EPA Spends $12.9M on Wastewater and Drinking Water Program Support via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,946,102 ($12.9M)

Contractor: THE Northbridge Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2015-12-01

End Date: 2022-11-30

Contract Duration: 2,556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AND DRINKING WATER PROGRAMS

Place of Performance

Location: WESTFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01886

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $12.9 million to THE NORTHBRIDGE GROUP, INC. for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AND DRINKING WATER PROGRAMS Key points: 1. The contract awarded to The Northbridge Group, Inc. focuses on administrative and management consulting for municipal water programs. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The duration of the contract is 2556 days, spanning over 7 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while allowing flexibility, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative management consulting is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement utilized full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate effort to solicit a broad range of qualified bidders. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.

Public Impact

Supports critical municipal infrastructure programs, impacting public health and environmental quality. Long contract duration suggests sustained need for expert guidance in water program implementation. Potential for cost efficiencies through competitive bidding process. Transparency in spending on environmental protection initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Long contract duration increases exposure to potential scope creep or changing needs.
Exclusion of sources in competition, though justified, warrants scrutiny.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Contract supports essential environmental and public health programs.
Clear administrative and management focus.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. Spending benchmarks for this category vary widely based on the specific services and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The Northbridge Group, Inc. is not identified as a small business in this context, suggesting larger firms may dominate this service area.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's long duration and cost-plus nature necessitate robust oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and performance standards.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration (over 7 years).
Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Lack of specific small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $12.9 million to THE NORTHBRIDGE GROUP, INC.. IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AND DRINKING WATER PROGRAMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE NORTHBRIDGE GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-12-01. End: 2022-11-30.

What specific deliverables and performance metrics are associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract to ensure value for money?

The contract details should outline specific deliverables such as reports, analyses, and implementation plans for wastewater and drinking water programs. Performance metrics would likely focus on the timeliness and quality of these deliverables, as well as the successful support provided to EPA's program implementation efforts. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure the fixed fee adequately compensates for the defined scope and that costs remain within reasonable bounds.

How does the 'exclusion of sources' in the full and open competition process impact the potential for cost savings?

While 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' still aims for broad participation, the exclusion of specific sources might limit the competitive landscape. If the excluded sources were significant potential competitors, this could potentially reduce downward pressure on pricing. The justification for exclusion is critical to understanding if it was necessary for specialized capabilities or if it inadvertently narrowed competition.

What is the EPA's strategy for managing the long-term risks associated with a 7-year Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for program implementation support?

The EPA likely employs a multi-faceted strategy including rigorous contract management, regular performance reviews, and detailed cost tracking. They may also utilize contract modifications to adjust scope or fee based on evolving program needs or performance. Proactive risk mitigation, clear communication channels with the contractor, and independent cost analysis are essential to manage potential cost overruns and ensure the contract remains effective over its extended duration.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: SOL-CI-15-00023

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 319 LITTLETON RD STE 208, WESTFORD, MA, 01886

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,807,284

Exercised Options: $16,644,207

Current Obligation: $12,946,102

Actual Outlays: $1,271,129

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline