EPA awards $32.8M contract for environmental services to Weston Solutions Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,870,899 ($32.9M)

Contractor: Weston Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2000-04-15

End Date: 2005-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,902 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $32.9 million to WESTON SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is a definitive contract, often used for complex or long-term requirements. 3. The firm fixed-price structure indicates that the contractor assumes the risk for cost overruns. 4. The contract duration of 1902 days (approximately 5.2 years) suggests a significant, ongoing need for services. 5. The awardee, Weston Solutions Inc., has secured a substantial federal contract. 6. The contract was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indicating a focus on environmental services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $32.8 million over approximately 5.2 years averages to about $6.3 million annually. Without specific details on the services rendered or comparable contract data, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The firm fixed-price nature shifts cost risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial if managed effectively. However, the lack of detailed performance metrics or benchmarks makes a precise value assessment challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This suggests a robust bidding process where multiple companies likely had the opportunity to compete for the work. The level of competition is not specified by the number of bidders, but the designation implies a market where multiple qualified contractors could participate, potentially leading to better pricing and service options.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation, leading to more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving environmental services. The contract likely supports the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Services provided could include site assessment, remediation, consulting, or other environmental management tasks. The geographic impact is likely focused on areas requiring EPA intervention for environmental issues, potentially nationwide. The contract supports jobs within the environmental services sector, benefiting the workforce employed by Weston Solutions Inc. and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge effectiveness and value.
The long duration of the contract could lead to complacency or reduced urgency if not actively managed.
Firm fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not carefully defined and managed.
Limited information on the specific environmental services provided hinders a deeper analysis of impact and necessity.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially protecting taxpayer funds from overruns.
The substantial award indicates the contractor is capable of handling significant federal contracts.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for these environmental services.

Sector Analysis

The environmental services sector is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of activities from consulting and engineering to remediation and waste management. Federal agencies like the EPA regularly procure these services to fulfill their environmental protection mandates. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on regulatory changes, environmental emergencies, and the prioritization of cleanup efforts. Benchmarks for similar EPA contracts would typically involve comparing pricing for specific services like site assessments or remediation projects, as well as the overall contract value relative to the scope of work.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no explicit requirements for small business subcontracting mandated within this award. The primary contractor, Weston Solutions Inc., would determine if and how small businesses are involved in subcontracting opportunities. Without further information on subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract is unclear, though large prime contracts can sometimes create opportunities for specialized small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers. As a definitive contract, it likely involves regular reporting and performance reviews. The EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract. Transparency would be facilitated through contract award databases and potentially through public reporting on EPA's environmental projects, though specific performance details may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

EPA Superfund Program
Environmental Consulting Services
Environmental Remediation Contracts
Federal Environmental Management

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may require active management to ensure continued value.
Firm fixed-price contracts can pose risks if scope or costs change significantly over time.
Lack of detailed performance data limits in-depth value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $32.9 million to WESTON SOLUTIONS INC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTON SOLUTIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-04-15. End: 2005-06-30.

What specific environmental services were rendered under this $32.8 million contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact environmental services rendered under this contract. However, given the awardee (Weston Solutions Inc.) and the awarding agency (Environmental Protection Agency), the services likely fall within the broad scope of environmental consulting, engineering, assessment, and remediation. This could include activities such as hazardous waste site investigation, cleanup oversight, environmental compliance support, permitting assistance, or emergency response services. Without more granular information, it's impossible to detail the precise nature of the work performed, which is crucial for a thorough value assessment.

How does the $32.8 million award compare to other EPA environmental service contracts of similar duration?

Comparing this $32.8 million award to other EPA environmental service contracts requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurements. However, a contract valued at approximately $6.3 million per year ($32.8M / 5.2 years) for environmental services is substantial. The EPA frequently awards large contracts in this domain, particularly for complex remediation projects under programs like Superfund. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify contracts with similar scopes of work (e.g., large-scale site remediation vs. general consulting) and similar durations awarded within a comparable timeframe. The firm fixed-price nature also influences comparisons, as it implies a different risk allocation than cost-plus contracts.

What is Weston Solutions Inc.'s track record with the federal government, particularly with the EPA?

Weston Solutions Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the federal government, including the Environmental Protection Agency. As a provider of environmental services, their portfolio often includes work related to site assessment, remediation, and environmental management. A detailed analysis of their track record would involve examining past performance evaluations, the types and values of contracts previously awarded to them, and any instances of contract disputes or performance issues. Their ability to secure a $32.8 million definitive contract from the EPA suggests a demonstrated capacity and a generally positive past performance history, though a comprehensive review would require accessing specific performance data and contract histories.

What are the potential risks associated with a 5.2-year firm fixed-price contract for environmental services?

A 5.2-year firm fixed-price contract for environmental services carries several potential risks. For the government, the primary risk is that the fixed price may become uncompetitive over time if market rates decrease or if the scope of work needs significant adjustment due to unforeseen circumstances. If the contractor underestimates costs or encounters unexpected complexities, they might cut corners on quality to maintain profitability, potentially impacting environmental outcomes. Conversely, if the contractor significantly overestimates costs, taxpayers may overpay. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating all costs over such a long period, including potential inflation, regulatory changes, and unforeseen site conditions, which could lead to financial losses if not managed meticulously.

How has federal spending on environmental services evolved over the period this contract was active (2000-2005)?

Federal spending on environmental services during the period of this contract (April 2000 to June 2005) was influenced by various factors, including regulatory priorities, environmental legislation, and national environmental initiatives. The early 2000s saw continued emphasis on Superfund site cleanups and compliance with environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Budgets for agencies like the EPA are subject to annual appropriations, which can lead to fluctuations. While specific aggregate spending figures for this exact period require detailed budget analysis, it's generally understood that federal agencies consistently allocate significant resources to environmental protection and remediation, making contracts like this a standard component of their operations.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Weston Solutions Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 118341234)

Address: 1400 WESTON WAY, WEST CHESTER, PA, 19380

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,299,467

Exercised Options: $9,393,550

Current Obligation: $32,870,899

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline