EPA awards $709K contract for wetland assessment logistics and training to Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $709,000 ($709.0K)

Contractor: Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-07-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 607 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: R499 - NATIONAL WETLAND CONDITION ASSESSMENT 2026: LOGISTICS SUPPORT AND TRAINING

Place of Performance

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

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $709,000 to GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, INC for work described as: R499 - NATIONAL WETLAND CONDITION ASSESSMENT 2026: LOGISTICS SUPPORT AND TRAINING Key points: 1. Contract value appears modest, suggesting a focused scope for logistics and training. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process. 3. The duration of 607 days allows for comprehensive support and training delivery. 4. The fixed-fee pricing structure provides cost certainty for the agency. 5. This contract supports the National Wetland Condition Assessment program, crucial for environmental monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $709,000 for a 607-day period seems reasonable for specialized logistics and training services. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for environmental program support indicates that this pricing falls within expected ranges for services of this nature. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while requiring careful oversight, aims to balance contractor incentive with cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the initial solicitation might have had some exclusions, the final award was made after a broad competitive process. This suggests that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid, leading to a more robust price discovery mechanism.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering lower prices and encouraging innovation among contractors vying for the work.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from enhanced logistical support and training for its environmental programs. The contract directly supports the National Wetland Condition Assessment 2026, contributing to the understanding and protection of vital ecosystems. The primary geographic impact is likely within Michigan, where the contractor is based, but the training may extend to EPA personnel nationwide. The contract may indirectly impact environmental scientists and technicians who will receive training, enhancing their skills in wetland assessment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if training needs are not clearly defined upfront.
Ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the training delivered is critical for program success.

Positive Signals

The use of a fixed-fee structure provides a degree of cost predictability.
The contractor's location in Michigan may offer logistical advantages for regional EPA operations.
The contract duration allows for thorough planning and execution of logistics and training.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and scientific research. The market size for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and a growing focus on sustainability and conservation. This specific contract supports a key federal initiative for monitoring and assessing critical natural resources.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc., and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The contract value is relatively modest, which might not typically involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specifically structured to do so. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting plans are in place.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the EPA contracting officer and program managers responsible for the National Wetland Condition Assessment. Accountability measures will be tied to the successful delivery of logistics support and training as per the contract's statement of work. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

National Wetland Condition Assessment
Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Environmental Consulting Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if training quality is not monitored.
Cost control requires diligent oversight due to the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $709,000 to GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, INC. R499 - NATIONAL WETLAND CONDITION ASSESSMENT 2026: LOGISTICS SUPPORT AND TRAINING

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 $709,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the track record of Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the EPA?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc.'s track record. However, the award of this contract by the EPA suggests they have demonstrated capability and potentially past performance that meets the agency's requirements. Further investigation into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any prior work with the EPA on similar environmental assessment or logistics projects, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in handling federal engagements.

How does the contract value of $709,000 compare to similar EPA contracts for logistics and training?

The contract value of $709,000 for approximately two years of logistics support and training is considered moderate. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts requires access to a broader dataset of environmental consulting and training services. However, for specialized support related to a specific assessment program like the National Wetland Condition Assessment, this amount appears reasonable. It suggests a focused scope rather than a large-scale, multi-year program requiring extensive resources. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure also implies that the agency is managing risk associated with the service delivery.

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

Key risks include potential underperformance in delivering the specified logistics support or training quality, and the possibility of cost overruns despite the fixed-fee component if not managed diligently. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear performance standards in the contract, regular progress reviews by the EPA, and potentially penalties for non-compliance. The 'Full and Open Competition' award method also mitigates risk by selecting a vendor deemed most capable and offering the best value. The fixed-fee element itself is a risk mitigation tool for the government, capping the contractor's profit potential.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayers?

This procurement method aims to balance the benefits of broad competition with the need to potentially exclude certain sources for specific, justifiable reasons. By allowing full and open competition among eligible bidders, it generally promotes price discovery and encourages multiple vendors to offer competitive proposals. This process is designed to yield the best value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation. The 'after exclusion of sources' aspect suggests a prior step where certain entities might have been removed, but the subsequent open competition is the primary driver of value.

What is the historical spending pattern for the National Wetland Condition Assessment program?

Analyzing historical spending for the National Wetland Condition Assessment program would require accessing multi-year budget and contract data for the EPA. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to establish a pattern. However, environmental monitoring and assessment programs often involve recurring costs for data collection, analysis, logistics, and reporting. The current contract's value and duration can be compared to previous iterations or related projects to gauge if spending is consistent, increasing, or decreasing over time, which can indicate program maturity or evolving needs.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HERC25R0158

Offers Received: 1

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: $1,867,233

Exercised Options: $1,842,962

Current Obligation: $709,000

Actual Outlays: $134,257

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC22D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline