EPA awards $24.5M to Tetra Tech for Environmental Consulting Services under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,549,640 ($24.5M)
Contractor: Tetra Tech Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2002-02-15
End Date: 2007-12-11
Contract Duration: 2,125 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $24.5 million to TETRA TECH INC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to TETRA TECH INC for $24.5M. 2. Services are Environmental Consulting Services (NAICS 541620). 3. Procurement method was FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION. 4. Contract type is COST PLUS FIXED FEE. 5. Contract duration is 2125 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is substantial at $24.5M. Without specific benchmarks for similar environmental consulting contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.
Public Impact
Environmental protection efforts supported by this contract. Potential for long-term environmental impact assessment and remediation. Job creation within the environmental consulting sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration (2125 days) may lead to scope creep or outdated services.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Contract supports critical environmental services.
- Experienced contractor (Tetra Tech Inc.).
Sector Analysis
Environmental consulting services are crucial for regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on federal initiatives and environmental challenges. This contract represents a significant investment in such services.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or awards to small businesses for this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a primary agency for environmental oversight. The duration and cost-plus nature of the contract warrant ongoing monitoring to ensure efficient use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of detailed service description.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, environmental-protection-agency, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $24.5 million to TETRA TECH INC. See the official description on USAspending.
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 $24.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-02-15. End: 2007-12-11.
What specific environmental services are covered under this contract, and how do they align with EPA's strategic goals?
The contract is for Environmental Consulting Services (NAICS 541620). While the specific services aren't detailed, they likely encompass areas such as environmental assessments, impact studies, remediation planning, and regulatory compliance support. These services are fundamental to the EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment, enabling the agency to fulfill its statutory obligations and address environmental challenges across the nation.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for environmental consulting over a 5+ year period?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially over a long duration like 2125 days (nearly 6 years), carries risks of cost escalation if the fixed fee is not adequately justified or if the government's oversight is insufficient. The contractor may have less incentive to control costs beyond what is necessary to achieve the fixed fee. Furthermore, the extended timeline increases the possibility of scope creep, changes in environmental regulations, or technological advancements that could render the original scope of work less relevant or efficient.
How effectively does the full and open competition method ensure optimal value for taxpayer money in environmental consulting services?
Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For environmental consulting, this means the EPA likely received multiple proposals, allowing them to compare technical approaches and costs. While competition is a strong indicator of value, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to negotiate favorable terms within the chosen contract type (CPFF in this case).
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
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc. (UEI: 045224250)
Address: 1881 CAMPUS COMMONS DR, RESTON, VA, 20191
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,617,961
Exercised Options: $20,970,127
Current Obligation: $24,549,640
Actual Outlays: $1,249,754
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-02-15
Current End Date: 2007-12-11
Potential End Date: 2007-12-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-09-01
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