EPA awards $12.6M contract for transportation emission reduction program support to Eastern Research Group Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,637,104 ($12.6M)

Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2017-02-23

End Date: 2023-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,196 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROGRAM SUPPORT, ANALYSIS, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EMISSION REDUCTION AND FUEL SAVINGS PROGRAMS IGF::CL::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $12.6 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: PROGRAM SUPPORT, ANALYSIS, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EMISSION REDUCTION AND FUEL SAVINGS PROGRAMS IGF::CL::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration is substantial (2196 days), indicating a long-term need for these services. 3. Focus on transportation emission reduction and fuel savings aligns with environmental protection goals. 4. The awarding agency and servicing agency are both the Environmental Protection Agency. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.6M over approximately 6 years results in an average annual value of about $2.1M. This seems reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services, but a direct comparison to similar contracts is needed for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest possible range of bidders and promotes price discovery. This method is generally expected to yield competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is the $12.6M awarded for services aimed at reducing emissions and fuel consumption, which could lead to long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Public Impact

Supports federal efforts to combat climate change through transportation sector improvements. Aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency, benefiting public health. The program's success could lead to cost savings for consumers through reduced fuel consumption. Enhances the EPA's capacity to manage and advance critical environmental programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541620). Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory requirements and public demand for environmental protection and sustainability initiatives. Benchmarks for similar long-term, comprehensive program support contracts would be valuable.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss=false, sb=false). This suggests the prime contractor is not a small business, and there's no indication of subcontracting to small businesses for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency, which has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and within scope.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

environmental-consulting-services, environmental-protection-agency, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $12.6 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. PROGRAM SUPPORT, ANALYSIS, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EMISSION REDUCTION AND FUEL SAVINGS PROGRAMS IGF::CL::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EASTERN RESEARCH 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 $12.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-02-23. End: 2023-02-28.

What specific deliverables and performance metrics are included in this contract to ensure the advancement of transportation emission reduction and fuel savings programs?

The contract details should outline specific deliverables such as research reports, policy recommendations, program evaluations, and stakeholder engagement activities. Performance metrics would likely focus on the measurable impact of these activities on emission reduction targets, fuel savings achieved, and overall program effectiveness. Robust tracking of these metrics is crucial for assessing value.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate the risk of cost overruns, given the long duration and complexity of environmental consulting services?

The 'Fixed Fee' portion provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, but the 'Cost Plus' aspect allows for reimbursement of actual costs incurred. Effective mitigation relies on stringent oversight, detailed cost accounting, and clear definition of allowable costs. Regular audits and performance reviews are essential to prevent scope creep and unnecessary expenses.

What is the anticipated long-term impact of this contract on achieving national transportation emission reduction goals?

This contract is expected to provide critical analysis and support for EPA's transportation emission reduction programs. Its success hinges on the quality of research, the effectiveness of implemented strategies, and the ability to adapt to evolving environmental regulations and technologies. Positive outcomes could include measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesManagement, Scientific, and Technical Consulting ServicesEnvironmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&DSPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: SOL-CI-16-00058

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 110 HARTWELL AVE STE 1, LEXINGTON, MA, 02421

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,308,883

Exercised Options: $30,474,960

Current Obligation: $12,637,104

Actual Outlays: $2,999,939

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $895,103

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-02-23

Current End Date: 2023-02-28

Potential End Date: 2023-02-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-03-23

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