EPA Awards $27.7M Contract for Western Ecology Lab Construction, Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,681,677 ($27.7M)

Contractor: Ahtna Environmental Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2018-09-28

End Date: 2023-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,706 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE 2 OF THE WESTERN ECOLOGY DIVISION&REGION 9 LABORATORY CONSOLIDATION PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED SPECS AND DRAWINGS

Place of Performance

Location: CORVALLIS, BENTON County, OREGON, 97333

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $27.7 million to AHTNA ENVIRONMENTAL INC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE 2 OF THE WESTERN ECOLOGY DIVISION&REGION 9 LABORATORY CONSOLIDATION PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED SPECS AND DRAWINGS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AHTNA ENVIRONMENTAL INC for $27.7M. 2. Project involves construction of Phase 2 of the Western Ecology Division & Region 9 Laboratory Consolidation. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.7M appears reasonable for a multi-year laboratory construction project. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal construction projects would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This method suggests that while competition was sought, specific criteria or circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders, which could impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, though the exclusion of sources warrants further review to confirm optimal price realization.

Public Impact

Environmental research capabilities will be enhanced by the new laboratory facilities. The project supports the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Local economic impact through construction jobs and related services is expected.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in long-term construction projects.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction.

Positive Signals

Supports critical EPA research infrastructure.
Awarded through a competitive process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Federal spending in this sector often involves large, complex projects with significant lead times and potential for cost fluctuations based on material and labor markets.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the awardee, AHTNA ENVIRONMENTAL INC, is not a small business. There is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal construction projects, including site inspections and progress reporting, should be in place to ensure quality and adherence to schedule.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (1706 days) increases risk of cost escalation.
Competition method ('Exclusion of Sources') may limit price discovery.
No small business participation noted in awardee.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in construction projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $27.7 million to AHTNA ENVIRONMENTAL INC. CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE 2 OF THE WESTERN ECOLOGY DIVISION&REGION 9 LABORATORY CONSOLIDATION PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED SPECS AND DRAWINGS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AHTNA ENVIRONMENTAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-28. End: 2023-05-31.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, and did this exclusion limit competitive pricing?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique requirements are necessary for project success, and only a limited number of contractors can meet them. While this can sometimes reduce the number of bidders, it aims to ensure the most qualified contractor is selected. A thorough review of the solicitation documents and award justification would clarify the reasons for exclusion and assess its impact on achieving the best possible price for taxpayers.

Are there any identified risks associated with the long duration of this contract (nearly 5 years from award to completion) regarding potential cost increases or scope creep?

Long-duration contracts, especially in construction, inherently carry risks of cost escalation due to inflation, material price volatility, and unforeseen site conditions. Scope creep is also a concern if project requirements evolve significantly over time. Robust contract management, including change order controls and regular budget reviews, is crucial to mitigate these risks and keep the project within its allocated funding.

How will the effectiveness of the new laboratory facilities be measured post-completion to ensure they meet the intended research and operational goals?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through post-occupancy evaluations, user satisfaction surveys, and performance metrics related to the laboratory's operational efficiency and research output. Ensuring the facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and meet the specific needs of the Western Ecology Division and Region 9 scientists will be key indicators of success.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0C18R0003

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19540 INTERNATIONAL BLVD STE 201, SEATAC, WA, 98188

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,681,677

Exercised Options: $27,681,677

Current Obligation: $27,681,677

Actual Outlays: $3,058,044

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EPC15029

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline