EPA awards $3.86M contract for technical support on heritage disposal and storage to Tetra Tech, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $385,721 ($385.7K)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-07-28

End Date: 2026-12-15

Contract Duration: 505 days

Daily Burn Rate: $764/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: R7 START VI: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NTCRA HERITAGE DISPOSAL & STORAGE

Place of Performance

Location: LENEXA, JOHNSON County, KANSAS, 66219

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $385,721.03 to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: R7 START VI: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NTCRA HERITAGE DISPOSAL & STORAGE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include performance delays or cost overruns given the contract duration. 4. This contract supports the EPA's mission in environmental protection and waste management. 5. The IT sector is not directly involved; this falls under environmental consulting. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating a focus on large prime contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $3.86 million for a period of roughly 1.5 years seems aligned with the scope of technical support for heritage disposal and storage. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for environmental consulting services indicates that this pricing is within a competitive range. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives the best value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition implies a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring that the most capable and cost-effective vendor is selected.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from specialized technical expertise. Services delivered include support for the disposal and storage of heritage materials. The geographic impact is primarily within Kansas (ST=KS, SN=KANSAS), where the services are likely to be performed. Workforce implications include the potential for employment of environmental scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in T&M contracts if not closely managed.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical environmental decisions.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental regulations throughout the disposal process.

Positive Signals

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a well-established environmental consulting firm with a strong track record.
The contract's clear objective of supporting heritage disposal and storage aligns with EPA's core mission.
The full and open competition process suggests a commitment to achieving best value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the broader professional services market. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise in areas such as environmental assessment, remediation, and compliance. The market size for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability initiatives. This contract represents a specific application of these services for the EPA.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the prime contractor, Tetra Tech, Inc., is expected to perform the majority of the work, potentially utilizing its own resources or larger subcontractors. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Tetra Tech actively engages small businesses for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance metrics outlined in the contract, particularly concerning the successful and compliant disposal and storage of heritage materials. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

EPA Hazardous Waste Management
EPA Superfund Program
Environmental Remediation Services
Government Environmental Consulting Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract type.
Complexity of handling 'heritage' materials requires specialized expertise.
Ensuring long-term compliance and safety of storage facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $385,721.03 to TETRA TECH, INC.. R7 START VI: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NTCRA HERITAGE DISPOSAL & STORAGE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $385,721.03.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-28. End: 2026-12-15.

What is Tetra Tech, Inc.'s past performance record with the EPA and similar agencies?

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a large, publicly traded company with extensive experience in environmental consulting and engineering services. They have a significant history of contracting with various federal agencies, including the EPA, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy. Their past performance typically includes large-scale environmental assessments, remediation projects, waste management, and infrastructure support. While specific performance ratings for this exact contract are not publicly available, Tetra Tech is generally considered a reputable contractor in the environmental sector. However, as with any large contractor, there may be instances of past performance issues or disputes on specific projects, which would require a deeper dive into contract databases and agency records for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar EPA contracts for environmental consulting services?

The awarded amount of approximately $3.86 million for a 17-month period (July 2025 - December 2026) for technical support in heritage disposal and storage appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized environmental consulting services. The EPA frequently awards contracts in the millions of dollars for environmental management, remediation, and technical support. Factors influencing the cost include the complexity of the materials to be handled, the required level of technical expertise, regulatory compliance demands, and the duration of the contract. Without specific details on the 'heritage materials' and the exact scope of work, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, given Tetra Tech's expertise and the nature of environmental services, the pricing seems competitive, especially considering it was awarded under full and open competition.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance delays, cost overruns due to the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, and ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations during disposal and storage. Delays could arise from unforeseen complexities in handling heritage materials or logistical challenges. Cost overruns are a inherent risk with T&M contracts if not meticulously managed and monitored by the EPA. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by both the contractor and the EPA, clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and strict adherence to the contract's statement of work. The EPA's oversight will be crucial in managing these risks effectively.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar environmental consulting services by the EPA?

The EPA consistently spends significant amounts on environmental consulting services annually, often in the hundreds of millions of dollars, to support its diverse mission. This includes contracts for site assessments, remediation oversight, regulatory compliance, waste management, and technical assistance across various programs like Superfund, hazardous waste, and water quality. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on program priorities, legislative funding, and the number of active remediation sites. Contracts for specialized services like heritage disposal and storage, while perhaps not the largest category, are a recurring need. The $3.86 million for this specific contract is a moderate allocation within the broader context of EPA's environmental services expenditures.

How does the 'heritage disposal and storage' aspect of this contract differ from standard environmental cleanup contracts?

The term 'heritage disposal and storage' suggests a focus on materials that may have historical, cultural, or scientific significance, in addition to potential environmental hazards. This differs from standard environmental cleanup contracts, which typically focus on the remediation of contaminated sites (e.g., soil, groundwater) or the disposal of routine industrial waste. Heritage materials might require specialized handling, preservation techniques, documentation, and archival storage protocols, in addition to standard environmental safety measures. This could involve collaboration with historical preservation agencies or museums, adding layers of complexity and requiring a unique blend of environmental and curatorial expertise beyond typical remediation projects.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 415 OAK ST, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64106

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $385,721

Exercised Options: $385,721

Current Obligation: $385,721

Actual Outlays: $52,213

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0725D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline