EPA Awards UNC $11.9M for Research Library Services, Extending Through 2025

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,937,058 ($11.9M)

Contractor: University of North Carolina AT Chapel Hill

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2021-02-26

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,769 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST SHARING

Sector: Other

Official Description: US EPA AT RTP RESEARCH LIBRARY SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: CHAPEL HILL, ORANGE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27599

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $11.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL for work described as: US EPA AT RTP RESEARCH LIBRARY SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $11.9M for essential library services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risk lies in contract duration and cost-sharing model. 4. Sector is Libraries and Archives, supporting scientific research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.9M over approximately 5 years (Feb 2021 - Dec 2025) averages around $2.38M annually. Benchmarking this against similar library service contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the duration and scope suggest a fair valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, likely resulting in a more favorable price for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are receiving a fair price for the library services provided to the EPA.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to vital research materials and archives for EPA scientists. Supports the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's role in federal research infrastructure. Potential for knowledge dissemination and scientific advancement through accessible library resources.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-sharing model may shift some financial burden to the government.
Long contract duration could lead to price increases if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing.
Contract supports a key federal agency's research capabilities.
Award to a reputable university institution.

Sector Analysis

The Libraries and Archives sector supports government agencies by providing access to information, research materials, and archival services. Spending in this sector is crucial for research and development, policy-making, and historical preservation. Benchmarks are highly variable based on the scope and type of services.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or benefit for small businesses in this contract. The award went to a large university, suggesting no direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were specified or highlighted.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Oversight would focus on ensuring the delivery of library services meets the terms of the contract, managing the cost-sharing aspects, and verifying the value provided throughout the contract period.

Related Government Programs

Libraries and Archives
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long (nearly 5 years).
Cost-sharing model requires further clarification on financial breakdown.
Lack of specific service details makes precise value assessment challenging.
Potential for scope creep or unmanaged cost increases over the contract term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $11.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL. US EPA AT RTP RESEARCH LIBRARY SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-26. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific services are included under 'Research Library Services' to justify the $11.9M cost?

The exact scope of 'Research Library Services' is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such services could include acquisition of journals and databases, interlibrary loans, archival management, digital repository maintenance, research support, and cataloging. A comprehensive understanding of these specific deliverables is crucial for a precise value assessment.

How is the 'Cost Sharing' aspect of the contract structured and what is the government's actual net cost?

The 'Cost Sharing' (PT) designation indicates that both the government and the contractor (UNC) contribute to the overall cost. The exact percentage or amount of cost sharing is not specified. To determine the government's net cost and assess value, the specific cost-sharing agreement and UNC's contribution need to be analyzed.

What metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the library services provided?

Effectiveness metrics for library services often include usage statistics (e.g., database access, document retrieval), user satisfaction surveys, turnaround times for requests, and the availability of critical research materials. The EPA likely has performance work statements and key performance indicators (KPIs) within the contract to measure these aspects.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › Libraries and Archives

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HERD19R0004

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of North Carolina System Office

Address: 104 AIRPORT DR STE 2200, CHAPEL HILL, NC, 27599

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,475,652

Exercised Options: $14,001,536

Current Obligation: $11,937,058

Actual Outlays: $10,266,866

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $3,652,486

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline