EPA's $10.9M contract for chemicals, coatings, and commerce support awarded to Eastern Research Group Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,911,590 ($10.9M)

Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2007-02-28

End Date: 2012-02-29

Contract Duration: 1,827 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPPORT FOR THE CHEMICALS, COATINGS, AND COMMERCE SECTORS

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $10.9 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: SUPPORT FOR THE CHEMICALS, COATINGS, AND COMMERCE SECTORS Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support services for the EPA's chemicals, coatings, and commerce sectors. 2. Eastern Research Group Inc. has secured this significant award, indicating a strong performance history or competitive advantage. 3. The contract duration of 1827 days suggests a long-term need for these specialized consulting services. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, this contract likely benefited from a competitive bidding process. 5. The cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing structure necessitates careful monitoring to ensure cost control and value. 6. This award represents a substantial investment in environmental consulting services by the EPA.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.9 million over approximately five years for environmental consulting services appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar large-scale EPA support contracts. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the fixed-fee component suggests a degree of cost predictability for the agency. The duration of the contract implies a sustained need for these services, which, if executed effectively, can represent good value by ensuring continuity and specialized expertise.

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 two bids, as indicated by the 'no' field, suggests a moderately competitive environment for this specific award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at the most advantageous price point, preventing potential overspending that could occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical support for its operations. Services delivered likely include research, analysis, and advisory functions related to chemicals, coatings, and commerce regulations. The geographic impact is national, supporting the EPA's nationwide environmental protection mandate. Workforce implications include the employment of consultants and subject matter experts by Eastern Research Group Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage potential cost overruns and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate.
The long duration of the contract necessitates ongoing performance monitoring to ensure continued alignment with EPA objectives.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair selection process.
The contract's focus on specialized environmental consulting indicates a strategic investment in critical agency functions.
Eastern Research Group Inc.'s tenure on this contract suggests a level of established expertise and reliability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a critical component of the broader professional services industry supporting government agencies. The market for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and scientific research. This award to Eastern Research Group Inc. positions them as a key provider for the EPA in this specialized niche, contributing to the agency's ability to manage complex environmental challenges.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this specific contract may be limited unless subcontracting opportunities arise organically.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Environmental Protection Agency. Accountability measures are inherent in the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Consulting Services
EPA Support Contracts
Chemicals and Materials Regulation
Commerce and Trade Environmental Impact

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require robust oversight.
Long contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $10.9 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. SUPPORT FOR THE CHEMICALS, COATINGS, AND COMMERCE SECTORS

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 $10.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-02-28. End: 2012-02-29.

What specific types of environmental consulting services are covered under this contract?

While the data indicates support for 'Chemicals, Coatings, and Commerce Sectors,' the precise nature of the consulting services is not detailed. Typically, such contracts encompass a range of activities including regulatory analysis, policy development support, scientific research and data analysis, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and technical assistance related to EPA's programs. This could involve evaluating the environmental impact of specific chemicals, advising on coating technologies, and assessing the environmental implications of commerce-related activities and regulations.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure influence contractor performance and agency oversight?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or is expected to evolve. For the contractor, it incentivizes cost control as the fee is fixed, but it also requires robust accounting and reporting. For the agency (EPA), it necessitates diligent oversight to ensure that all claimed costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, and that the fixed fee remains fair for the work performed. The EPA must actively monitor expenditures and contractor performance against contract requirements.

What is the significance of the contract's duration (1827 days)?

A duration of 1827 days, approximately five years, signifies a long-term commitment by the EPA to the services provided by Eastern Research Group Inc. This extended period suggests that the agency requires sustained expertise and support for ongoing programs or initiatives related to chemicals, coatings, and commerce. Such long-term contracts can offer stability for the contractor and ensure continuity of services for the agency, potentially leading to deeper institutional knowledge and more efficient service delivery over time compared to shorter, ad-hoc contracts.

What does the 'NAICS code 541620' indicate about the contract's scope?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541620 specifically designates 'Environmental Consulting Services.' This classification confirms that the primary purpose of this contract is to procure expert advice and services related to environmental issues. This includes a broad spectrum of activities such as environmental impact assessments, compliance planning, pollution control strategies, waste management consulting, and remediation planning, aligning with the EPA's core mission.

How does the fact that this was a 'definitive contract' impact its nature?

A 'definitive contract' is a standard contract that specifies all terms and conditions, including price, quantity, and delivery schedule, and is not subject to further negotiation or modification beyond formal amendments. In contrast to indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, a definitive contract like this one for EPA support provides a clear and fixed agreement from the outset. This implies that the scope, cost, and timeline were well-defined at the time of award, offering predictability for both the agency and the contractor.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: PRNC0610284

Offers Received: 2

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, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,959,617

Exercised Options: $13,038,596

Current Obligation: $10,911,590

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline