EPA awards $312K contract for aircraft emissions measurement methods development to ICF Incorporated

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $312,154 ($312.2K)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-02-25

End Date: 2027-02-24

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $858/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE SERVICES NECESSARY TO SUPPORT AIRCRAFT NON-VOLATILE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT METHODS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2027.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $312,154 to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE SERVICES NECESSARY TO SUPPORT AIRCRAFT NON-VOLATILE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT METHODS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2027. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing methods for measuring aircraft non-volatile particulate matter emissions. 2. The contract duration is one year, aligning with the specified period of performance. 3. ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. is the selected contractor for this task order. 4. The award was made under full and open competition. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, allowing for flexibility in research and development. 6. This supports the EPA's ongoing efforts in environmental monitoring and regulation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $312,154 for a one-year period for specialized environmental consulting services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for emissions research and development suggests this is within the expected range for expert services. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is appropriate for research-oriented tasks where exact costs may be difficult to predict upfront, but it requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a healthy market for these specialized environmental consulting services. This process is designed to ensure the government receives the best value by considering a range of technical approaches and pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more favorable pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from this contract by acquiring expertise to advance its understanding and measurement of aircraft emissions. Services delivered include the development of methods for measuring non-volatile particulate matter from aircraft. The geographic impact is national, as improved emissions measurement methods can inform environmental policy and regulations across the United States. Workforce implications include the utilization of specialized scientific and technical personnel within ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for a specific period may limit alternative approaches if unforeseen issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Focus on a critical environmental issue (aircraft emissions) aligns with EPA's mission.
Clear period of performance ensures timely delivery of research outcomes.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting sector is a significant market supporting government agencies in areas like regulatory compliance, research, and policy development. This contract fits within the niche of environmental monitoring and emissions analysis, a critical area for public health and climate change mitigation. Comparable spending in this sector often involves specialized scientific studies, data analysis, and method development, with contract values varying based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses participated in the bidding process. However, without further information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though larger contracts often involve subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is facilitated through the contract award process and the public availability of contract data, though specific internal oversight mechanisms are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

EPA Air Quality Standards
Aircraft Emissions Research Programs
Environmental Monitoring and Measurement Methods

Risk Flags

Cost Control Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $312,154 to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE SERVICES NECESSARY TO SUPPORT AIRCRAFT NON-VOLATILE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT METHODS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2027.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $312,154.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-25. End: 2027-02-24.

What is the track record of ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. with the EPA on similar environmental consulting contracts?

ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. has a substantial history of working with the Environmental Protection Agency across various environmental consulting domains. Their portfolio includes work on air quality, climate change, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory support. While specific details on past performance for aircraft emissions measurement methods development are not provided in this data snippet, their general experience with the EPA suggests a familiarity with agency processes, reporting requirements, and scientific objectives. A deeper dive into their contract history with the EPA would reveal the scope, value, and success rates of previous engagements, providing a more precise indicator of their suitability for this specific task order.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar EPA contracts for emissions research and development?

The contract value of $312,154 for a one-year period for developing aircraft non-volatile particulate matter emissions measurement methods appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for emissions research and development requires access to a broader dataset of comparable awards. However, given the specialized nature of developing measurement methodologies, which often involves expert scientific input, data analysis, and potentially laboratory work, this funding level is not unusually high for a focused, one-year effort. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure also implies that the final cost could vary, but the initial award amount provides a baseline for comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for emissions measurement development?

The primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for emissions measurement development revolve around cost control and scope creep. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may incur higher costs than initially anticipated, potentially exceeding the fixed fee if not managed diligently. There's also a risk that the contractor might prioritize activities that increase costs without a proportional increase in value, or that the scope of 'development' could expand beyond initial intentions, leading to budget overruns. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the effort required and managing resources effectively to ensure profitability within the fixed fee, especially if unforeseen technical challenges arise during the method development process.

How effective is the EPA's current approach to regulating aircraft emissions, and how does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The EPA's approach to regulating aircraft emissions involves setting standards and developing measurement techniques to monitor compliance and environmental impact. This contract directly contributes to the effectiveness of that approach by focusing on the development of advanced methods for measuring non-volatile particulate matter. Accurate and reliable measurement is foundational to effective regulation; without precise methods, it is difficult to enforce standards, assess the true environmental burden of aircraft, or verify the efficacy of mitigation strategies. By enhancing these measurement capabilities, this contract supports the EPA's ability to gather better data, refine emission inventories, and potentially inform future regulatory actions aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of aviation.

What are the historical spending patterns of the EPA on aircraft emissions research and development over the past five years?

Historical spending patterns of the EPA on aircraft emissions research and development over the past five years would require a detailed analysis of federal procurement databases. This specific contract award of $312,154 represents a single data point for a one-year task order. To understand broader trends, one would need to aggregate spending across multiple contracts, task orders, and fiscal years related to aircraft emissions, including research into various pollutants, measurement techniques, and mitigation technologies. Such an analysis might reveal fluctuations based on agency priorities, congressional appropriations, and emerging environmental concerns related to the aviation sector. Without access to this broader historical data, it's difficult to place this specific award within a larger spending context.

What specific types of non-volatile particulate matter are targeted by this emissions measurement methods development contract?

The contract specifies the development of methods for measuring 'aircraft non-volatile particulate matter emissions.' Non-volatile particulate matter (NVPM) refers to solid or liquid particles that do not readily evaporate at ambient temperatures. In the context of aircraft engines, these particles can include soot (elemental carbon), sulfates, nitrates, and metallic compounds originating from fuel combustion, lubricating oils, and engine wear. The development of measurement methods would likely focus on characterizing the size distribution, chemical composition, and mass concentration of these particles, which are known to have implications for air quality, human health (respiratory and cardiovascular effects), and climate change (as aerosols).

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLAZA, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $312,154

Exercised Options: $312,154

Current Obligation: $312,154

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC21D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline