EPA awards $132M for Cuyahoga Gorge Dam sediment remediation, a significant investment in environmental cleanup

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $132,162,808 ($132.2M)

Contractor: Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-01-16

End Date: 2029-08-20

Contract Duration: 1,677 days

Daily Burn Rate: $78.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CUYAHOGA GORGE DAM SEDIMENT REMEDIATION - GLNPO - TASK ORDER AWARD UNDER GLNPO-RRS MATOC

Place of Performance

Location: CUYAHOGA FALLS, SUMMIT County, OHIO, 44221

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $132.2 million to SEVENSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CUYAHOGA GORGE DAM SEDIMENT REMEDIATION - GLNPO - TASK ORDER AWARD UNDER GLNPO-RRS MATOC Key points: 1. This contract represents a substantial commitment to addressing environmental contamination at a critical infrastructure site. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide predictability for the agency. 3. The duration of the contract suggests a complex and long-term remediation effort. 4. Performance will be closely monitored given the environmental sensitivity and public interest in the project. 5. The scale of the award indicates a significant undertaking within the environmental remediation sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of over $132 million for sediment remediation at Cuyahoga Gorge Dam is a significant investment. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific project scope details, the firm-fixed-price contract suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The scale of the project implies a complex environmental challenge requiring specialized expertise. Benchmarking against similar large-scale dam remediation projects would provide further context on value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under a "Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources" (FOCAES) mechanism, indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources may have been excluded based on pre-qualification or specific requirements of the MATOC. The specific details of the exclusion are not provided, making it difficult to assess the breadth of competition. This approach can sometimes lead to a more focused competition among pre-qualified entities.

Taxpayer Impact: The FOCAES approach, while potentially efficient, means taxpayers may not benefit from the widest possible pool of bidders, which could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs than a truly open competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and ecosystems surrounding the Cuyahoga Gorge Dam, who will experience improved environmental quality. The contract will deliver critical services for the remediation of contaminated sediment, mitigating environmental risks. The geographic impact is localized to the Cuyahoga Gorge Dam area in Ohio. The project will likely involve a workforce skilled in environmental engineering, hazardous material handling, and heavy equipment operation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen environmental conditions are encountered during remediation.
Ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations and safety protocols throughout the project lifecycle.
Managing the complexity of coordinating multiple phases of sediment removal and disposal.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the agency.
The long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained focus on a critical environmental issue.
The award to a single contractor suggests a capable entity selected for a complex task.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation sector is a critical component of infrastructure development and environmental protection. This contract falls within the broader environmental services industry, which includes a wide range of activities from site assessment to cleanup and waste management. The market for large-scale remediation projects is often characterized by specialized firms with significant technical expertise and bonding capacity. Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory requirements, aging infrastructure, and historical contamination.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, Sevonson Environmental Services, Inc., will likely manage the majority of the work. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this large remediation project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), likely through contract officers and technical representatives who will monitor progress, quality, and compliance with contract terms. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for cost control. Transparency will depend on the EPA's public reporting practices regarding environmental projects and contract performance.

Related Government Programs

Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) Contracts
Environmental Remediation Services
Dam Infrastructure Projects
Hazardous Waste Management

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen environmental conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Complexity of large-scale sediment remediation in an active waterway.
Ensuring long-term contractor performance and quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $132.2 million to SEVENSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.. CUYAHOGA GORGE DAM SEDIMENT REMEDIATION - GLNPO - TASK ORDER AWARD UNDER GLNPO-RRS MATOC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEVENSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $132.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-16. End: 2029-08-20.

What is the specific nature of the sediment contamination at Cuyahoga Gorge Dam?

The provided data does not specify the exact contaminants present in the sediment at Cuyahoga Gorge Dam. However, sediment contamination in industrial areas often includes heavy metals (like lead, mercury, arsenic), persistent organic pollutants (like PCBs, dioxins), and hydrocarbons. The remediation plan would be tailored to the specific pollutants identified through environmental assessments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO), typically addresses contamination impacting the Great Lakes basin, which can include historical industrial discharges and runoff. Further details would be available in the project's environmental impact statements and technical specifications.

How does the $132 million cost compare to similar large-scale dam sediment remediation projects?

Directly comparing the $132 million cost without detailed project scope, volume of sediment, contaminant type, and geographic location is challenging. However, large-scale sediment remediation projects for dams can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Factors influencing cost include the extent of contamination, the volume of material to be removed and disposed of, the complexity of the site (e.g., accessibility, water flow), and the specific remediation technologies employed. Given the duration (over 4 years) and the firm-fixed-price nature, this award suggests a significant and complex undertaking. Benchmarking against similar EPA-led or Army Corps of Engineers projects of comparable scale and complexity would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this sediment remediation contract?

The primary risks associated with this sediment remediation contract include: 1. **Unforeseen Environmental Conditions:** Discovering unexpected types or higher concentrations of contaminants than initially assessed could lead to scope changes and cost increases, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. 2. **Technical Challenges:** The physical removal and disposal of contaminated sediment can be technically complex, especially in an active waterway, posing risks to equipment, personnel, and the environment if not managed properly. 3. **Regulatory Compliance:** Strict adherence to evolving environmental regulations and permitting requirements is crucial; non-compliance can lead to delays and penalties. 4. **Contractor Performance:** Ensuring the selected contractor, Sevonson Environmental Services, Inc., has the capacity, expertise, and resources to execute the project successfully over its multi-year duration is a key risk. 5. **Public and Stakeholder Relations:** Managing public perception and stakeholder concerns regarding the remediation process and its potential impacts on the local environment and community.

What is the track record of Sevonson Environmental Services, Inc. in similar large-scale environmental remediation projects?

Sevonson Environmental Services, Inc. is a significant player in the environmental remediation and construction industry. While specific details of their past performance on projects of precisely this scale and type are not provided in the summary data, the company has a history of undertaking complex environmental cleanup projects, including those involving hazardous waste, contaminated sites, and infrastructure support. Their experience often includes work for government agencies. A thorough review of their contract history, past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and financial stability would be necessary to fully assess their capability and track record for this specific $132 million award.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FOCAES) impact taxpayer value?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FOCAES) mechanism, as indicated for this contract, means that while the competition was intended to be open, certain potential bidders were excluded based on pre-defined criteria, likely related to the specific requirements of the MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) under which this task order was issued. This approach can streamline the selection process by focusing on pre-qualified vendors. However, it inherently limits the pool of competitors compared to a truly open solicitation. For taxpayers, this can mean potentially less aggressive pricing than might be achieved in a broader competition, as the number of bidders is reduced. The value proposition depends on whether the excluded sources would have been competitive and whether the pre-qualification process effectively identified highly capable vendors at a reasonable price.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0523R0024

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2749 LOCKPORT RD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, 14305

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $155,934,612

Exercised Options: $132,162,808

Current Obligation: $132,162,808

Actual Outlays: $26,408,769

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0521D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline