EPA awards $2.1M for Grand Calumet River sampling, focusing on remediation investigation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,108,715 ($2.1M)

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

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-11-25

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 766 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SFGLAES: GRAND CALUMET RIVER EAST 5 MILES PHASE II SAMPLING (REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION) PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: GARY, LAKE County, INDIANA, 46401

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.1 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: SFGLAES: GRAND CALUMET RIVER EAST 5 MILES PHASE II SAMPLING (REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION) PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on a critical environmental remediation effort for the Grand Calumet River. 2. The project involves detailed sampling and investigation to inform future cleanup actions. 3. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and budget, potentially limiting cost overruns. 4. The duration of 766 days indicates a substantial and complex undertaking. 5. The contract is awarded to a single entity, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC. 6. The project is situated in Indiana, a region with significant industrial history and environmental challenges.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.1 million for a two-year remedial investigation project appears reasonable given the scope. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific project details, environmental remediation projects of this nature, involving extensive sampling and analysis over several miles of a river, typically require significant investment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the ultimate value will depend on the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and its effectiveness in guiding future remediation efforts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while a broad solicitation may have occurred, specific reasons led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders before the final selection. The exact nature of these exclusions is not detailed, but it suggests a more targeted competition than a truly open process. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the competitive pressure on pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may mean that taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process. However, if the exclusions were based on highly specialized qualifications necessary for this complex environmental task, the selected contractor might offer superior expertise, potentially leading to a more effective and ultimately cost-efficient outcome.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the communities and ecosystems impacted by the pollution in the Grand Calumet River, which will benefit from a more informed cleanup strategy. The project will deliver crucial data through extensive sampling and analysis, forming the basis for a comprehensive remedial investigation report. The geographic impact is focused on a 5-mile stretch of the Grand Calumet River East in Indiana. The project will likely involve environmental scientists, technicians, and laboratory personnel, contributing to specialized employment in the environmental sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants further investigation to ensure fairness and optimal pricing.
The long project duration could introduce risks related to changing environmental regulations or unforeseen site conditions.
The reliance on a single contractor for this critical phase could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The selection of a specialized firm like EA Engineering suggests a focus on technical expertise for a complex environmental task.
The project addresses a significant environmental concern, indicating a commitment to public health and ecological restoration.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting and remediation services sector is a significant market driven by regulatory compliance and historical industrial impact. This contract falls within the remediation services sub-sector, which involves assessing, planning, and executing cleanup of contaminated sites. The EPA is a major client in this space, awarding numerous contracts for Superfund sites and other environmental restoration projects. Benchmarks for similar remedial investigation projects vary widely based on site complexity, size, and duration, but contracts in the low millions are common for detailed, multi-year studies.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the EPA's project officers and contracting specialists. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by locking in costs. Transparency regarding the investigation's progress and findings will be crucial, and the EPA's established procurement and contract management processes are expected to ensure accountability. The Inspector General's office may also conduct audits or investigations if concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Remedial Design/Remedial Action
Clean Water Act Programs
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Transparency
Potential for Scope Creep
Regulatory Change Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.1 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. SFGLAES: GRAND CALUMET RIVER EAST 5 MILES PHASE II SAMPLING (REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION) 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 $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-25. End: 2026-12-31.

What specific environmental conditions or contaminants are the focus of this remedial investigation?

The provided data does not specify the exact contaminants or environmental conditions being investigated. However, given the location along the Grand Calumet River, which has a long history of industrial activity, the investigation likely focuses on a range of legacy pollutants such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and potentially persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The 'Remedial Investigation' phase typically aims to define the nature and extent of contamination, assess risks to human health and the environment, and gather data to support the selection of appropriate cleanup technologies.

What were the key criteria for excluding other sources in this competition?

The data indicates the contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' (CT: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES). This specific designation suggests that while the initial solicitation was open, certain potential offerors were excluded from the final competition phase. The reasons for exclusion are not detailed in the provided data but typically relate to factors such as failure to meet minimum technical qualifications, inability to meet specific security requirements, or perhaps a lack of specialized experience deemed essential for this particular project. Without further documentation, the precise rationale remains unclear.

How does the $2.1 million cost compare to similar remedial investigation projects?

Benchmarking the $2.1 million cost requires comparing it to similar remedial investigation (RI) projects. RI projects vary significantly in scope, complexity, duration, and geographic location. Factors influencing cost include the size of the area, the types and concentrations of contaminants, the number of sampling points, laboratory analysis requirements, and the duration of the investigation. For a 5-mile stretch of a historically industrialized river, $2.1 million over approximately two years (766 days) appears to be within a reasonable range for a comprehensive RI. However, without detailed project scope comparisons, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging.

What is the track record of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC with the EPA?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (EA) is a well-established environmental consulting and engineering firm. While the provided data does not detail their specific contract history with the EPA, EA has a broad portfolio of work in environmental remediation, compliance, and engineering services for various government agencies, including the EPA, Department of Defense, and Department of the Interior. Their experience likely includes numerous projects similar in scope and complexity to this Grand Calumet River investigation, suggesting a strong capability to execute the contract successfully.

What are the potential risks associated with the 766-day project duration?

The 766-day duration (approximately 2 years and 1 month) for this remedial investigation presents several potential risks. Firstly, there is the risk of scope creep, where unforeseen complexities may lead to requests for additional work beyond the original contract scope, potentially impacting budget and schedule if not managed carefully. Secondly, environmental regulations can evolve over time; a longer project duration increases the chance that new or revised regulations might need to be incorporated, adding complexity. Lastly, extended timelines can increase the risk of personnel turnover or changes in key stakeholder priorities, potentially affecting project continuity and momentum.

How will the findings of this investigation inform future remediation efforts?

The findings from this Remedial Investigation (RI) are foundational for all subsequent remediation activities. The RI's primary goal is to characterize the contamination (what it is, where it is, how much is there) and assess the associated risks to human health and the environment. Based on this data, the EPA and its contractors will develop a Feasibility Study (FS) to evaluate different cleanup technologies and strategies. The RI report will directly inform the selection of the most effective, protective, and cost-efficient remediation approach, guiding decisions on methods like dredging, capping, in-situ treatment, or monitored natural attenuation.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HE0524R0040

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIRCLE, 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: $2,108,715

Exercised Options: $2,108,715

Current Obligation: $2,108,715

Actual Outlays: $1,298,988

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $771,191

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0523D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline