VA awards $612K for hazardous waste services to Earth Smart Environmental Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,222 ($61.2K)

Contractor: Earth Smart Environmental Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-11-01

End Date: 2025-10-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $168/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PRICED PERIOD 1 - 556C50049. NORTH CHICAGO FHCC HAZARDOUSE WASTE COLLECTION AND REMOVAL.

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHICAGO, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60064

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $61,221.82 to EARTH SMART ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: PRICED PERIOD 1 - 556C50049. NORTH CHICAGO FHCC HAZARDOUSE WASTE COLLECTION AND REMOVAL. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for hazardous waste collection and removal services. 2. Service period runs from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price. 4. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 5. North Chicago FHCC is the facility receiving services. 6. Contractor is Earth Smart Environmental Solutions LLC. 7. Small business set-aside was not utilized. 8. No subcontracting was reported.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $612,218.82 for a one-year period for hazardous waste collection and removal appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for hazardous waste management at federal facilities of comparable size and scope would provide a more definitive assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government, assuming the scope of work is well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP aims to foster competition among qualified vendors. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought competitive bids within the established thresholds for this type of procurement.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition under SAP for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and services, potentially leading to cost savings and higher quality outcomes.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will benefit from compliant and efficient hazardous waste management at the North Chicago FHCC. Services include the collection and removal of hazardous waste, ensuring environmental safety and regulatory compliance. The geographic impact is localized to the North Chicago, Illinois area where the FHCC is located. The contract supports the operational needs of the VA healthcare facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or quality assurance details in the provided data.
Potential for price increases in future contract periods if not managed carefully.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the current period.
Awarded to a specific LLC, indicating a focused business entity.
Clear service period and defined scope of work (hazardous waste collection and removal).

Sector Analysis

The hazardous waste management sector is a critical component of environmental services, supporting various industries including government operations. Federal agencies, particularly those with large facilities like healthcare centers, require specialized services for the safe and compliant disposal of hazardous materials. Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory requirements and the need to maintain safe operating environments. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the broader environmental services or waste management categories.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor were there any reported subcontracting requirements. This indicates that the competition was open to all eligible offerors, and the primary contractor will be responsible for fulfilling the entire scope of work without specific mandates for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officer and program managers. They are responsible for ensuring that the contractor meets the terms and conditions of the contract, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Federal Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Services Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental non-compliance
Contractor performance risk
Unforeseen waste volume fluctuations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $61,221.82 to EARTH SMART ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC. PRICED PERIOD 1 - 556C50049. NORTH CHICAGO FHCC HAZARDOUSE WASTE COLLECTION AND REMOVAL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EARTH SMART ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $61,221.82.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-01. End: 2025-10-31.

What is the track record of Earth Smart Environmental Solutions LLC in performing similar hazardous waste management contracts for the federal government?

Information regarding the specific track record of Earth Smart Environmental Solutions LLC in performing similar hazardous waste management contracts for the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous federal awards. This would help determine their experience level, reliability, and ability to meet the demanding requirements of hazardous waste handling. Without this historical data, it is difficult to fully gauge their suitability beyond the current award.

How does the awarded price of $612,218.82 compare to market rates for hazardous waste collection and removal services in the North Chicago, Illinois area?

The provided data does not include specific market rate comparisons for hazardous waste collection and removal services in the North Chicago, Illinois area. To assess the value for money, this contract's price would need to be benchmarked against similar services procured by other federal agencies, state or local governments, or even private sector entities in the same geographic region. Factors such as the volume and types of waste, frequency of collection, disposal methods, and regulatory compliance costs all influence pricing. A detailed cost analysis or comparison with industry pricing data would be necessary for a thorough evaluation.

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

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential environmental non-compliance if waste is not handled or disposed of correctly, service disruptions due to contractor performance issues, and unforeseen increases in the volume or type of hazardous waste generated. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust oversight by the VA, clear contractual requirements for compliance and reporting, and contingency planning. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, provided the scope is well-defined. The contractor's own internal safety and compliance protocols are also critical risk mitigation measures.

How effective is the current contract in ensuring the safe and compliant disposal of hazardous waste at the North Chicago FHCC?

The effectiveness of the current contract in ensuring safe and compliant disposal of hazardous waste hinges on the contractor's adherence to all regulatory requirements and the VA's oversight. The contract specifies hazardous waste collection and removal, implying a focus on regulatory compliance. However, without performance metrics, audit results, or incident reports, a definitive assessment of effectiveness cannot be made solely from the award data. Ongoing monitoring by the VA, including waste manifests and disposal confirmations, would be key indicators of effectiveness.

What has been the historical spending pattern for hazardous waste management services at the North Chicago FHCC or similar VA facilities?

The provided data does not contain historical spending patterns for hazardous waste management services at the North Chicago FHCC or similar VA facilities. To establish such a pattern, one would need to analyze past contracts for these services, noting their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding historical spending can reveal trends in cost, service volume, and contractor stability, providing context for the current award and informing future budget and procurement strategies. This analysis is crucial for identifying potential cost efficiencies or areas of concern.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Waste Treatment and Disposal › Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7937 RHEA COUNTY HWY STE 105, DAYTON, TN, 37321

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $61,222

Exercised Options: $61,222

Current Obligation: $61,222

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25225D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline