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control, though detailed analysis of individual task orders would be needed for a precise value-for-money assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives the best value. The presence of multiple bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation is a strong indicator of a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure services at the most advantageous price, preventing potential overspending and ensuring efficient allocation of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the public, through the development and implementation of regulations aimed at protecting drinking water and groundwater quality. Services delivered include critical analysis, policy development, and technical support for the Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory agenda. The geographic impact is national, as EPA regulations affect all states and territories. The contract supports a workforce of technical experts, analysts, and consultants contributing to environmental policy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term contracts if not managed tightly through specific work assignments.
Reliance on a single contractor for a broad range of critical regulatory support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if initial estimates are inaccurate or if significant unforeseen work arises.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
The contractor, Cadmus Group LLC, has extensive experience in providing similar services, indicating a lower risk of performance issues.
The contract structure with defined work assignments allows for clear performance monitoring and accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management and general management consulting. This sector is crucial for government agencies requiring specialized expertise to develop and implement complex policies and regulations. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering a wide array of capabilities. The EPA's spending in this area is significant, reflecting the agency's broad mandate and the technical depth required for environmental protection.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large contract awarded under full and open competition, it is unlikely that small businesses would be primary awardees unless they were part of a joint venture or subcontracting team. The primary focus is on securing specialized expertise, and the scale of the contract suggests it is aimed at larger, established firms. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed through the EPA's contracting officers and program managers, with performance evaluated against specific work assignments and task orders. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates detailed financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific details of task order performance may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Implementation
Environmental Regulatory Development
Groundwater Protection Programs
Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis
Environmental Policy Consulting
Risk Assessment and Management

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or performance issues over time.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
Broad scope necessitates clear definition of work assignments to ensure accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $42.3 million to THE CADMUS GROUP LLC. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL, ANALYTICAL, LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, ENGINEERING AND STATISTICAL SUPPORT TO THE AGENCY'S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS, GUIDANCE AND POLICIES ACROSS THIS FULL RANGE OF SDWA IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES. THIS INCLUDES ACTIVITIES SUCH AS COLLECTING DATA, INFORMATION AND MATERIALS AND PROVIDING FACTUAL STUDIES, TREND ANALYSES AND RECOMMENDATIONS; CONDUCTING MODELING AND ASSESSMENTS TO SUPPORT RISK CHARACTERIZATION AND IMPACT ANALYSES DEVELOPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CADMUS GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $42.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-02-01. End: 2015-08-31.

What is the historical spending trend for similar regulatory support contracts at the EPA?

Historical spending on regulatory support contracts at the EPA has varied significantly based on legislative priorities, new regulatory initiatives, and the complexity of the issues addressed. Contracts similar to this one, focusing on the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and broader environmental policy development, have historically ranged from several million to tens of millions of dollars annually. Factors influencing spending include the number of new regulations being developed, the need for scientific and technical analysis, public comment periods, and litigation support. The EPA often utilizes indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and task orders to manage these needs flexibly over time. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards for the Office of Water and other relevant program offices would provide a clearer picture of spending patterns and the typical duration and value of such support services.

How does the contractor's past performance on similar contracts compare to the requirements of this award?

The Cadmus Group LLC has a documented history of providing technical, analytical, and management support services to various federal agencies, including the EPA. Their experience often involves regulatory analysis, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and data management, aligning well with the scope of this contract. Past performance evaluations, typically available through federal procurement databases or agency records, would detail their success in meeting deadlines, managing costs, and delivering quality work on previous engagements. A review of these evaluations would indicate their track record in areas such as developing regulations, conducting impact assessments, and providing logistical support for complex environmental programs. Generally, contractors with a strong performance history on similar, large-scale contracts are favored in full and open competitions.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract would likely be tied to the specific work assignments and task orders issued under the agreement. These would typically include metrics related to the timeliness of deliverables (e.g., reports, analyses, guidance documents), the quality and accuracy of the technical and analytical work produced, adherence to budget constraints for each task order, and the effectiveness of contractor support in advancing the agency's regulatory goals. For instance, KPIs might measure the completeness of data collected, the rigor of trend analyses, the clarity and usability of policy recommendations, and the successful facilitation of stakeholder meetings. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure also implies KPIs related to cost control and efficient resource utilization. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms would be in place to monitor these KPIs.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the development of future environmental regulations?

This contract plays a crucial role in shaping the development of future environmental regulations, particularly concerning drinking water and groundwater. The contractor provides essential technical, analytical, and statistical support, including data collection, trend analysis, risk characterization, and impact assessments. This foundational work directly informs the EPA's understanding of environmental issues, the feasibility of regulatory approaches, and the potential consequences of policy decisions. By supporting the creation of regulations, guidance, and policies, the contractor's efforts contribute to the robustness, scientific validity, and legal defensibility of future environmental standards. The quality of the analysis and recommendations provided can significantly influence the direction and stringency of regulations designed to protect public health and the environment.

Are there any specific risks associated with the long duration and broad scope of this contract?

Yes, there are potential risks associated with a contract of this duration (over 7 years) and broad scope. One primary risk is scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the original intent without adequate adjustments to cost and schedule, especially if work assignments are not tightly defined. Another risk is contractor performance degradation over time, or the contractor becoming entrenched, potentially reducing innovation or responsiveness. Furthermore, changes in administration, scientific understanding, or legislative mandates during the contract period could necessitate significant adjustments, posing a challenge for both the agency and the contractor. Ensuring continuous alignment with evolving agency priorities and maintaining competitive tension through well-defined task orders are critical mitigation strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: PRCI0710359

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 57 WATER ST, WATERTOWN, MA, 02472

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $126,407,441

Exercised Options: $55,961,848

Current Obligation: $42,348,137

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline