USDA awards $168K for environmental database searches, with a 58-day performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,800 ($16.8K)

Contractor: Essnova Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 58 days

Daily Burn Rate: $290/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROCURE AN ENVIRONMENTAL DATABASE RECORDS SEARCH AND REPORT COMPLIANT WITH THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS SET FORTH IN AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) STANDARD E1527-21 OR E2247-23 FROM A QUALIFIED, CERTIFIED, AND LICENSED ENVIRONMENTAL PRO

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43215

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $16,800 to ESSNOVA SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: PROCURE AN ENVIRONMENTAL DATABASE RECORDS SEARCH AND REPORT COMPLIANT WITH THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS SET FORTH IN AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) STANDARD E1527-21 OR E2247-23 FROM A QUALIFIED, CERTIFIED, AND LICENSED ENVIRONMENTAL PRO Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. 2. Competition dynamics are not fully detailed but indicate a competed award. 3. Performance duration is short, suggesting a focused task. 4. The service aligns with regulatory compliance needs for real estate transactions. 5. This contract falls within the broader environmental consulting sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $168,000 for environmental database records searches seems appropriate given the scope of work, which includes compliance with ASTM standards. Without specific benchmarks for similar, highly specialized searches, a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests a defined scope, which aids in cost control. The duration of 58 days for completion also implies a focused and manageable project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely a limited competition among pre-qualified vendors or through a specific solicitation process. The data indicates two bids were received, which provides some level of price discovery but may not represent the full market potential. Limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices than a full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition means there's a moderate risk that the price paid may be higher than if a broader range of vendors had been invited to bid.

Public Impact

The Department of Agriculture benefits from ensuring environmental compliance for its land and property transactions. Services delivered include comprehensive environmental database records searches. The geographic impact is focused on Ohio, where the contract will be performed. The contract supports specialized environmental consulting professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition under SAP.
Short performance period might create pressure on timely delivery if unforeseen issues arise.

Positive Signals

Clear adherence to industry standards (ASTM E1527-21 or E2247-23) ensures quality.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a qualified, certified, and licensed environmental professional.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the environmental consulting services sector, specifically focusing on Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) or similar due diligence. The market for these services is driven by real estate transactions, regulatory requirements, and lender mandates. Spending in this area is consistent with federal agencies' needs to manage environmental liabilities associated with property acquisition, divestiture, or management. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be assessed against the number of properties managed and the frequency of transactions by agencies like the USDA.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger or non-small business entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is minimal, unless the prime contractor utilizes small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Agriculture's contracting officers and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature and adherence to specific ASTM standards provide a degree of accountability. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Consulting Services
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Real Estate Due Diligence
ASTM Standards Compliance

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Risk
Short Performance Period Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $16,800 to ESSNOVA SOLUTIONS, INC.. PROCURE AN ENVIRONMENTAL DATABASE RECORDS SEARCH AND REPORT COMPLIANT WITH THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS SET FORTH IN AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) STANDARD E1527-21 OR E2247-23 FROM A QUALIFIED, CERTIFIED, AND LICENSED ENVIRONMENTAL PRO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ESSNOVA SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the typical cost range for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment compliant with ASTM standards?

The cost for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) compliant with ASTM standards (E1527-21 or E2247-23) can vary significantly based on factors such as property size, complexity, location, and the specific qualifications of the environmental professional. Generally, costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 for standard residential or small commercial properties. For larger, industrial, or complex sites, costs can escalate to $10,000 or more. The USDA's award of $168,000 for 'Environmental Database Records Search and Report' suggests a potentially larger scope than a single standard Phase I ESA, possibly encompassing multiple properties, a more extensive search methodology, or a more complex reporting requirement, justifying the higher price point compared to a typical single-site assessment.

How does the 'competed under SAP' designation impact potential cost savings for the government?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) typically involves a less formal and streamlined procurement process compared to full and open competition. While SAP is designed for efficiency and speed for purchases below certain thresholds (e.g., $250,000 for commercial items), it often involves a limited number of bidders. This limitation can reduce the intensity of price competition. Therefore, while SAP offers administrative savings, it may not always yield the lowest possible price achievable through a broad, competitive solicitation. The government aims to obtain fair and reasonable prices within the SAP framework, often relying on market research and price analysis to ensure value.

What are the key risks associated with a short contract performance period of 58 days?

A short performance period of 58 days for environmental database records search and reporting presents several potential risks. Firstly, it compresses the timeline for the contractor to conduct thorough research, analysis, and report generation, potentially leading to rushed work and a higher chance of errors or omissions. Secondly, it limits the contractor's flexibility to address unforeseen challenges, such as difficulties in accessing certain databases, delays in receiving information from third parties, or the need for additional clarification. This could result in missed deadlines, impacting the government's project timelines. Finally, a tight deadline might necessitate overtime or expedited services, potentially increasing the contractor's costs, which could indirectly affect the perceived value if not managed effectively.

What is the significance of requiring compliance with ASTM standards E1527-21 or E2247-23?

Requiring compliance with ASTM standards E1527-21 (Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process) or E2247-23 (Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Commercial Real Estate) is highly significant. These standards provide a standardized methodology for conducting Phase I ESAs, which are crucial for identifying potential environmental contamination liabilities associated with a property. Adherence ensures a consistent, thorough, and defensible process, recognized by lenders, regulatory agencies, and legal entities. It minimizes the risk of overlooking critical environmental concerns and provides a benchmark for the quality and scope of the environmental due diligence performed.

How does the geographic location (Ohio) influence the contract's execution and cost?

The specified performance location in Ohio can influence the contract's execution and cost in several ways. Firstly, it dictates the databases and state-specific environmental records that need to be searched and reviewed, as environmental regulations and data availability vary by state. Secondly, the cost of environmental consulting services can differ regionally; labor rates and the cost of accessing local records may be higher or lower in Ohio compared to other parts of the country. Thirdly, the contractor's familiarity with Ohio's environmental landscape, agencies, and common historical land uses can impact the efficiency and thoroughness of the search. The award to Essnova Solutions, Inc., with a specified state of performance (ST: OH, SN: OHIO), suggests the contractor either has a presence or is prepared to operate within that jurisdiction.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12FPC426Q0021

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Essnova Solutions Inc

Address: 1500 1ST AVE N UNIT 47, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35203

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,800

Exercised Options: $16,800

Current Obligation: $16,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline