EPA's $27M technology transfer contract with Tetra Tech Inc. awarded in 2007 for environmental consulting services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,974,195 ($27.0M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2007-12-12

End Date: 2014-09-26

Contract Duration: 2,480 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER & TRAINING

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $27.0 million to TETRA TECH INC for work described as: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER & TRAINING Key points: 1. Contract awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 2480 days (approximately 6.8 years) indicates a long-term engagement. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541620 points to specialized environmental consulting services. 5. The contract was awarded to TETRA TECH INC, a significant player in the environmental services sector. 6. The contract was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a key federal agency focused on environmental protection.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The CPFF structure means costs could fluctuate, and the fixed fee provides a baseline profit. However, the total award amount of approximately $27 million over nearly seven years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without knowing the specific deliverables and their market value, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. Further analysis would require comparing the services rendered against industry standards and the outcomes achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a reasonably competitive environment, which typically helps in achieving fair market prices. The agency likely evaluated proposals based on a combination of technical merit and cost. The level of competition is a positive indicator for price discovery and potentially securing a good value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and prevent price gouging.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its various programs requiring technology transfer and training. The services delivered involve environmental consulting, likely encompassing research, analysis, and dissemination of technological advancements. The geographic impact is likely national, given the EPA's mandate, though specific projects might have regional focuses. Workforce implications could include the engagement of specialized environmental scientists, engineers, and technical trainers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with project objectives.
Long contract durations can sometimes lead to scope creep or a decrease in urgency if not managed effectively.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant period might limit exposure to newer technologies or approaches from other firms.

Positive Signals

Awarding through full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The long duration indicates a sustained need for these services, suggesting the contractor is meeting agency requirements.
The contractor, TETRA TECH INC, is a well-established firm in the environmental sector, implying experience and capability.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting services sector is a significant part of the professional services industry, supporting government agencies and private companies in navigating environmental regulations, implementing sustainable practices, and managing environmental risks. This contract fits within the broader category of professional, scientific, and technical services. Spending in this sector is often driven by regulatory requirements and the increasing focus on environmental stewardship. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the EPA's overall budget for consulting services and similar contracts awarded to other firms in this space.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication from the provided data that this contract included a small business set-aside. The contract was awarded to TETRA TECH INC, a large corporation. This suggests that small businesses were likely not the primary focus for direct award, although they could potentially participate as subcontractors if Tetra Tech engaged them. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, the EPA would need to monitor incurred costs closely to ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of specific performance objectives and milestones outlined in the contract. Transparency would be enhanced through contract reporting requirements and potentially public contract databases, though detailed project outcomes might be internal.

Related Government Programs

EPA Environmental Consulting Services
Technology Transfer Programs
Environmental Research and Development
Federal Environmental Consulting Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Potential for scope creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $27.0 million to TETRA TECH INC. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER & TRAINING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-12. End: 2014-09-26.

What specific technology transfer and training activities were undertaken under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific technology transfer and training activities. However, based on the NAICS code (541620 - Environmental Consulting Services) and the awarding agency (EPA), these activities likely involved assisting the EPA in disseminating new environmental technologies, research findings, and best practices to relevant stakeholders, including industry, other government agencies, and the public. This could encompass developing training materials, conducting workshops, creating informational resources, and facilitating the adoption of innovative environmental solutions. The 'Technology Transfer & Training' designation suggests a focus on bridging the gap between research and practical application in environmental protection.

How does the $27 million award compare to other EPA environmental consulting contracts of similar duration?

Comparing this $27 million award over approximately 6.8 years (2480 days) requires access to a broader dataset of EPA contracts. However, on an annualized basis, this contract represents roughly $3.97 million per year. This figure can be benchmarked against other EPA contracts for environmental consulting services awarded during the same period (late 2000s to mid-2010s). Contracts of similar scope and duration could range from a few million to tens of millions annually, depending on the complexity of services, the number of bidders, and the specific environmental challenges addressed. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this award was high or low, but it appears to be a substantial, long-term engagement.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this contract. Typically, for environmental consulting and technology transfer contracts, KPIs might include the number of technologies successfully transferred, the reach of training programs (e.g., number of participants, geographic spread), the adoption rate of new technologies by target audiences, the effectiveness of disseminated information (e.g., measured by subsequent actions or outcomes), and client satisfaction. The EPA would have established these metrics in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) to evaluate Tetra Tech's performance and ensure the contract's objectives were met.

What is Tetra Tech Inc.'s track record with the EPA and other federal agencies for similar services?

Tetra Tech Inc. is a large, established government contractor with a significant history of working with the EPA and other federal agencies on environmental consulting, engineering, and technical services. They frequently win contracts related to environmental remediation, water resources management, climate change adaptation, and technology transfer. Their track record generally indicates substantial experience and capability in delivering complex environmental solutions. A deeper dive into contract databases would reveal the volume and types of contracts they hold, their performance ratings on past projects, and any significant issues or accolades received.

What risks were identified during the procurement or execution of this contract?

Specific risks for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, general risks associated with large, long-term CPFF contracts include cost overruns if not managed tightly, potential for scope creep, contractor performance issues, and challenges in adapting to evolving technological landscapes or regulatory requirements over the contract's lifespan. Given the 'full and open competition,' risks related to insufficient competition or lack of qualified bidders were likely mitigated during procurement. The EPA's oversight mechanisms would be crucial in managing execution risks.

How has EPA spending on technology transfer and environmental consulting evolved since this contract was awarded?

EPA spending on technology transfer and environmental consulting has likely evolved significantly since this contract's award in 2007. Factors such as shifting environmental priorities (e.g., increased focus on climate change, emerging contaminants), new legislative mandates, budget fluctuations, and technological advancements would influence spending patterns. While this specific contract represents a portion of EPA's spending during its term, overall agency budgets and strategic goals would dictate broader trends. It's probable that spending has increased in areas related to climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and data analytics, potentially shifting the nature of consulting services required.

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) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: PRHQ0710300

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc. (UEI: 045224250)

Address: 1881 CAMPUS COMMONS DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,949,109

Exercised Options: $37,215,490

Current Obligation: $26,974,195

Timeline