State Dept. Awards $8.9M for Ordnance Neutralization in Bosnia, Awarded to Tetra Tech, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,891,733 ($8.9M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2018-12-21

End Date: 2023-12-23

Contract Duration: 1,828 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: UNDER THIS TASK ORDER THE CONTRACTOR PROVIDES ALL SERVICES, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES TO NEUTRALIZE UNEXPLODED AND ABANDONED ORDNANCE AND IEDS THROUGHOUT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (BIH). THIS MODIFICATION PROVIDES FUNDING.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $8.9 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: UNDER THIS TASK ORDER THE CONTRACTOR PROVIDES ALL SERVICES, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES TO NEUTRALIZE UNEXPLODED AND ABANDONED ORDNANCE AND IEDS THROUGHOUT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (BIH). THIS MODIFICATION PROVIDES FUNDING. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical unexploded ordnance and IED neutralization in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 2. Tetra Tech, Inc. is the sole contractor for this task order. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, ending in December 2023. 4. Spending is categorized under Remediation Services (NAICS 562910).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is Time and Materials, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $8.9M over 5 years.

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. However, the specific pricing structure (Time and Materials) may limit price discovery and control.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical safety and security mission in a post-conflict region.

Public Impact

Enhances safety and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina by removing dangerous ordnance. Supports post-conflict stabilization efforts in the region. Requires specialized expertise and equipment for ordnance disposal. Potential for long-term environmental remediation benefits.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
Contract duration is long (5 years), increasing exposure to potential cost increases.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical safety and security need.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports international stability efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Remediation Services, a sector focused on environmental cleanup and hazard removal. Spending benchmarks for ordnance neutralization can vary significantly based on geographic location, type of ordnance, and complexity of the site.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests the prime contractor is not a small business, and there is no indication of subcontracting to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight by the Department of State is crucial to ensure the effective and efficient execution of this task order, particularly given the Time and Materials contract type and the sensitive nature of ordnance disposal.

Related Government Programs

Remediation Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Cost uncertainty due to Time and Materials contract.
Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Lack of small business participation.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Geopolitical instability in the region could affect operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $8.9 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. UNDER THIS TASK ORDER THE CONTRACTOR PROVIDES ALL SERVICES, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES TO NEUTRALIZE UNEXPLODED AND ABANDONED ORDNANCE AND IEDS THROUGHOUT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (BIH). THIS MODIFICATION PROVIDES FUNDING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-21. End: 2023-12-23.

What is the estimated cost per unit of ordnance neutralized, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?

The provided data does not include a per-unit cost for ordnance neutralization. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of services, equipment, and labor hours would be needed. Benchmarking would require access to similar contracts or industry cost data for ordnance disposal operations in post-conflict zones.

What are the specific risks associated with the Time and Materials contract type in this context?

The primary risk of a Time and Materials contract is the potential for cost escalation without a fixed ceiling. In ordnance neutralization, unforeseen complexities or hazardous conditions could significantly increase labor hours and material costs, leading to expenditures exceeding initial estimates and potentially impacting overall program value for taxpayers.

How effectively is Tetra Tech, Inc. managing the risks and ensuring mission success in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Effectiveness is difficult to gauge solely from this award modification. Success hinges on Tetra Tech's technical expertise, adherence to safety protocols, and efficient resource management. The Department of State's oversight, performance reviews, and incident reporting would be key indicators of their effectiveness in neutralizing ordnance and managing associated risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3475 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA, 91107

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,695,332

Exercised Options: $8,891,733

Current Obligation: $8,891,733

Actual Outlays: $3,261,696

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM18D0080

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline