State Department awards $10.7M contract for humanitarian mine action in Iraq

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,711,969 ($10.7M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2023-12-20

End Date: 2025-06-23

Contract Duration: 551 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IRAQ: HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION/UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE WITH A BASE YEAR + FOUR OPTION YEARS.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $10.7 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: IRAQ: HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION/UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE WITH A BASE YEAR + FOUR OPTION YEARS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on clearing unexploded ordnance, a critical safety need. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty. 4. Contract duration of 551 days indicates a substantial operational period. 5. Awardee has experience in remediation services, relevant to the task. 6. Geographic focus on Iraq highlights a specific, high-need area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.7 million over approximately 1.5 years for humanitarian mine action in Iraq appears reasonable given the complex and dangerous nature of the work. Without specific benchmarks for similar demining operations in the region, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if the price is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the process itself suggests a good opportunity for price discovery and selection of the most capable and cost-effective offeror.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most efficient use of funds for critical humanitarian demining efforts.

Public Impact

Iraqi civilians benefit from reduced risk of injury or death from unexploded ordnance. Services delivered include the identification and clearance of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Geographic impact is concentrated in areas of Iraq affected by conflict and contamination. Workforce implications include the potential employment of local Iraqi personnel in support roles, subject to security and training requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen security challenges in Iraq impacting operational timelines and costs.
Complexity of terrain and extent of contamination could exceed initial estimates.
Reliance on specialized equipment and personnel may present logistical hurdles.

Positive Signals

Awardee's experience in remediation services suggests technical capability.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition indicates a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

The humanitarian mine action sector is a critical component of post-conflict stabilization and development. This contract falls within the broader 'Remediation Services' NAICS code, which encompasses activities like hazardous waste removal and site cleanup. Spending in this area is often driven by geopolitical events and the need to ensure civilian safety and enable reconstruction. Benchmarking is challenging as contracts are highly specific to geographic location, threat level, and operational scope.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to TETRA TECH, INC. and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is unclear, though larger prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which manages humanitarian demining programs. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to meet defined deliverables. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific operational details and performance metrics may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Humanitarian Demining Programs
Ordnance Disposal Services
Post-Conflict Reconstruction Support

Risk Flags

Security Risk in Iraq
Operational Complexity
Unforeseen Contamination Levels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $10.7 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. IRAQ: HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION/UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE WITH A BASE YEAR + FOUR OPTION YEARS.

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 $10.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-20. End: 2025-06-23.

What is the track record of TETRA TECH, INC. in performing similar humanitarian mine action contracts, particularly in complex environments like Iraq?

TETRA TECH, INC. has a significant history of performing complex environmental and engineering services, including remediation and hazardous waste management. While specific details on their humanitarian mine action contracts are not provided in this data, their broader experience suggests a capacity to manage such operations. A deeper dive into their contract history with agencies like the Department of Defense, USAID, and international organizations would reveal their specific expertise in demining, unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance, and operating in challenging geopolitical regions. Their performance on past contracts, including any past performance evaluations or awards, would be key indicators of their suitability for this role in Iraq.

How does the awarded value of $10.7 million compare to similar humanitarian mine action contracts in Iraq or comparable regions?

Directly comparing the $10.7 million value requires access to data on similar contracts, which is not readily available. Factors influencing cost include the scale of contamination, the types of ordnance present, the geographic area to be cleared, security requirements, and the duration of the contract. Humanitarian mine action is inherently expensive due to the specialized equipment, highly trained personnel, and significant risks involved. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract suggests a defined scope and budget. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this award, but the value appears to align with the critical and high-risk nature of demining operations in a post-conflict zone.

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

The primary risks include security threats to personnel and equipment in Iraq, the potential for encountering more unexploded ordnance (UXO) than anticipated, logistical challenges in remote areas, and the possibility of unforeseen environmental hazards. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust security protocols, detailed site assessments, contingency planning for unexpected discoveries, strong logistical support networks, and adherence to strict safety and environmental standards. The firm fixed-price contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to avoid cost overruns. The Department of State's oversight would also play a crucial role in monitoring and addressing risks.

How effective are humanitarian mine action programs in achieving their stated goals of reducing civilian casualties and enabling safe land use?

Humanitarian mine action programs are generally considered effective in achieving their goals, though success is measured over time and across broad areas. By systematically identifying, marking, and clearing landmines and UXO, these programs directly reduce the risk of accidental detonation, thereby saving lives and preventing injuries. Furthermore, cleared land can be safely returned to civilian use for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure development, which is crucial for economic recovery and social stability in post-conflict regions. The effectiveness is often evaluated through metrics such as the area cleared, the number of hazardous items removed, and the reduction in reported mine-related incidents in affected communities.

What has been the historical spending trend for humanitarian mine action in Iraq by the Department of State or other U.S. agencies?

Historical spending data for humanitarian mine action in Iraq by the Department of State and other U.S. agencies (like USAID) has been substantial over the years, reflecting the ongoing need for demining and ordnance clearance following decades of conflict. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on geopolitical priorities and funding allocations, the U.S. has consistently been a major global contributor to mine action programs. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards would reveal patterns of sustained investment in this critical area, indicating a long-term commitment to addressing the legacy of explosive remnants of war in Iraq.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM23R0063

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $55,094,669

Exercised Options: $14,011,644

Current Obligation: $10,711,969

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