EPA Spends $17.6M on Environmental Consulting Services with Cadmus Group LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,573,411 ($17.6M)
Contractor: THE Cadmus Group LLC
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2008-10-01
End Date: 2014-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,007 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SUPPORT FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS AND INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY DESIGN, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PRODUCTS, AND DISSEMINATION OF GUIDANCE ON INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ISSUES
Place of Performance
Location: WATERTOWN, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02472
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $17.6 million to THE CADMUS GROUP LLC for work described as: SUPPORT FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS AND INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY DESIGN, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PRODUCTS, AND DISSEMINATION OF GUIDANCE ON INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ISSUES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to The Cadmus Group LLC for environmental consulting services. 2. Services include policy development, analysis, communications, and education on indoor environmental quality. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The total value of the contract is $17,573,410.83. 5. The contract duration spans from October 1, 2008, to March 31, 2014.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total value of $17.6M over approximately 5.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific unit costs or comparable contract data for similar environmental consulting services, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices, though the CPFF structure requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure services at reasonable costs. However, the CPFF payment structure necessitates robust oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Public health may be improved through better indoor environmental quality guidance. Environmental policy development can lead to more effective regulations. Educational materials and outreach can increase public awareness of environmental issues. The contract supports critical government functions related to environmental protection.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to control costs.
- Contract duration is relatively long, increasing the potential for scope creep or cost escalation.
- No specific performance metrics or outcomes are detailed in the provided data.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair process.
- Services provided are critical for public health and environmental policy.
- Contractor has experience in environmental consulting.
Sector Analysis
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) frequently contracts for environmental consulting services to support its mission. Spending benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on scope, duration, and complexity. This contract's value of $17.6M over 5.5 years falls within a typical range for comprehensive consulting projects.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee, The Cadmus Group LLC, is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) payment structure necessitates strong government oversight to monitor costs, ensure adherence to the contract scope, and verify the value received. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment difficult.
- Potential for contractor to maximize costs to increase the 'cost plus' portion.
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 $17.6 million to THE CADMUS GROUP LLC. SUPPORT FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS AND INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY DESIGN, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PRODUCTS, AND DISSEMINATION OF GUIDANCE ON INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ISSUES
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 $17.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-10-01. End: 2014-03-31.
What specific deliverables were expected under this contract, and how was their quality assessed?
The provided data outlines broad service categories like policy development and communications strategy but lacks specific deliverables. A thorough review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and performance reports would be necessary to assess deliverable quality and the effectiveness of the EPA's oversight in ensuring high-quality outputs aligned with the contract's objectives.
How did the final cost compare to the initial fixed fee, and were there significant cost adjustments?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the 'plus' portion covers allowable costs, while the 'fixed fee' is the contractor's profit. To assess cost-effectiveness, one would need to compare the total allowable costs incurred against the budgeted amount and analyze any deviations. Information on cost adjustments or overruns would reveal the efficiency of cost management and oversight.
What measurable impact did the consulting services have on indoor environmental quality issues or related policies?
Measuring the direct impact of consulting services on complex issues like indoor environmental quality is challenging. Success would likely be evaluated through the adoption of developed policies, the reach and effectiveness of educational materials, and potentially improvements in environmental quality metrics over time. Without specific performance metrics in the contract, assessing the ultimate effectiveness is difficult.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: PRNC0710551
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, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,049,441
Exercised Options: $21,049,183
Current Obligation: $17,573,411
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-10-01
Current End Date: 2014-03-31
Potential End Date: 2014-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-15
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