EPA awards $3.79M task order to TestAmerica for environmental testing services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,788,615 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Testamerica Laboratories, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2020-11-06

End Date: 2026-01-01

Contract Duration: 1,882 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TESTAMERICA LABORATORIES, INC. TASK ORDER INITIATION

Place of Performance

Location: SOUTH BURLINGTON, CHITTENDEN County, VERMONT, 05403

State: Vermont Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $3.8 million to TESTAMERICA LABORATORIES, INC. for work described as: TESTAMERICA LABORATORIES, INC. TASK ORDER INITIATION Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of environmental testing required. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment. 3. Contract duration of nearly two years indicates a sustained need for services. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. Services are essential for EPA's environmental monitoring and compliance efforts. 6. Contractor has a history of performing similar federal contracts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The task order value of $3.79 million over approximately two years for environmental testing services is within a reasonable range for federal contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory analysis and environmental monitoring suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the agency, assuming the contractor can manage its expenses effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. This approach ensures that the agency selects the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at the most advantageous price point, minimizing unnecessary expenditure.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits through the acquisition of critical environmental testing services. Services delivered include laboratory analysis and testing to support environmental protection programs. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting EPA's regulatory and enforcement activities across various regions. Workforce implications include support for scientists, technicians, and administrative staff involved in environmental analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if testing requirements are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant duration could pose continuity risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract duration aligns with anticipated program needs.

Sector Analysis

The environmental testing services sector is a critical component of the broader environmental consulting and professional services industry. This contract fits within the government's need for scientific support to fulfill its regulatory mandates. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector vary widely based on the complexity and volume of testing, but federal agencies consistently allocate significant resources to environmental monitoring and analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a small business subcontracting plan explicitly mentioned. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business or that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not a primary focus of this specific task order, though they may arise through the prime contractor's broader operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Environmental Protection Agency. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which record award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

EPA Environmental Monitoring Programs
EPA Laboratory Services Contracts
Federal Environmental Consulting Services
Environmental Analysis Task Orders

Risk Flags

Contract duration extends beyond typical task order lengths.
Potential for performance issues impacting regulatory timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.8 million to TESTAMERICA LABORATORIES, INC.. TESTAMERICA LABORATORIES, INC. TASK ORDER INITIATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TESTAMERICA LABORATORIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-11-06. End: 2026-01-01.

What is the historical spending pattern of the EPA on environmental testing services?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently allocates substantial funding towards environmental testing and laboratory services to support its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Historical data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) reveals billions of dollars spent annually across various contracts for analytical testing, monitoring, and research. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on legislative priorities, emerging environmental concerns (e.g., PFAS contamination, climate change impacts), and the lifecycle of major regulatory programs. For instance, periods of increased focus on specific pollutants or regions often correlate with higher contract awards in those areas. The agency utilizes a mix of contract vehicles, including large indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and smaller task orders like the one awarded to TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc., to meet diverse testing needs across its national operations.

How does the pricing of this TestAmerica task order compare to similar EPA contracts for environmental testing?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $3.79 million task order for TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. against similar EPA contracts requires access to detailed pricing data for comparable services. However, given that the contract was awarded under full and open competition and utilizes a firm fixed-price structure, it suggests a competitive market assessment was performed. Generally, the EPA aims to secure services at fair and reasonable prices, often through competitive bidding processes. Factors influencing price include the specific types of analyses required (e.g., water, soil, air), the complexity of the matrices, detection limits, turnaround times, and the volume of samples. Without direct comparative data on per-sample costs or specific analytical methods, a precise price-to-price comparison is difficult. However, the competitive award mechanism implies that the pricing was deemed acceptable relative to other potential bidders at the time of award.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the EPA?

The primary risks associated with this contract for the EPA include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. Since it's a firm fixed-price contract, the contractor bears the financial risk of cost overruns, but the EPA faces the risk of subpar quality, missed deadlines, or incomplete testing, which could impact regulatory decisions and environmental oversight. Another risk is contractor dependency; if TestAmerica experiences significant operational issues or fails to meet contractual obligations, the EPA may face disruptions in its environmental monitoring and data collection efforts. Ensuring robust oversight through the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and clearly defined performance standards are crucial to mitigating these risks. Furthermore, the long duration of the contract (ending January 2026) necessitates ongoing vigilance to ensure continued compliance and satisfactory performance throughout its term.

What is TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the EPA?

TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. has a significant track record of performing federal contracts, including numerous awards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Publicly available data indicates that the company has been a frequent recipient of contracts related to environmental testing, laboratory analysis, and related services. These contracts often involve complex analytical work for various environmental media such as water, soil, and air. Examining past performance records, if available through government databases or past performance reviews, would provide deeper insight into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to schedules. Their sustained engagement with the EPA suggests a level of competence and capability that aligns with the agency's requirements for critical environmental data.

How does this contract contribute to the EPA's overall mission and strategic goals?

This task order directly supports the EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment by providing essential scientific data. The environmental testing services procured enable the agency to monitor the quality of air, water, and land, assess the impact of pollutants, and enforce environmental regulations. Reliable and timely analytical results are fundamental to the EPA's decision-making processes, whether related to Superfund site cleanups, drinking water safety, air quality standards, or compliance monitoring under various environmental statutes like the Clean Water Act or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). By ensuring the availability of these critical laboratory services, the EPA can effectively track environmental trends, identify emerging threats, and implement necessary actions to safeguard public health and ecological integrity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 30 COMMUNITY DR STE 11, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, 05403

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,115,784

Exercised Options: $5,115,784

Current Obligation: $3,788,615

Actual Outlays: $2,381,556

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH20D0013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline