EPA procures radioactive solutions for national lab, awarding $290K to Eckert & Ziegler Analytics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,040 ($29.0K)

Contractor: Eckert & Ziegler Analytics, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-12-05

End Date: 2027-04-07

Contract Duration: 488 days

Daily Burn Rate: $60/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE OF RADIOACTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE NATIONAL ANALYTICAL RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ACTION REQUESTED: NEW PROCUREMENT INVOICE CERTIFIER: MICHELLE OWENS BUYER: TBD

Place of Performance

Location: MONTGOMERY, MONTGOMERY County, ALABAMA, 36115

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $29,040 to ECKERT & ZIEGLER ANALYTICS, INC for work described as: PURCHASE OF RADIOACTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE NATIONAL ANALYTICAL RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ACTION REQUESTED: NEW PROCUREMENT INVOICE CERTIFIER: MICHELLE OWENS BUYER: TBD Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential radioactive solutions, supporting critical environmental analysis. 2. Sole-source procurement raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market alternatives. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained need for these specialized materials. 4. Geographic concentration in Alabama for delivery may indicate specific laboratory needs. 5. Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the agency. 6. Lack of competition could limit opportunities for broader market engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $290,400 for radioactive solutions appears to be a standard procurement for specialized laboratory materials. Without direct benchmarks for similar radioactive solution purchases, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the lack of competition suggests that the agency may not have explored the full range of pricing available in the market. The fixed-price nature of the contract offers some cost predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. This means that only one vendor, Eckert & Ziegler Analytics, Inc., was considered for this procurement. While sole-source awards can be justified for unique capabilities or urgent needs, they bypass the competitive process, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation compared to open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding, as there was no opportunity to solicit multiple offers and negotiate the best possible price.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will benefit from this contract by securing necessary radioactive solutions. These solutions are crucial for the National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory's operations. The services delivered will support environmental monitoring and radiation analysis. The contract has a geographic impact tied to Alabama, where the solutions will be delivered. The procurement supports specialized scientific roles within the EPA's laboratory infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Sole-source award limits exploration of alternative suppliers.
Potential for higher costs without competitive pressure.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Eckert & Ziegler Analytics, Inc. is a known entity in the field.
Contract supports critical national laboratory functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing' sector, specifically dealing with specialized radioactive materials. The market for such chemicals is often niche, with a limited number of qualified suppliers due to stringent regulatory and safety requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific details on the exact type and quantity of radioactive solutions procured.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of radioactive solutions, it is unlikely that small businesses would be primary suppliers for this specific type of material. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a sole-source procurement, the justification for not competing will be subject to internal EPA review and potentially external audits. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature, but invoicing and payment processes will follow standard federal procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Laboratory Supplies and Services
Radioactive Materials Management
Chemical Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.
Limited transparency in procurement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $29,040 to ECKERT & ZIEGLER ANALYTICS, INC. PURCHASE OF RADIOACTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE NATIONAL ANALYTICAL RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ACTION REQUESTED: NEW PROCUREMENT INVOICE CERTIFIER: MICHELLE OWENS BUYER: TBD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECKERT & ZIEGLER ANALYTICS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29,040.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-05. End: 2027-04-07.

What is the specific type and quantity of radioactive solutions being procured?

The provided data does not specify the exact type or quantity of radioactive solutions. It broadly categorizes the purchase under 'Radioactive Solutions for the National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory.' Further details would be required from the contract's statement of work or associated documentation to understand the precise materials and their volumes. This information is critical for a comprehensive value assessment and comparison with market rates.

What is Eckert & Ziegler Analytics, Inc.'s track record with the EPA or similar agencies?

Eckert & Ziegler Analytics, Inc. is a known supplier in the field of radioactive materials and related services. While specific past performance data with the EPA is not detailed here, their presence as a supplier suggests they have the necessary qualifications and certifications. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any prior awards from federal agencies, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capabilities for this specific procurement.

Are there any known risks associated with the handling or use of these radioactive solutions?

Radioactive solutions inherently carry risks related to radiation exposure, contamination, and environmental safety. The procurement likely includes stringent handling, storage, and disposal requirements mandated by regulatory bodies like the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Eckert & Ziegler Analytics, Inc. must adhere to all safety protocols and licensing requirements. The EPA's oversight would focus on ensuring compliance with these safety and environmental regulations throughout the contract lifecycle.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar radioactive solutions by the EPA?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for similar radioactive solutions. To establish a benchmark, one would need to analyze past EPA procurements for radioactive materials, looking at contract values, quantities, and suppliers over several fiscal years. This analysis would help determine if the current $290,400 award is consistent with previous spending or represents a significant deviation, especially considering the sole-source nature of this award.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting a sole-source justification. Common reasons for sole-source awards include unique capabilities of a single provider, urgent and compelling needs where competition is not feasible, or when only one source is capable of meeting the requirement. A formal justification document, typically required for sole-source procurements above certain thresholds, would detail the specific rationale and evidence supporting the decision to bypass full and open competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Basic Chemical Manufacturing › Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: NUCLEAR ORDNANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1380 SEABOARD INDUSTRIAL BLVD NW, ATLANTA, GA, 30318

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,040

Exercised Options: $29,040

Current Obligation: $29,040

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline