EPA awards $25M for Amador County environmental remediation, focusing on design documents

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,976,591 ($25.0M)

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

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2020-07-24

End Date: 2025-01-27

Contract Duration: 1,648 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) IS TO PREPARE REMOVAL ENGINEERING DESIGN DOCUMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A NON-TIME CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTION (NTCRA)IN AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Place of Performance

Location: AMADOR CITY, AMADOR County, CALIFORNIA, 95601

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $25.0 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) IS TO PREPARE REMOVAL ENGINEERING DESIGN DOCUMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A NON-TIME CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTION (NTCRA)IN AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on engineering design for a non-time critical removal action, indicating a phased approach to environmental cleanup. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and budget, potentially limiting cost overruns if well-managed. 3. Competition was conducted after exclusion of sources, which warrants scrutiny regarding the rationale and potential impact on pricing. 4. The contract duration of approximately 5.5 years suggests a complex and long-term environmental challenge. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 562910 points to remediation services, a specialized sector. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $24.98 million for engineering design documents for a non-time critical removal action in Amador County, California, appears substantial. Benchmarking this against similar environmental remediation design contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope and complexity of the site. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs. Further analysis would require comparing the cost per phase or deliverable against industry standards for similar environmental engineering projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This procurement method is unusual and suggests that while full and open competition was intended, specific sources may have been excluded for reasons that need further clarification. The number of bidders is not provided, making it difficult to assess the level of competition. This approach could potentially limit price discovery and may indicate a specialized service where only a few entities qualify.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even if justified, can limit competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a truly open competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and environment of Amador County, California, who will see progress towards the cleanup of a contaminated site. The contract will deliver engineering design documents essential for the planning and execution of a non-time critical removal action. The geographic impact is localized to Amador County, California, addressing specific environmental concerns within that region. The contract supports the environmental services sector, potentially involving engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method requires further investigation to ensure fairness and optimal pricing.
The long contract duration (over 5 years) necessitates robust oversight to ensure project milestones are met and costs remain controlled.
Lack of specific details on the remediation site's complexity makes it difficult to fully assess the value proposition.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract is awarded to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, a known entity in the environmental services field.
The focus on design documents indicates a structured approach to a complex environmental problem.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation services sector is a critical part of the broader environmental services industry, focusing on the cleanup of contaminated sites. This contract falls under the remediation services sub-sector, specifically involving the engineering design phase for a removal action. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements and the need to address legacy contamination. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on the number and scale of Superfund sites or other federally regulated cleanup projects.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this contract. This suggests that the primary focus was on technical capability and full and open competition (albeit with source exclusions). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in specialized environmental services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically the program office responsible for Superfund or similar cleanup initiatives. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specific design documents by agreed-upon deadlines. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting on the progress of the design phase and the rationale behind the 'exclusion of sources' procurement method.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
RCRA Corrective Actions
Brownfields Program
Federal Remediation Services

Risk Flags

Competition Method Justification
Long-Term Performance Risk
Scope Creep Potential
Regulatory Change Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $25.0 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) IS TO PREPARE REMOVAL ENGINEERING DESIGN DOCUMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A NON-TIME CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTION (NTCRA)IN AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

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 $25.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-24. End: 2025-01-27.

What is the specific nature of the environmental contamination in Amador County that necessitates this removal action?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the contamination in Amador County. However, the contract's purpose is to prepare design documents for a 'Non-Time Critical Removal Action (NTCRA).' NTCKAs are typically initiated when there is a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that does not require an immediate response. These actions often address contamination from historical industrial activities, waste disposal, or spills. Further details on the specific contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, petroleum products) and the affected media (soil, groundwater, surface water) would be found in the EPA's site-specific documentation and the Statement of Work (SOW) itself, which is not fully detailed here.

What does 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' mean in practice for this contract?

This procurement method is somewhat contradictory. 'Full and open competition' implies that all responsible sources are permitted to compete. However, 'after exclusion of sources' indicates that certain potential bidders were deliberately not considered or invited to bid. This could occur if the agency determined that only a limited number of contractors possessed the highly specialized expertise or unique qualifications required for the project, or perhaps due to prior performance issues with certain companies. The justification for excluding sources must be documented and approved, often requiring a waiver or justification under specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses. This method can limit competition and potentially increase costs if not properly justified and managed.

How does the $25 million award compare to typical costs for environmental remediation design contracts?

The $24.98 million award for engineering design documents is a significant sum, suggesting a complex or large-scale remediation project. However, without knowing the specific scope, the type and extent of contamination, and the required deliverables (e.g., feasibility studies, Remedial Design/Remedial Action - RD/RA plans), it's difficult to benchmark accurately. Design costs can range widely, from a few hundred thousand dollars for simpler sites to millions for highly complex Superfund sites. The duration of the contract (over 5 years) also implies that this is not just a preliminary design but likely encompasses detailed engineering and potentially oversight during the remediation phase, contributing to the overall cost.

What is the track record of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC with the EPA for similar remediation design projects?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC is a well-established firm with extensive experience in environmental consulting and engineering, including remediation services. They have a history of working with various federal agencies, including the EPA, on complex environmental projects. To assess their specific track record for similar remediation design projects, one would need to examine their past performance evaluations, contract history with the EPA (available through resources like USASpending.gov), and any publicly available project case studies. Their status as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) also suggests a commitment to environmental and social goals, which may align well with EPA's mission.

What are the potential risks associated with a five-year contract for environmental remediation design?

A five-year duration for a design contract presents several risks. Firstly, the scope of work might evolve as more information is gathered about the site contamination, potentially leading to change orders and cost increases if not managed tightly. Secondly, there's a risk of contractor performance degradation over such a long period; maintaining consistent quality and responsiveness requires strong government oversight. Thirdly, regulatory landscapes or cleanup standards could change during the contract period, necessitating design modifications. Finally, economic factors like inflation could impact the long-term cost-effectiveness if the contract isn't structured with appropriate escalation clauses or if the initial pricing was not sufficiently forward-looking.

How does this contract fit into the EPA's broader strategy for environmental cleanup in California?

This contract aligns with the EPA's ongoing efforts to address contaminated sites across the nation, including California, which has a significant number of sites requiring remediation due to its industrial history and population density. By focusing on the design phase for a Non-Time Critical Removal Action (NTCRA), the EPA is systematically planning for the cleanup of environmental hazards. This approach allows for thorough technical evaluation and planning, ensuring that subsequent removal actions are effective and cost-efficient. Such contracts are crucial for advancing the goals of environmental protection and public health, particularly in communities affected by historical contamination.

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: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Solicitation ID: SOL-R9-11-00006

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIRCLE SUITE 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: $24,976,591

Exercised Options: $24,976,591

Current Obligation: $24,976,591

Actual Outlays: $24,300,558

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 26

Total Subaward Amount: $55,861,914

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EPS91401

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline