EPA awards $2.16M direct 8(a) animal care contract to MPF Federal for veterinary services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,159,038 ($2.2M)

Contractor: MPF Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2022-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AWBERC ANIMAL CARE CONTRACT WITH MPF FEDERAL. IT IS A DIRECT 8A SET ASIDE. THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES ANIMAL CARE FOR NO MORE THAN 4000 ANIMALS/ YEAR, MAINTAINS APPROXIMATELY 6000 FT2 OF VIVARIUM SPACE.

Place of Performance

Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45220

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.2 million to MPF FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: AWBERC ANIMAL CARE CONTRACT WITH MPF FEDERAL. IT IS A DIRECT 8A SET ASIDE. THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES ANIMAL CARE FOR NO MORE THAN 4000 ANIMALS/ YEAR, MAINTAINS APPROXIMATELY 6000 FT2 OF VIVARIUM SPACE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via direct 8(a) set-aside, limiting competition. 2. Provides animal care for up to 4000 animals and maintains 6000 sq ft of vivarium space. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type. 4. Long duration of 5 years (1825 days).

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2.16M over 5 years is difficult to benchmark without specific service details. The direct 8(a) award method suggests limited price discovery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded as a direct 8(a) set-aside, meaning it was not openly competed. This limits the potential for competitive pricing and may not ensure the best value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in higher costs than if the contract were fully competed, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Ensures essential animal care services for EPA research and operations. Supports the EPA's mission by providing necessary facilities and animal husbandry. Direct 8(a) award may limit opportunities for other small businesses.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to 8(a) set-aside.
Lack of detailed service scope for value assessment.
Long contract duration without clear performance metrics.

Positive Signals

Supports a specific small business (8(a) participant).
Provides critical services for agency operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically veterinary services. Benchmarking is challenging without detailed service descriptions, but 8(a) set-asides often aim to support specific socioeconomic goals.

Small Business Impact

The contract is a direct 8(a) set-aside, specifically intended to benefit a small disadvantaged business. This method ensures a sole awardee from this category, but limits broader small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The direct 8(a) award mechanism bypasses full and open competition, raising questions about oversight and the rigor of price discovery. Further review of the justification for this sole-source approach is warranted.

Related Government Programs

Veterinary Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Lack of detailed service scope.
Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award.
Long contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.2 million to MPF FEDERAL, LLC. AWBERC ANIMAL CARE CONTRACT WITH MPF FEDERAL. IT IS A DIRECT 8A SET ASIDE. THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES ANIMAL CARE FOR NO MORE THAN 4000 ANIMALS/ YEAR, MAINTAINS APPROXIMATELY 6000 FT2 OF VIVARIUM SPACE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MPF FEDERAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What specific animal care services are included, and how do they align with the $2.16M price tag over five years?

The provided data indicates the contract covers animal care for up to 4000 animals annually and maintenance of approximately 6000 sq ft of vivarium space. However, the specific services, such as feeding, housing, veterinary care, waste disposal, and specialized research support, are not detailed. Without this granular information, a precise value assessment against the $2.16M cost is not feasible.

What is the justification for awarding this contract via a direct 8(a) set-aside instead of full and open competition?

Direct 8(a) set-asides are typically used when the Small Business Administration (SBA) determines that a specific small disadvantaged business (SDB) has the capacity to perform the contract. The justification likely centers on supporting this particular SDB and meeting socioeconomic goals. However, this method inherently limits competition, potentially impacting price competitiveness and broader market access.

How will the effectiveness of MPF Federal's animal care services be measured and ensured throughout the 5-year contract term?

The effectiveness of the animal care services will likely be monitored through performance standards and quality assurance surveillance plans outlined in the contract. Key performance indicators (KPIs) related to animal welfare, facility maintenance, and timely service delivery would be crucial. Regular reporting and site inspections by the EPA contracting officer's representative are standard oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Veterinary Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 68HERC21R0085

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1500 MARKET ST FL 12, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,415,285

Exercised Options: $2,415,285

Current Obligation: $2,159,038

Actual Outlays: $1,895,836

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline