EPA Awards $2.98M Task Order for Wastewater Infrastructure Support to Horsley Witten Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $298,166 ($298.2K)

Contractor: Horsley Witten Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-02-22

End Date: 2025-02-22

Contract Duration: 731 days

Daily Burn Rate: $408/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO RURAL, SMALL AND TRIBAL WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS). NEW COMPETITIVE TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: SANDWICH, BARNSTABLE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02563

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $298,166.07 to HORSLEY WITTEN GROUP, INC. for work described as: TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO RURAL, SMALL AND TRIBAL WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS). NEW COMPETITIVE TASK ORDER Key points: 1. The contract focuses on technical and administrative support for wastewater infrastructure in rural, small, and tribal systems. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. The primary risk lies in the effective delivery of services to diverse and potentially underserved communities. 4. The sector is Environmental Consulting Services, crucial for public health and infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.98M for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar EPA task orders for technical assistance would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement utilized 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process where specific sources were initially considered but ultimately opened. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to improve essential wastewater infrastructure, which has long-term public health and environmental benefits.

Public Impact

Improved wastewater treatment for rural, small, and tribal communities, enhancing public health. Support for critical infrastructure upgrades, potentially preventing environmental contamination. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations for vulnerable populations. Potential for job creation in environmental consulting and related fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in technical assistance.
Ensuring equitable distribution of support across diverse community types.

Positive Signals

Focus on underserved communities.
Clear performance work statement.
Competitive award process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, which is vital for government agencies like the EPA to manage and improve environmental infrastructure. Spending in this sector often fluctuates with regulatory changes and infrastructure investment priorities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Horsley Witten Group, Inc. There is no explicit information on small business participation in this specific task order, though the contract type (Delivery Order) might allow for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) should outline clear deliverables and performance metrics to ensure accountability and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Consulting Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for inequitable distribution of resources.
Complexity of supporting diverse community needs.
Ensuring long-term sustainability of improvements.
Monitoring contractor performance against PWS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $298,166.07 to HORSLEY WITTEN GROUP, INC.. TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO RURAL, SMALL AND TRIBAL WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS). NEW COMPETITIVE TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HORSLEY WITTEN GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $298,166.07.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-22. End: 2025-02-22.

How will the effectiveness of the technical and administrative support be measured to ensure tangible improvements in wastewater infrastructure for the targeted communities?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the PWS, such as the number of systems receiving support, successful grant applications facilitated, compliance improvements achieved, and positive feedback from community stakeholders. Regular progress reports and site visits by EPA contracting officers will also contribute to assessing the impact of the support provided.

What specific risks are associated with providing support to 'rural, small, and tribal' wastewater systems, and how are these being mitigated?

Risks include varying levels of technical capacity within these communities, potential communication challenges, and the unique regulatory or geographical hurdles they face. Mitigation strategies likely involve tailored support plans, culturally sensitive outreach, and close collaboration between Horsley Witten Group and EPA regional offices to address specific community needs effectively.

Given the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns while ensuring quality service delivery?

A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently, as their fee is fixed regardless of actual costs incurred. Robust oversight by the EPA, including detailed cost proposal reviews, regular audits, and strict adherence to the PWS, are crucial for controlling expenditures and ensuring the fixed fee aligns with the delivered value.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HERC23R0026

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 90 ROUTE 6A STE 1, SANDWICH, MA, 02563

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $342,494

Exercised Options: $342,494

Current Obligation: $298,166

Actual Outlays: $297,166

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC20D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline