EPA Awards $150K BPA Call to UNC for Gulf Air Quality Modeling

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $150,000 ($150.0K)

Contractor: University of North Carolina AT Chapel Hill

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $412/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UNC BPA CALL ORDER FOR AIR QUALITY MODELING IN THE GULF OF AMERICA REGION

Place of Performance

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

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $150,000 to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL for work described as: UNC BPA CALL ORDER FOR AIR QUALITY MODELING IN THE GULF OF AMERICA REGION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single university for specialized environmental consulting. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is one year, with a firm-fixed-price structure. 4. Focus on air quality modeling in the Gulf of America region highlights a specific environmental concern.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $150,000 award for a one-year contract appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale consulting projects would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely minimized due to the competitive bidding process, ensuring funds are used efficiently for essential environmental services.

Public Impact

Enhances understanding of air quality in a critical environmental region. Supports EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Provides data for potential policy development and regulatory actions. Leverages academic expertise for complex scientific modeling.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited duration may require follow-on contracts for sustained efforts.
Geographic scope is specific, potentially limiting broader applicability of findings.

Positive Signals

Utilizes competitive procurement for best value.
Addresses a specific, important environmental issue.
Leverages specialized academic expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Environmental Consulting Services. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on regulatory requirements, environmental events, and research needs. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service details.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a large institution, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting opportunities within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The EPA's contracting process, including full and open competition, provides a level of oversight. Further accountability would involve monitoring the quality and timeliness of the air quality modeling deliverables.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Consulting Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited scope beyond the specified region.
Dependence on academic institution's specific expertise.
Need for clear performance metrics and validation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $150,000 to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL. UNC BPA CALL ORDER FOR AIR QUALITY MODELING IN THE GULF OF AMERICA REGION

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 $150,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific methodology for air quality modeling to be employed, and how does it compare to industry standards?

The specific modeling methodology is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require access to the contract statement of work. Standard methodologies often include dispersion modeling, chemical transport models, and emissions inventories. Comparing the chosen approach to established scientific practices and regulatory guidelines is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single academic institution for critical environmental modeling?

Risks include potential over-reliance on specific institutional expertise, which might lack diverse perspectives or alternative approaches. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in if the institution's proprietary methods are used. Ensuring clear deliverables, performance metrics, and independent validation can mitigate these risks, alongside maintaining open communication channels.

How will the effectiveness of the air quality modeling be measured to ensure it meets EPA's objectives?

Effectiveness will likely be measured against predefined performance metrics outlined in the contract's statement of work. This could include the accuracy of predictions, the timeliness of reports, adherence to modeling protocols, and the usability of the data for decision-making. Regular progress reviews and final acceptance criteria will determine if the EPA's objectives for understanding air quality in the Gulf of America region have been met.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $899,977

Exercised Options: $156,420

Current Obligation: $150,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERD21A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline