EPA Awards $3.49M for Marine Sanctuary Support to Research Triangle Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,490,463 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2026-01-15
End Date: 2027-01-14
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: R425-TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND SANCTUARIES ACT PROGRAM INCLUDING OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE MONITORING
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27713
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $3.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: R425-TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND SANCTUARIES ACT PROGRAM INCLUDING OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE MONITORING Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute for technical support. 2. Focuses on Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act program. 3. Includes ocean disposal site monitoring, a critical environmental function. 4. Contract duration is 364 days, ending January 14, 2027.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar technical support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award mechanism (BPA Call) might limit the pool of eligible bidders compared to a standard solicitation.
Taxpayer Impact: The total award amount of $3.49 million represents a modest investment for critical environmental monitoring and support services, suggesting a potentially good use of taxpayer funds if managed efficiently.
Public Impact
Ensures continued monitoring and protection of marine environments. Supports the EPA's mission in safeguarding ocean resources. Provides essential technical expertise for complex environmental programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can inflate costs.
- Limited detail on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a vital environmental protection program.
- Long-term relationship with a known contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but consistent funding for environmental protection programs like this is crucial for long-term ecological health.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no specific set-aside for small businesses in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The EPA is responsible for oversight. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure costs remain within budget and that services are delivered effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type.
- Potential for limited competition despite 'full and open' designation.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- No small business participation.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, environmental-protection-agency, nc, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. R425-TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND SANCTUARIES ACT PROGRAM INCLUDING OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE MONITORING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-15. End: 2027-01-14.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the technical support and ocean disposal site monitoring?
The effectiveness of the technical support and monitoring will likely be evaluated through performance reports, adherence to established protocols for ocean disposal site monitoring, and the timely delivery of technical analyses and recommendations. The EPA contracting officer's representative will be responsible for tracking key performance indicators and ensuring the contractor meets all contractual obligations related to environmental data collection and reporting.
How will the EPA mitigate the risk of cost overruns associated with the Time and Materials contract type?
The EPA can mitigate cost overrun risks by establishing clear labor hour limitations, defining specific task orders with not-to-exceed amounts, and implementing rigorous oversight of contractor work. Regular reviews of invoices, progress reports, and performance metrics will be crucial to ensure the contractor's efforts align with the contract's objectives and budget constraints.
What is the long-term strategy for ensuring the continuity and quality of services provided under this program?
The long-term strategy likely involves periodic re-competition of the contract to ensure continued access to competitive pricing and innovative solutions. Building institutional knowledge within the EPA regarding the program's needs and contractor performance will also be key. Establishing strong performance standards and fostering a collaborative relationship with contractors can ensure sustained quality of service.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
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
Solicitation ID: 68HERC25Q00013
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, DURHAM, NC, 27709
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,293,555
Exercised Options: $10,469,993
Current Obligation: $3,490,463
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERC22A0020
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-15
Current End Date: 2027-01-14
Potential End Date: 2028-01-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-17
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