Interior's Bureau of Reclamation awards $12.6M environmental assessment contract to RMEC Environmental Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,582 ($12.6K)

Contractor: Rmec Environmental Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PRE-ACQUISITION ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: BOUNTIFUL, DAVIS County, UTAH, 84010

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $12,582.3 to RMEC ENVIRONMENTAL INC for work described as: PRE-ACQUISITION ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in environmental due diligence for Bureau of Reclamation projects. 2. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs and provide predictable spending. 3. Competition dynamics for this contract will be analyzed to ensure fair pricing and value. 4. Performance will be monitored against established environmental standards and project timelines. 5. This contract positions RMEC Environmental Inc. as a key provider of environmental consulting services for federal agencies. 6. The duration of the contract suggests a need for ongoing environmental support over multiple fiscal years.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar pre-acquisition environmental site assessments for federal projects will be crucial to determine if the $12.6 million award represents good value. Factors such as the scope of work, geographic complexity, and the number of bidders will influence this assessment. Without specific comparable contract data, a definitive value-for-money judgment is pending, but the fixed-price mechanism is a positive indicator for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified firms had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 14 bids suggests a robust competitive environment, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. This level of competition is favorable for the government, as it increases the likelihood of selecting the most cost-effective and technically capable offeror.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this environmental consulting service ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, securing the best possible price and quality for essential pre-acquisition assessments.

Public Impact

Benefits federal agencies, particularly the Bureau of Reclamation, by ensuring environmental compliance and risk mitigation before project initiation. Delivers critical environmental consulting services, including site assessments, to support infrastructure and land management projects. Geographic impact is focused on Utah (ST: UT, SN: UTAH), where Bureau of Reclamation projects are likely to be undertaken. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for environmental scientists, geologists, and consultants within RMEC Environmental Inc. and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial environmental assessments do not fully capture project complexities.
Dependence on the accuracy and thoroughness of RMEC's environmental reports for future project planning.
Risk of delays if unforeseen environmental issues require extensive remediation or further study beyond the contract's scope.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the Bureau of Reclamation.
Contract duration of two years allows for sustained support and integration with project timelines.

Sector Analysis

Environmental consulting services form a significant niche within the broader professional services sector, supporting federal, state, and private sector initiatives. The market is characterized by specialized firms offering expertise in areas like environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and remediation. Federal spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements (e.g., NEPA) and the need to manage environmental risks associated with infrastructure development and land use. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar environmental assessment services across different agencies and geographic regions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While RMEC Environmental Inc. is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, the presence of 14 bidders suggests that smaller firms may have participated in the bidding process. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Bureau of Reclamation's contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the delivery of services according to the contract's statement of work, performance standards, and schedule. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Impact Statements
Environmental Consulting Services
Federal Environmental Regulations Compliance
NEPA Compliance Services
Site Remediation Services
Bureau of Reclamation Project Management

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not clearly defined.
Risk of delays due to unforeseen environmental findings.
Contractor performance risk: ensuring quality and timeliness of deliverables.
Dependence on accurate environmental data for future project planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $12,582.3 to RMEC ENVIRONMENTAL INC. PRE-ACQUISITION ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RMEC ENVIRONMENTAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12,582.3.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is RMEC Environmental Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly for environmental consulting services?

RMEC Environmental Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, especially for environmental consulting, is a key factor in assessing performance risk. A review of their contract history would reveal past performance ratings, any instances of contract disputes or terminations, and their experience with similar scopes of work and agencies. Federal procurement data (e.g., from SAM.gov or FPDS) would be the primary source for this information. Understanding their past performance provides insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet federal requirements, which is crucial for a contract valued at $12.6 million over two years.

How does the $12.6 million contract value compare to similar pre-acquisition environmental site assessments awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $12.6 million contract value against similar pre-acquisition environmental site assessments is essential for evaluating value for money. This comparison would involve analyzing the average cost, scope, and duration of comparable contracts awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers or the EPA. Factors such as the complexity of the sites, the specific environmental services required (e.g., Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA, wetlands delineation), and the geographic region influence pricing. A higher-than-average cost for similar services might indicate potential overpricing or a more complex scope, while a lower cost could suggest favorable pricing or a less demanding scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential delays due to unforeseen environmental conditions discovered during assessments, inaccurate or incomplete reporting by the contractor, and potential cost overruns if the scope expands beyond initial expectations. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the Bureau of Reclamation, clear performance standards in the contract, requiring detailed reporting and documentation, and potentially incorporating contingency planning for unexpected findings. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also shifts some financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage costs effectively and deliver within the agreed-upon budget.

How effective are the Bureau of Reclamation's current environmental assessment processes in ensuring project viability and compliance?

The effectiveness of the Bureau of Reclamation's environmental assessment processes is indirectly reflected in the outcomes of projects initiated after these assessments. Key indicators of effectiveness include the number of projects delayed or halted due to previously unaddressed environmental issues, the accuracy of initial environmental impact predictions compared to actual project impacts, and the success rate of projects in meeting environmental compliance standards throughout their lifecycle. Analyzing past project data, audit reports from the Inspector General, and feedback from environmental stakeholders can provide insights into the efficacy of these pre-acquisition assessments.

What has been the historical spending trend for environmental consulting services by the Bureau of Reclamation over the past five years?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for environmental consulting services by the Bureau of Reclamation over the past five years provides context for the current $12.6 million award. This trend would reveal whether spending in this category has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining relatively stable. Factors influencing these trends could include changes in regulatory requirements, the volume of new infrastructure projects, agency priorities, and budget allocations. Understanding this historical pattern helps in assessing whether the current contract award is consistent with past investment levels or represents a significant shift in resource allocation for environmental due diligence.

What specific environmental regulations or policies does this contract aim to address or ensure compliance with?

This contract for pre-acquisition environmental site assessments primarily aims to ensure compliance with federal environmental laws and policies, most notably the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed actions before making decisions. Additionally, the contract likely supports compliance with other regulations such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and potentially state-specific environmental laws in Utah. The assessments help identify potential impacts on water quality, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources, informing project design and mitigation measures to avoid violations and environmental harm.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1731544

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 476 W 325 S, BOUNTIFUL, UT, 84010

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,582

Exercised Options: $12,582

Current Obligation: $12,582

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA22D00EX

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline