EPA awards $9.97M for Keystone OU 1 Remedial Action Site construction, focusing on in-situ thermal treatment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,969,541 ($10.0M)

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

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 912 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ON THE KEYSTONE OU 1 REMEDIAL ACTION SITE IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. WORK AT THE SITE INVOLVES IN-SITU THERMAL TREATMENT (ISTT). TASK ORDER HAS BEEN AWARDED UNDER CLIN 0002 OF THE REMEDIAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: INDIANAPOLIS, MARION County, INDIANA, 46205

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $10.0 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ON THE KEYSTONE OU 1 REMEDIAL ACTION SITE IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. WORK AT THE SITE INVOLVES IN-SITU THERMAL TREATMENT (ISTT). TASK ORDER HAS BEEN AWARDED UNDER CLIN 0002 OF THE REMEDIAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in environmental remediation. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the specified scope of work. 3. Competition level suggests a potentially competitive bidding environment for similar services. 4. The duration of the contract indicates a long-term commitment to site cleanup. 5. Performance will be monitored under the Remedial Engineering Services contract vehicle. 6. The project's success hinges on effective in-situ thermal treatment implementation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $9.97 million for remediation services appears reasonable given the scope of work involving in-situ thermal treatment at a designated Superfund site. Benchmarking against similar large-scale environmental remediation projects suggests that costs can vary widely based on site complexity, treatment technology, and duration. Without specific details on the volume of contamination or the precise treatment parameters, a direct per-unit cost comparison is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the contractor accurately estimated the project's demands.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of environmental remediation work. A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and can result in more favorable terms for the government, as contractors vie to win the award by offering competitive pricing and technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it drives down costs through market forces, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently for environmental cleanup.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and environment surrounding the Keystone OU 1 Remedial Action Site in Indianapolis, Indiana, through the cleanup of hazardous substances. The services delivered involve complex in-situ thermal treatment to address contamination at the site. The geographic impact is localized to Indianapolis, Indiana, specifically targeting the designated remediation area. The contract supports specialized environmental engineering and construction workforce, contributing to the skilled labor market in this sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions complicate the in-situ thermal treatment process.
Ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the thermal treatment technology requires rigorous monitoring and validation.
Coordination with local authorities and stakeholders is crucial for minimizing community disruption during remediation activities.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, is likely experienced in environmental remediation projects.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation sector is a critical component of the broader construction and engineering industry, focused on addressing legacy contamination and ensuring environmental compliance. This contract falls within the remediation services sub-sector, which involves specialized techniques like in-situ thermal treatment. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements (e.g., EPA Superfund program) and the need to manage environmental liabilities. Spending in this area can be substantial, with large projects often awarded through competitive bidding processes to specialized firms.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses in the provided data. The focus appears to be on securing the most capable large or medium-sized firm for this complex remediation task. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within the awarded firm's scope of work for smaller businesses in the environmental services industry.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its contracting officers and technical representatives. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award implies that the contractor bears the primary responsibility for cost control, while the EPA will monitor performance against contract requirements and milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting of federal spending. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Remedial Action
Environmental Engineering Services
Hazardous Waste Remediation
In-Situ Thermal Treatment Projects
EPA Site Cleanup Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Effectiveness and long-term stability of in-situ thermal treatment.
Contractor's ability to manage complex environmental remediation projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $10.0 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ON THE KEYSTONE OU 1 REMEDIAL ACTION SITE IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. WORK AT THE SITE INVOLVES IN-SITU THERMAL TREATMENT (ISTT). TASK ORDER HAS BEEN AWARDED UNDER CLIN 0002 OF THE REMEDIAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

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 $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC with the EPA for similar remediation services?

Analyzing EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC's historical contract data with the EPA for remediation services would provide context for the current award. This would involve examining the number, value, and duration of previous contracts, as well as their performance ratings. A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget project completion with the EPA would indicate a lower risk profile for this new contract. Conversely, a pattern of cost overruns, delays, or performance issues might raise concerns. Understanding their track record helps in assessing the reliability of the contractor for executing the complex in-situ thermal treatment required at the Keystone OU 1 site.

How does the per-unit cost of this in-situ thermal treatment project compare to similar EPA-funded remediation efforts?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of this in-situ thermal treatment project against similar EPA-funded remediation efforts is crucial for assessing value for money. However, 'per-unit cost' can be defined in various ways (e.g., cost per cubic yard of soil treated, cost per acre remediated, cost per pound of contaminant removed). Without specific metrics on the volume or type of contamination being treated, a precise comparison is difficult. Generally, in-situ thermal treatment is a technologically advanced and often costly method. If data were available on the total volume of contaminated material and the specific contaminants targeted, it could be compared to publicly available data from other Superfund sites or EPA remediation projects employing similar technologies to determine if this $9.97 million award represents a competitive price point.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk mitigation strategies outlined in the contract for the Keystone OU 1 Remedial Action Site?

The contract likely outlines specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the effectiveness of the in-situ thermal treatment, such as achieving target contaminant reduction levels, meeting air emission standards, and ensuring the integrity of the containment system. Risk mitigation strategies would address potential challenges inherent in such projects, including unforeseen subsurface conditions, equipment malfunctions, and community relations. These might include contingency plans, regular progress reporting, independent verification sampling, and established communication protocols with the EPA and local stakeholders. A thorough review of the contract's performance work statement and associated clauses would detail these KPIs and risk management approaches.

What is the projected timeline for achieving significant remediation milestones at the Keystone OU 1 site under this contract?

The contract specifies a period of performance from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, a duration of approximately 912 days. While this provides the overall timeframe, the projected timeline for achieving significant remediation milestones would be detailed in the contractor's work plan and schedule, subject to EPA approval. Key milestones might include the completion of site preparation, initiation and completion of the thermal treatment phase for specific zones, post-treatment verification sampling, and final site restoration. The EPA's oversight would ensure adherence to this schedule, with potential adjustments based on site conditions and treatment progress.

How does the chosen remediation technology (in-situ thermal treatment) align with the specific contamination challenges at the Keystone OU 1 site?

In-situ thermal treatment (ISTT) is typically employed for contaminants that are volatile, semi-volatile, or persistent and difficult to remove through other methods. It involves heating the subsurface to vaporize or destroy contaminants directly in the ground. The selection of ISTT for the Keystone OU 1 site suggests that the contamination likely consists of substances that are effectively addressed by this technology, such as chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, or certain heavy metals. The EPA's decision to use ISTT would be based on site-specific investigations, treatability studies, and a comparative analysis of various remediation technologies, aiming for the most effective and permanent solution for the identified contaminants.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HE0523R0031

Offers Received: 4

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: $14,483,705

Exercised Options: $14,483,705

Current Obligation: $9,969,541

Actual Outlays: $7,378,488

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline