DOE awards $1.03M for EERE Strategic Engagement and Outreach Support Services to Rack-Wildner & Reese, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,030,576 ($1.0M)
Contractor: Rack-Wildner & Reese, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-11-14
End Date: 2026-11-14
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE), OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (EERE), STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES (SEOSS), EERE FRONT OFFICE
Place of Performance
Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15203
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $1.0 million to RACK-WILDNER & REESE, INC. for work described as: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE), OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (EERE), STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES (SEOSS), EERE FRONT OFFICE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Rack-Wildner & Reese, Inc. for $1.03M. 2. Services include strategic engagement and outreach support for EERE. 3. Contract duration is one year, with potential for extensions. 4. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a competitive process within simplified acquisition procedures. 5. The contract type is 'TIME AND MATERIALS', which can pose cost control risks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar public relations contracts is difficult without more detailed service scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process but potentially with fewer bidders than larger, full-and-open solicitations. This method aims for efficiency but may limit price discovery compared to broader competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for public relations and outreach, which is a necessary function for agency communication but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances public understanding of renewable energy initiatives. Supports communication efforts for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Ensures effective dissemination of EERE's mission and achievements. Facilitates stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited competition scope under SAP
Positive Signals
- Supports critical EERE outreach mission
- Competitive bidding process utilized
- Clear contract end date
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically public relations agencies. Spending in this area supports government communication and public affairs efforts, with benchmarks varying widely based on the scope and duration of services required.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not explicitly identified as an SMB. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered or achieved.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to monitor the Time and Materials expenditures and ensure the contractor delivers on the strategic engagement and outreach objectives effectively and within budget. The BPA Call mechanism suggests a framework is in place for managing task orders.
Related Government Programs
- Public Relations Agencies
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
- Limited competition scope under Simplified Acquisition Procedures.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
- Need for robust performance metrics to ensure value.
Tags
public-relations-agencies, department-of-energy, pa, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $1.0 million to RACK-WILDNER & REESE, INC.. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE), OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (EERE), STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES (SEOSS), EERE FRONT OFFICE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RACK-WILDNER & REESE, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-14. End: 2026-11-14.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the outreach support services?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by key performance indicators (KPIs) related to media coverage, public engagement levels (e.g., website traffic, event attendance), stakeholder feedback, and the successful dissemination of EERE's key messages. The contract should define these metrics clearly to ensure accountability and demonstrate value.
How will the Department of Energy mitigate the risks associated with a Time and Materials contract type?
Mitigation strategies typically involve establishing clear labor categories with defined rates, setting a ceiling on total contract cost, implementing rigorous monitoring of hours worked and materials used, and requiring detailed progress reports. Regular reviews and strong contract management are essential to prevent cost overruns.
What is the anticipated impact of these outreach services on public perception and support for renewable energy initiatives?
Effective outreach can significantly improve public understanding and acceptance of renewable energy technologies and policies. By clearly communicating the benefits, progress, and opportunities within the EERE mission, these services aim to foster greater public support, encourage adoption, and potentially influence policy decisions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services › Public Relations Agencies
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2325 E CARSON ST FL 2, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,316,996
Exercised Options: $1,657,975
Current Obligation: $1,030,576
Actual Outlays: $386,018
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89243423AEE000009
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-14
Current End Date: 2026-11-14
Potential End Date: 2028-11-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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