EPA's $3.19M Asthma Program Support Contract Awarded to Scientific Consulting Group Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,190,115 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Scientific Consulting Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-04-24

End Date: 2027-04-23

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ORIA/IED COMMUNICATIONS, ENGAGEMENT AND GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT CALL ORDER WILL SUPPORT GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH FOR THE ASTHMA PROGRAM, INCLUDING SENDING EMAIL CAMPAIGNS AND MAINTAINING CONTACT LISTS, PROMOTING ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH A

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20460

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $3.2 million to SCIENTIFIC CONSULTING GROUP INC for work described as: ORIA/IED COMMUNICATIONS, ENGAGEMENT AND GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT CALL ORDER WILL SUPPORT GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH FOR THE ASTHMA PROGRAM, INCLUDING SENDING EMAIL CAMPAIGNS AND MAINTAINING CONTACT LISTS, PROMOTING ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH A Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential communications and outreach for the Asthma Program. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending further analysis of deliverables and market rates. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators are currently low, with a clear scope of work and established contractor. 5. Performance context involves supporting public health initiatives like Asthma Awareness Month. 6. Sector positioning is within professional services supporting government public health programs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.19 million over four years for general communications and outreach support for the Asthma Program appears to be within a reasonable range for similar government support contracts. However, a definitive value-for-money assessment requires a deeper dive into the specific deliverables, the contractor's proposed labor rates, and comparison against industry benchmarks for specialized communication and engagement services. Without detailed task orders or performance metrics, it's difficult to ascertain if the pricing is optimal or if there are opportunities for cost savings.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive environment that should theoretically drive better pricing and service quality. This approach is generally favored for ensuring fair market access and maximizing taxpayer value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition provides taxpayers with assurance that the government sought the best possible value by allowing all qualified vendors to participate, fostering a competitive landscape that can lead to more cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the public, who will receive enhanced information and outreach regarding asthma prevention and management. Services delivered include email campaigns, contact list maintenance, and promotion of asthma awareness initiatives. The geographic impact is national, aiming to improve asthma education and awareness across the United States. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving the contractor's personnel executing communication tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if communication needs expand beyond initial definition.
Reliance on contractor's expertise for effective message delivery and audience engagement.

Positive Signals

Clear focus on supporting a vital public health program.
Contractor selected through a competitive process, suggesting a baseline level of capability.
Defined contract period provides a structured framework for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting government public health initiatives. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561920, 'Convention and Trade Show Organizers,' is a broad category that can encompass a range of event and communication support services. Spending in this area for government outreach and program support is common, with values varying significantly based on the scope and duration of the services required.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess any indirect benefits.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program officials responsible for the Asthma Program. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract's task orders. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific performance details may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

EPA Public Health Programs
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
Government Communications and Outreach Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
Effectiveness of communication strategy needs ongoing monitoring.
Reliance on contractor's ability to adapt to evolving program needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.2 million to SCIENTIFIC CONSULTING GROUP INC. ORIA/IED COMMUNICATIONS, ENGAGEMENT AND GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT CALL ORDER WILL SUPPORT GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH FOR THE ASTHMA PROGRAM, INCLUDING SENDING EMAIL CAMPAIGNS AND MAINTAINING CONTACT LISTS, PROMOTING ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC CONSULTING GROUP INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-24. End: 2027-04-23.

What is the track record of Scientific Consulting Group Inc. with the federal government, particularly with the EPA?

Scientific Consulting Group Inc. has a history of performing work for federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, especially those involving public health communications or program support, would provide valuable insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet deadlines and budget constraints. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any reported issues or successes would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of their contractor track record. Without specific contract history details, it's assumed they possess the necessary qualifications to have been awarded this BPA Call.

How does the pricing structure of this contract compare to similar government communications support contracts?

The provided data does not include detailed pricing structures, such as labor rates or specific service costs, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the total contract value of $3.19 million over four years for general communications and outreach for a specific program like asthma suggests a moderate investment. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare the proposed hourly rates for various labor categories (e.g., project managers, communication specialists) against established government rate schedules (like GSA schedules) or industry surveys for comparable services. The 'Time and Materials' contract type allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with the value delivered.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of communications support contract?

Key risks for this contract include the potential for scope creep, where the requirements for communications and outreach may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or schedule delays. Another risk is the effectiveness of the communication strategy; if the campaigns are not well-designed or targeted, they may fail to achieve the desired public health outcomes. There's also a risk related to contractor performance, ensuring that Scientific Consulting Group Inc. consistently delivers high-quality work and meets all contractual obligations. Finally, changes in program priorities or funding by the EPA could impact the contract's execution or continuation.

How effective has the EPA's Asthma Program been historically, and how does this contract support its objectives?

The effectiveness of the EPA's Asthma Program is typically measured by metrics related to public health outcomes, such as reduced asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and improved quality of life for individuals with asthma. This contract directly supports the program's objectives by providing essential communication and outreach services. Effective dissemination of information about asthma triggers, prevention strategies, and available resources can empower individuals and communities to better manage the condition. The success of this contract will be contingent on its ability to reach target audiences and influence health behaviors, thereby contributing to the overall goals of the EPA's Asthma Program.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar communications and outreach support at the EPA or similar agencies?

Historical spending on communications and outreach support by the EPA and other federal health agencies can vary widely depending on the specific program, campaign scope, and duration. Agencies often allocate significant resources to public health initiatives, including awareness campaigns, educational materials, and digital outreach. Contracts for such services can range from small, task-order-based agreements to large, multi-year procurements. Benchmarking this $3.19 million contract would involve examining historical data for similar EPA programs or comparable health-focused agencies to understand typical investment levels for communication support, ensuring this award aligns with established spending patterns and represents a reasonable allocation of public funds.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Other Support Services › Convention and Trade Show Organizers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 656 QUINCE ORCHARD RD, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20878

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,875,767

Exercised Options: $5,885,479

Current Obligation: $3,190,115

Actual Outlays: $2,476,611

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH22A0024

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline