EPA awards $297K contract for building enclosure assessment services to Chinook Systems Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,772 ($29.8K)

Contractor: Chinook Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2025-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $82/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BUILDING ENCLOSURE ASSESSMENT SERVICES FOR THE PHASED ROOF DESIGN PROJECT AT THE EPA NATIONAL VEHICLE AND FUEL EMISSIONS LABORATORY LOCATED IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN.

Place of Performance

Location: ANN ARBOR, WASHTENAW County, MICHIGAN, 48103

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $29,772.39 to CHINOOK SYSTEMS INC for work described as: BUILDING ENCLOSURE ASSESSMENT SERVICES FOR THE PHASED ROOF DESIGN PROJECT AT THE EPA NATIONAL VEHICLE AND FUEL EMISSIONS LABORATORY LOCATED IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical building enclosure assessment for a phased roof design project. 2. Services are essential for ensuring the long-term integrity and performance of EPA facilities. 3. The contract value appears modest, suggesting a targeted scope of work. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 5. Delivery order structure allows for phased execution of services. 6. The project is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, impacting local facilities management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $297,723.90 for building enclosure assessment services is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope. Without specific benchmarks for similar EPA facility projects, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The duration of 364 days aligns with a project of this nature, and the delivery order structure allows for flexibility in service deployment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded. This suggests a potential limitation in the number of bidders considered. The specific reasons for excluding sources are not detailed, making it challenging to fully assess the impact on price discovery. However, the 'full and open' aspect implies an attempt to solicit a wide range of qualified offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, even with an initial 'full and open' intent, may have resulted in a less competitive pricing environment than a truly unrestricted competition. Taxpayers may have paid a slightly higher price due to the exclusion of potential bidders.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from enhanced facility maintenance and operational efficiency. Services will ensure the structural integrity and environmental performance of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The project's geographic impact is localized to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Workforce implications are likely minimal, involving specialized assessment personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
Lack of detailed justification for source exclusion raises transparency concerns.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Delivery order structure allows for phased and flexible service delivery.
Focus on building enclosure assessment addresses critical infrastructure needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which encompasses a wide range of professional engineering activities. The market for building enclosure assessment is specialized, focusing on the performance and integrity of a building's exterior envelope. Spending in this area is often tied to facility maintenance, upgrades, and compliance with building codes and environmental standards. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader facility management or capital improvement budgets of government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee, Chinook Systems Inc., is likely a larger entity, and the scope of work did not necessitate specific small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is partially addressed through public contract databases, but detailed justifications for competition exclusions would enhance it further. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

EPA Facilities Management
Building Envelope Consulting Services
Environmental Laboratory Operations Support
Infrastructure Assessment Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for unaddressed scope if assessment is incomplete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $29,772.39 to CHINOOK SYSTEMS INC. BUILDING ENCLOSURE ASSESSMENT SERVICES FOR THE PHASED ROOF DESIGN PROJECT AT THE EPA NATIONAL VEHICLE AND FUEL EMISSIONS LABORATORY LOCATED IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHINOOK SYSTEMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29,772.39.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2025-09-29.

What is the track record of Chinook Systems Inc. in performing similar building enclosure assessment services for federal agencies?

Information regarding Chinook Systems Inc.'s specific track record in performing building enclosure assessment services for federal agencies is not readily available within the provided data. A comprehensive review would require examining past performance evaluations, contract histories, and any reported issues or successes on similar projects. Federal procurement databases and agency-specific contract award histories would be the primary sources for this analysis. Understanding their experience with projects of comparable scale and complexity, particularly for environmental laboratories or similar research facilities, would be crucial in assessing their capability and reliability for this EPA contract.

How does the awarded amount of $297,723.90 compare to typical costs for similar building enclosure assessment projects?

The awarded amount of $297,723.90 for building enclosure assessment services is relatively modest for a federal contract, suggesting a focused scope of work. Benchmarking this against similar projects is challenging without access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts. Factors influencing cost include the size and complexity of the facility, the specific assessment methodologies required, the duration of the assessment, and the geographic location. Generally, larger or more complex facilities, or those requiring extensive testing and analysis, would command higher contract values. The firm-fixed-price nature indicates that the contractor is expected to deliver the defined scope within this budget.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep if the building enclosure issues are more extensive than initially assessed, contractor performance issues leading to delays or substandard work, and potential cost increases if unforeseen conditions arise (though mitigated by fixed-price). Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price contract type, which caps the government's financial exposure for the defined scope. The delivery order structure allows for phased execution, enabling closer monitoring and adjustments. Clear performance standards and regular progress reviews by the EPA would further mitigate performance risks. The limited competition aspect, however, could pose a risk of less competitive pricing.

What is the expected effectiveness of the building enclosure assessment services in improving the EPA's facility performance?

The effectiveness of the building enclosure assessment services is expected to be high in improving the EPA's facility performance, provided the assessment is thorough and the recommendations are actionable. By identifying deficiencies in the building's envelope (e.g., insulation, air sealing, moisture management), the services will enable targeted repairs and upgrades. This can lead to improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, enhanced occupant comfort, and better protection of sensitive equipment and materials within the laboratory. The phased roof design project context suggests these assessments are crucial for ensuring the long-term integrity and functionality of the facility's roof and associated structures.

What are the historical spending patterns for building enclosure assessment services at the EPA or similar agencies?

Historical spending patterns for building enclosure assessment services at the EPA or similar agencies can vary significantly based on the agency's portfolio of facilities, age of infrastructure, and strategic maintenance priorities. Agencies with large, aging facility portfolios, like the EPA, often allocate consistent funding for such assessments to ensure operational continuity and compliance. Spending can fluctuate year-to-year depending on major renovation cycles or specific identified issues. Without access to detailed historical spending data for the EPA's facilities division or comparable agencies, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, such services are typically considered essential for long-term asset management and are budgeted accordingly within facilities maintenance and capital improvement funds.

What does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' designation imply for the procurement process and potential outcomes?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies a procurement process that initially aimed for broad competition but subsequently excluded certain potential offerors. This typically occurs when a contracting officer determines that specific sources are not qualified, or when certain statutory or regulatory exclusions apply. While it starts with the intent of full and open competition, the exclusion of sources can limit the number of bidders. This might be done to ensure specialized expertise or to comply with specific program requirements. The implication for outcomes is that while competition was sought, it may not have been as robust as a completely unrestricted process, potentially impacting the final price and the range of innovative solutions considered. The justification for exclusion is critical for understanding the impact on fairness and value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HERC23R0316

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Chinook Systems, Inc.

Address: 3400 OCEAN BEACH BLVD APT 511, COCOA BEACH, FL, 32931

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,772

Exercised Options: $29,772

Current Obligation: $29,772

Actual Outlays: $29,772

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC22D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline