EPA awards $2.6M contract for Great Lakes remedial action oversight in Minnesota

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,593,694 ($2.6M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2022-07-07

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,273 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GREAT LAKES ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (GLAES) II TASK ORDER - U.S. EPA REGION 5 REMEDIAL ACTION OVERSIGHT SPIRIT LAKE GREAT LAKES LEGACY ACT (GLLA) PROJECT.

Place of Performance

Location: DULUTH, SAINT LOUIS County, MINNESOTA, 55807

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.6 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: GREAT LAKES ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (GLAES) II TASK ORDER - U.S. EPA REGION 5 REMEDIAL ACTION OVERSIGHT SPIRIT LAKE GREAT LAKES LEGACY ACT (GLLA) PROJECT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on environmental remediation services for the Great Lakes Legacy Act. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a broad search for qualified bidders. 3. The contract is firm-fixed-price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. Performance period extends over three years, suggesting a need for sustained oversight. 5. The awardee, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, is a significant player in environmental services. 6. This task order is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.6 million for remedial action oversight appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for environmental consulting and remediation oversight suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, although it relies on the contractor's accurate estimation. Without specific details on the deliverables and labor hours, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a degree of price efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This typically means that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria, possibly related to prior performance or specific technical capabilities. The exact number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive process was initiated, aiming to solicit offers from a wide range of qualified contractors. This approach generally fosters better price discovery and encourages competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with exclusions, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive market rates. It ensures that multiple companies have the opportunity to bid, driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and ecosystems of the Great Lakes region, particularly around Spirit Lake, through improved environmental remediation. The contract delivers crucial oversight services for remedial actions under the Great Lakes Legacy Act, ensuring compliance and effectiveness. The geographic impact is focused on Minnesota, specifically the Spirit Lake area, addressing local environmental concerns. The contract supports specialized environmental engineering and science professionals, contributing to the workforce in the environmental services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial remediation assessments are incomplete.
Reliance on contractor's technical expertise for accurate oversight.
Environmental remediation projects can face unforeseen challenges impacting timelines and costs.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting value for money.
Long-term performance period allows for sustained project oversight and management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting and Remediation Services sector, a significant market driven by regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship initiatives. The Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) specifically targets the cleanup of contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes, a complex and ongoing effort. Spending in this sector is influenced by federal environmental policies, Superfund site management, and state-level environmental protection programs. Comparable contracts often involve site assessment, feasibility studies, design, and construction oversight for environmental cleanup projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, is a large business. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific task order appears limited, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in their broader operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5. As a firm-fixed-price contract, oversight will likely focus on performance monitoring, adherence to the statement of work, and timely delivery of oversight reports. The EPA's established procurement and contract management processes provide accountability. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award information is published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) Projects
EPA Region 5 Remedial Action Contracts
Environmental Consulting Services
Superfund Site Remediation Oversight
Federal Environmental Services IDIQ Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition method requires further clarification on excluded sources.
Contract performance risk depends on contractor's historical success with similar projects.
Potential for unforeseen environmental conditions impacting project scope and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.6 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. GREAT LAKES ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (GLAES) II TASK ORDER - U.S. EPA REGION 5 REMEDIAL ACTION OVERSIGHT SPIRIT LAKE GREAT LAKES LEGACY ACT (GLLA) PROJECT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-07. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the track record of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC with the EPA, particularly on similar environmental remediation oversight contracts?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (EA) has a substantial history of working with the EPA and other federal agencies on environmental projects. While specific details on past performance for this exact type of remedial action oversight under the GLLA are not provided in this data snippet, EA is known for its expertise in environmental engineering, remediation, and consulting. They have been awarded numerous contracts for site investigations, risk assessments, remedial design, and construction management. Reviewing their contract history with the EPA, particularly within Region 5 or for similar Great Lakes initiatives, would provide further insight into their performance, including on-time delivery, budget adherence, and technical quality on comparable projects. Their size and established presence suggest a capacity to handle complex federal contracts.

How does the $2.6 million value compare to other remedial action oversight contracts awarded by the EPA for similar-sized projects?

The $2.6 million contract value for remedial action oversight at Spirit Lake appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year project of this nature. EPA contracts for environmental remediation oversight can vary significantly based on the complexity of the site, the scope of work (e.g., investigation, design, monitoring), and the duration. For a project spanning over three years (July 2022 to December 2025), this amount suggests a moderate level of effort. Benchmarking against similar task orders under the Great Lakes Legacy Act or other EPA remediation programs would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as the number of sites covered, the intensity of oversight required, and the specific technical challenges at Spirit Lake would influence the final cost. The firm-fixed-price nature also implies the contractor has estimated these costs and assumed the risk.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this remedial action oversight contract include potential technical challenges during remediation, unforeseen site conditions, contractor performance issues, and schedule delays. Environmental remediation projects are inherently complex, and unexpected geological or contamination issues can arise. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure and EPA's oversight processes. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract shifts significant cost risk to the contractor, incentivizing efficient management. The EPA's oversight will involve monitoring contractor progress, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring adherence to the statement of work. The multi-year duration allows for phased oversight and adaptive management. Clear performance standards and reporting requirements are crucial for identifying and addressing issues proactively.

What is the historical spending pattern for Great Lakes Legacy Act projects managed by EPA Region 5?

Historical spending for Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) projects managed by EPA Region 5 reflects a consistent commitment to addressing contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on project lifecycles and available funding, Region 5 has historically allocated significant resources to GLLA initiatives. These funds support a range of activities, including site investigations, feasibility studies, remedial design, sediment cleanup actions, and post-remediation monitoring. Spending is often distributed across multiple task orders and contracts, including those for oversight, technical support, and direct cleanup actions. The total federal investment in the GLLA program underscores its importance in restoring the Great Lakes ecosystem. Analyzing past Region 5 budgets and contract awards related to GLLA would reveal trends in funding levels and project priorities over time.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method impact potential cost savings for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements. By initiating a 'full and open' process, the government seeks offers from all responsible sources, which generally promotes competitive pricing and potential cost savings for taxpayers. However, the 'exclusion of sources' clause indicates that certain potential bidders were not considered. The impact on cost savings depends heavily on the justification for these exclusions. If sources were excluded based on objective criteria related to capability or past performance that genuinely limited the pool to highly qualified, efficient providers, it could still lead to competitive pricing. Conversely, if the exclusions were overly restrictive or poorly justified, it might limit competition and potentially lead to higher costs than a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0522R0020

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIR STE 400, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,593,694

Exercised Options: $2,593,694

Current Obligation: $2,593,694

Actual Outlays: $2,593,716

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0519D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline