EPA Awards $50.9M to Amentum for Research Lab Support in North Carolina
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,942,186 ($50.9M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2015-04-01
End Date: 2021-05-20
Contract Duration: 2,241 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH LABORATORY SUPPORT FOR THE EPA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (ORD) AT RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK (RTP), NORTH CAROLINA IGF::CL::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $50.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: RESEARCH LABORATORY SUPPORT FOR THE EPA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (ORD) AT RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK (RTP), NORTH CAROLINA IGF::CL::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Amentum Technology, Inc. for EPA ORD research support. 2. The contract falls under NAICS code 541712 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this award. 4. The contract duration was 2241 days, ending May 20, 2021. 5. This award represents a significant investment in environmental research infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $50.9M over approximately 6 years suggests a moderate annual spend.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. However, the CPFF contract type may limit the incentive for the contractor to aggressively control costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical EPA research, but the CPFF structure warrants close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and value.
Public Impact
Supports vital environmental research for the EPA's Office of Research and Development. Contributes to scientific advancements in environmental protection and public health. The contract's location in North Carolina may stimulate local economic activity. Ensures continued operational capacity for EPA's research facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- No small business participation reported
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Supports critical government function
- Clear NAICS code for R&D services
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and addressing complex societal challenges like environmental protection.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is a large business, and there is no explicit information on subcontracting to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has established oversight mechanisms for its research and development activities. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent oversight to manage costs and ensure performance.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
- Lack of reported small business participation
- Long contract duration may indicate less agile service delivery
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, environmental-protection-agency, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $50.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. RESEARCH LABORATORY SUPPORT FOR THE EPA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (ORD) AT RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK (RTP), NORTH CAROLINA IGF::CL::IGF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $50.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-04-01. End: 2021-05-20.
What was the specific nature of the research laboratory support provided under this contract?
The contract focused on providing research laboratory support for the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) at their Research Triangle Park (RTP) facility. This likely encompassed a range of services including laboratory operations, maintenance, technical assistance, and potentially specialized research support to facilitate the EPA's scientific investigations and environmental policy development.
How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure competitive pricing given the CPFF structure?
While full and open competition is designed to foster competitive pricing, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure inherently shifts some cost risk to the government. The initial competition likely secured a reasonable fixed fee and contractor capability, but ongoing oversight is crucial to manage the 'cost' portion effectively and prevent unnecessary expenditures throughout the contract's life.
What is the long-term impact of this contract on the EPA's research capabilities and effectiveness?
This contract appears to have maintained essential research infrastructure and support services for the EPA's ORD over a significant period. By ensuring the operational readiness of laboratories and providing necessary technical support, it likely contributed to the continuity and effectiveness of the EPA's scientific research, informing environmental regulations and policy.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Natural Resources and Environment R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: SOL-CI-13-00050
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc (UEI: 074103508)
Address: 600 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $92,877,124
Exercised Options: $69,475,637
Current Obligation: $50,942,186
Actual Outlays: $223,481
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $355,604
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-04-01
Current End Date: 2021-05-20
Potential End Date: 2021-05-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-09-29
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