National Park Service awards $2.3M contract for environmental consulting services to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $230,200 ($230.2K)

Contractor: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $632/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE SITE-SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NPS' MANAGEMENT OF SEVERAL CONTAMINATED SITES INCLUDES BASE AND TWO OPTION PERIODS.

Place of Performance

Location: WILLIAMSBURG, JAMES CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23185

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $230,200 to VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN INC for work described as: PROVIDE SITE-SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NPS' MANAGEMENT OF SEVERAL CONTAMINATED SITES INCLUDES BASE AND TWO OPTION PERIODS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on technical support for managing contaminated sites, indicating a need for specialized environmental expertise. 2. The award was made under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, suggesting a pre-negotiated framework for services. 3. The contract duration is 364 days, with potential for extension through option periods. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not closely monitored. 5. The geographic focus is Virginia, specifically impacting the management of NPS sites within the state. 6. The contractor, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., has experience in environmental consulting, but specific performance on this BPA call needs further review.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.3 million for 364 days of environmental consulting services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical support. However, without specific details on the scope of work and the deliverables, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar environmental consulting contracts for site remediation and management by federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the actual effort expended.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The use of a BPA Call suggests that Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. was likely one of several pre-qualified vendors under an existing BPA. The specific number of bidders for this particular call is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process that should theoretically lead to fair pricing and selection of a qualified contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the best value.

Public Impact

The National Park Service benefits from specialized technical support to manage contaminated sites, ensuring environmental compliance and protection of natural resources. Services delivered include site assessment, remediation planning, and ongoing management of environmental hazards within NPS properties. The geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, affecting the environmental health and operational capacity of NPS sites in that state. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized environmental scientists, engineers, and technicians employed by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed with strict oversight, as it reimburses the contractor for actual labor hours and material costs incurred.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's efficiency and effectiveness beyond the contractual period.
The reliance on a BPA Call, while efficient, might limit the scope of competition for specific task orders if not managed to encourage broader participation among BPA holders.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process that considered multiple qualified vendors.
The contractor, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., is likely selected based on demonstrated expertise in environmental consulting services, aligning with the NPS's needs.
The contract aims to provide essential technical support for managing contaminated sites, a critical function for the National Park Service's environmental stewardship.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise in areas such as environmental assessment, remediation, compliance, and engineering. The market size for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements, corporate sustainability initiatives, and government agency needs for managing environmental liabilities. This specific contract addresses a niche within the sector, focusing on the unique challenges of managing contaminated sites within federal land management agencies like the NPS.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., is likely a large business. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be indirect, primarily through potential competition for future contracts or opportunities if the BPA is expanded or recompeted.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Park Service contracting officer and contract specialists. As a Time and Materials contract, diligent monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material costs is crucial to ensure compliance and prevent overspending. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details on public access to performance reports are not provided. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Remediation Services
Site Assessment and Monitoring
Contaminated Site Cleanup
Federal Environmental Compliance
National Park Service Operations Support

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Contract Type
Potential for Cost Overruns
Limited Performance Data Provided
Reliance on BPA Call Mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $230,200 to VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN INC. PROVIDE SITE-SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NPS' MANAGEMENT OF SEVERAL CONTAMINATED SITES INCLUDES BASE AND TWO OPTION PERIODS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $230,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the track record of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. with the National Park Service and other federal agencies for similar environmental consulting services?

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. (VHB) has a history of providing environmental consulting services to various federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. While specific contract details with the National Park Service (NPS) for contaminated site management are not fully detailed in the provided data, VHB's general expertise in environmental engineering, planning, and compliance suggests they possess the foundational capabilities required for this contract. A deeper dive into their past performance reviews, award histories, and any past performance questionnaires (PPQs) submitted during competitive processes would offer a more precise understanding of their track record and suitability for this specific task order under the BPA. Examining their performance on similar-sized projects and their ability to meet deadlines and budget constraints would be key indicators.

How does the awarded amount of $2.3 million compare to the typical costs for similar environmental consulting services for contaminated site management by federal agencies?

The $2.3 million award for 364 days of environmental consulting services for contaminated site management by the National Park Service (NPS) appears to be within a reasonable range, considering the specialized nature of the work. Environmental consulting for contaminated sites often involves complex scientific analysis, regulatory navigation, and risk assessment, which command higher professional rates. Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by agencies like the EPA or the Department of Defense for site remediation and technical support can provide a more concrete comparison. Factors such as the specific types and extent of contamination, the geographic location (which can influence labor and material costs), and the required level of technical expertise will significantly impact pricing. Without a detailed scope of work, it's difficult to provide a precise per-unit cost comparison, but the overall contract value suggests a substantial undertaking.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risk associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's hours and material usage are not meticulously tracked and justified. T&M contracts can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work if not properly managed, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs incurred. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust oversight by the government, including detailed review of timesheets, invoices, and material receipts. The National Park Service contracting officer and technical representatives must actively monitor progress, ensure that the work performed is necessary and reasonable, and enforce any established ceiling prices or labor hour limitations. Clear communication channels and regular progress meetings are also essential to identify and address potential issues proactively.

How effective is the Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call mechanism in ensuring competitive pricing and quality for environmental consulting services?

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) are designed to streamline the procurement process for recurring needs by establishing pre-negotiated terms and conditions with one or more vendors. A BPA Call, in this context, is a specific order placed against an existing BPA. While BPAs can offer efficiency and sometimes better pricing due to pre-negotiated rates, their effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing and quality depends heavily on how the underlying BPA was established and how calls are managed. If the original BPA was awarded through full and open competition and includes mechanisms for competitive task order awards among multiple BPA holders, it can be highly effective. However, if the BPA is with a single vendor or if calls are not competitively solicited among qualified BPA holders, the competitive advantage may be diminished. The 'full and open' designation for this specific call suggests that the initial BPA likely allowed for broad participation, but the specific competition for this call would depend on the number of vendors invited to bid.

What is the historical spending pattern for environmental consulting services by the National Park Service, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

Historical spending by the National Park Service (NPS) on environmental consulting services typically fluctuates based on the agency's priorities, funding levels, and the number of sites requiring assessment or remediation. The NPS manages a vast portfolio of diverse natural and cultural resources, many of which may have legacy contamination issues or require ongoing environmental monitoring and management. Spending in this category often increases when new environmental regulations are enacted, when significant infrastructure projects are undertaken, or when previously unknown contamination is discovered. This $2.3 million contract for site-specific technical support appears to be a significant, but not necessarily outlier, investment within the broader context of NPS's environmental stewardship responsibilities. Understanding the NPS's total annual budget for environmental management and comparing this contract's value to that overall figure would provide better context.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140P2126Q0047

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 351 MCLAWS CIR STE 3, WILLIAMSBURG, VA, 23185

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $410,200

Exercised Options: $230,200

Current Obligation: $230,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P2121A0026

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline