EPA awards $2.7M contract for UCMR implementation support to Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,692,084 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-08-28

End Date: 2025-09-02

Contract Duration: 370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 68HERC23D0009, TO #68HERC24F0505 SUPPORT FOR UCMR IMPLEMENTATION AT SMALL PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: TRAVERSE CITY, GRAND TRAVERSE County, MICHIGAN, 49686

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $2.7 million to GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, INC for work described as: 68HERC23D0009, TO #68HERC24F0505 SUPPORT FOR UCMR IMPLEMENTATION AT SMALL PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on supporting small public water systems with Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) implementation. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns but also flexibility. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The award is a delivery order against a larger contract, implying it's part of an ongoing program. 5. The duration of 370 days suggests a focused, short-term effort for specific implementation tasks. 6. The contract value of $2.7 million is modest within the context of federal environmental consulting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.7 million for approximately one year of support appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for UCMR implementation or general environmental consulting for federal agencies would provide a more precise value assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain within expected parameters, but it allows for adaptation to evolving needs in regulatory implementation.

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,' which indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing by allowing a wide range of qualified contractors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it is likely to result in a fair market price for the services rendered, preventing inflated costs that might arise from less competitive or sole-source awards.

Public Impact

Small public water systems across the nation will benefit from enhanced support in meeting UCMR requirements. The contract will deliver consulting services crucial for monitoring and reporting on unregulated contaminants. Improved implementation of UCMR can lead to better public health protection through early detection of contaminants. The services provided will help water systems navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost creep under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure if not closely managed.
The effectiveness of the support hinges on the contractor's ability to translate complex regulations into actionable guidance for small water systems.
Ensuring equitable distribution of support across diverse small water systems with varying needs and capacities.

Positive Signals

Focus on supporting small public water systems addresses a critical need for resource-constrained entities.
The contract's specific aim to support UCMR implementation aligns with public health and environmental protection goals.
Leveraging specialized environmental consulting expertise to improve regulatory compliance and water quality monitoring.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the broader professional services industry. The market for environmental consulting is driven by regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure development. Federal agencies, particularly the EPA, are significant clients, awarding contracts for services related to environmental monitoring, remediation, policy development, and regulatory implementation. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on new environmental legislation and enforcement priorities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc., is not a small business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this delivery order. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be minimal unless subcontracting opportunities are actively pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the awarding agency. As a delivery order under a larger contract, it likely falls under existing oversight mechanisms for that parent contract. Transparency will be maintained through contract reporting requirements and public availability of contract award data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR)
Environmental Consulting Services
Public Water System Support
Environmental Protection Agency Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost overruns.
Success is dependent on the contractor's ability to effectively translate complex regulatory requirements for small water systems.
Potential for scope creep if the needs of small water systems are more extensive than initially assessed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.7 million to GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, INC. 68HERC23D0009, TO #68HERC24F0505 SUPPORT FOR UCMR IMPLEMENTATION AT SMALL PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-28. End: 2025-09-02.

What is the track record of Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc. with EPA contracts, particularly those related to water quality or regulatory support?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc. has a history of receiving contracts from various federal agencies, including the EPA. Their contract portfolio often includes services related to environmental assessment, consulting, and compliance support. Specific to water quality and regulatory support, the company has been involved in projects that require expertise in areas such as water sampling, data analysis, and regulatory interpretation. While this specific delivery order focuses on UCMR implementation for small water systems, their past performance on similar, albeit potentially broader, environmental consulting tasks would be a key indicator of their capability. Further analysis would involve examining past performance evaluations and the scope of previous EPA contracts to ascertain their success in delivering similar services within budget and schedule.

How does the $2.7 million contract value compare to similar EPA contracts for UCMR implementation support?

The $2.7 million contract value for approximately one year of support for UCMR implementation at small public water systems appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized environmental consulting services. However, a precise benchmark requires comparing it to contracts with identical scopes, durations, and target recipients. Contracts for UCMR implementation can vary significantly based on the number of systems supported, the complexity of the contaminants being monitored, and the level of technical assistance required. Given that this contract specifically targets 'small public water systems,' which often have limited resources and technical capacity, the allocated funding suggests a focused effort to provide tailored support. Without access to a database of directly comparable UCMR implementation contracts, it's challenging to provide a definitive value-for-money assessment, but the amount is not inherently excessive for the stated purpose.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for UCMR implementation?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. If the project scope expands, unforeseen technical challenges arise, or the contractor's cost management is inefficient, the total cost to the government could exceed initial estimates. For UCMR implementation, risks include the complexity of identifying and monitoring specific contaminants, the variability in technical capabilities of small water systems, and potential changes in regulatory requirements. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, and regular performance reviews to ensure the contractor maintains cost discipline while achieving the contract's objectives.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the effectiveness of the UCMR program, particularly for small water systems?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program, especially for small public water systems. These systems often lack the dedicated staff, technical expertise, and financial resources to independently manage the complex requirements of UCMR, including sample collection, laboratory analysis, data reporting, and compliance documentation. By providing dedicated support, Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc. can help these systems navigate these challenges, ensuring more accurate and timely data submission. Improved data quality and completeness under UCMR are crucial for the EPA to assess the presence of contaminants in drinking water and make informed decisions about potential future regulations, ultimately contributing to enhanced public health protection nationwide.

How does current spending on UCMR implementation support compare to historical EPA spending in similar environmental consulting categories?

Analyzing current spending on UCMR implementation support requires context within the EPA's broader environmental consulting expenditures. The EPA consistently allocates significant funds towards environmental monitoring, research, and regulatory compliance programs, including UCMR. Historical spending patterns reveal a steady investment in these areas, driven by legislative mandates and evolving environmental science. While specific figures for UCMR implementation support vary year-to-year based on the UCMR cycle (which occurs every five years), the overall trend shows a commitment to ensuring water quality data collection. Comparing this $2.7 million award to historical EPA contracts for similar consulting services would indicate whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in this specific area of environmental protection.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HERC24F0264

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 739 HASTINGS ST, TRAVERSE CITY, MI, 49686

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,791,368

Exercised Options: $3,791,368

Current Obligation: $2,692,084

Actual Outlays: $2,692,084

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC23D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline