DoD awards $19M remediation contract to EA Engineering for Joint Base Cape Cod environmental cleanup

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,057,037 ($19.1M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-17

End Date: 2034-09-16

Contract Duration: 3,651 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JOINT BASE CAPE COD (JBCC) OPTIMIZED REMEDIATION CONTRACT (ORC)

Place of Performance

Location: BUZZARDS BAY, BARNSTABLE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02542

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.1 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: JOINT BASE CAPE COD (JBCC) OPTIMIZED REMEDIATION CONTRACT (ORC) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on long-term environmental remediation at a critical military installation. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 3. Competition was conducted after exclusion of sources, requiring justification. 4. Performance period spans 10 years, indicating a significant, ongoing need. 5. The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting a clear scope of work. 6. Small business participation is not explicitly mandated, but subcontracting is possible.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm-fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the Department of Defense. While specific cost benchmarks are not provided, the 10-year duration suggests a substantial, long-term environmental challenge. Comparing this to similar large-scale environmental remediation contracts would offer further insight into its value proposition. The award to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, indicates a selection based on their technical capabilities and proposed approach to a complex environmental problem.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded using 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This procurement method implies that while the opportunity was initially broadly advertised, specific sources were later excluded, and the competition proceeded among the remaining qualified entities. The rationale for excluding sources would need to be reviewed to fully understand the competitive landscape and its potential impact on pricing. The limited nature of the competition may reduce the number of potential bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources could potentially limit the number of competitive bids, which might affect the government's ability to secure the lowest possible price. However, if the exclusion was based on highly specialized capabilities, it could ensure the selection of the most qualified contractor for a critical task.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the environmental health of Joint Base Cape Cod. Services delivered include ongoing environmental remediation activities to address contamination. The geographic impact is localized to Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Workforce implications include potential job creation for environmental scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'after exclusion of sources' competition method warrants scrutiny to ensure fair opportunity and optimal pricing.
Long-term contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Environmental remediation projects are inherently complex and can face unforeseen challenges.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The 10-year duration indicates a commitment to resolving long-term environmental issues.
Awarding to a specialized firm suggests a focus on technical expertise for a critical mission.

Sector Analysis

Environmental remediation services represent a significant sector within government contracting, driven by regulatory requirements and the need to manage legacy contamination at federal facilities. The market includes specialized firms capable of handling complex environmental challenges. This contract fits within the broader category of environmental services, which can encompass site assessment, cleanup, monitoring, and waste management. Benchmarking against other large-scale remediation efforts at federal sites would provide context for the scale and nature of this award.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While there is no explicit requirement for small business set-aside, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the remediation work. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent of any subcontracting opportunities created by this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified outcomes within the agreed-upon price. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms and potentially public disclosures related to environmental cleanup progress. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Remediation Services
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) environmental programs
Department of Defense Environmental Compliance
Superfund Remediation Projects

Risk Flags

Competition method requires justification for excluded sources.
Long-term contract duration increases potential for unforeseen risks.
Environmental remediation projects are inherently complex and subject to regulatory changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.1 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. JOINT BASE CAPE COD (JBCC) OPTIMIZED REMEDIATION CONTRACT (ORC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-17. End: 2034-09-16.

What is the specific environmental contamination being addressed at Joint Base Cape Cod under this contract?

The specific environmental contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) that this Optimized Remediation Contract (ORC) addresses primarily relates to historical activities at the former Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). This includes groundwater contamination from various sources such as jet fuel spills, firefighting foam (AFFF), solvents, and other industrial chemicals. Key contaminants of concern often include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and petroleum hydrocarbons. The contract's scope is designed to manage and remediate these complex plumes to meet stringent environmental standards and protect public health and the environment surrounding the base.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method impact the potential cost savings for the government?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method is a less common procurement approach that begins with broad solicitation but then excludes certain potential offerors before evaluating the remaining ones. This exclusion must be justified, typically based on factors like specialized capabilities, proprietary data, or specific performance requirements that only a limited number of contractors can meet. While it aims to ensure the best-qualified contractor is selected for highly specialized tasks, the exclusion of potential bidders can limit the overall competitive pressure. This reduced competition might, in some instances, lead to higher prices than if a truly open and unrestricted competition had occurred, as fewer entities are vying for the contract. The government must carefully document the justification for exclusion to ensure it serves the public interest and does not unduly restrict competition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely to be used to measure the success of this remediation contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this remediation contract would likely focus on achieving specific environmental cleanup goals, adherence to schedules, and cost control. Examples include the reduction of contaminant concentrations in soil and groundwater to regulatory-defined target levels, the successful operation and maintenance of remediation systems, timely completion of monitoring reports and compliance submissions, and maintaining remediation system efficiency. Cost performance, measured against the firm-fixed-price baseline, would also be a critical KPI. Furthermore, KPIs related to health and safety protocols for on-site personnel and environmental protection measures during remediation activities would be essential.

What is EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC's track record with similar large-scale environmental remediation projects for the Department of Defense?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC has a significant history of performing environmental services for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD). They have experience with complex remediation projects involving groundwater and soil contamination, hazardous waste management, and environmental compliance. Their portfolio often includes work at military installations, addressing legacy contamination issues similar to those at Joint Base Cape Cod. While specific details of past DoD contracts would require further investigation, their established presence in the environmental engineering and remediation sector suggests a relevant track record for undertaking large-scale projects of this nature.

How does the 10-year duration of this contract influence the assessment of its overall value and risk?

The 10-year duration of this contract signifies a long-term commitment to addressing complex and persistent environmental challenges at Joint Base Cape Cod. From a value perspective, it allows for sustained focus and investment in remediation technologies and strategies, potentially leading to more effective and permanent solutions than short-term efforts. It also provides contractor stability and predictability. However, a long duration also introduces risks. These include potential changes in environmental regulations, unforeseen site conditions that could escalate costs, technological obsolescence, and the risk of contractor performance degradation over time. Robust oversight and adaptive management strategies are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure continued value realization throughout the contract's life.

What are the potential implications of this contract for future environmental remediation efforts at other federal facilities?

This contract could serve as a model or case study for future environmental remediation efforts at other federal facilities, particularly those with similar contamination profiles or operational histories. The success or challenges encountered with EA Engineering's approach, the effectiveness of the chosen remediation technologies, and the management of the 'after exclusion of sources' competition could provide valuable lessons learned. If the contract proves highly effective and cost-efficient, it might encourage similar long-term, performance-based remediation contracts. Conversely, any significant issues could prompt a re-evaluation of procurement strategies and remediation approaches for other federal sites facing environmental cleanup mandates.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912DR24R0018

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIR STE 400, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,504,108

Exercised Options: $19,057,037

Current Obligation: $19,057,037

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $1,468,432

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline