EPA's $15.9M Environmental Consulting Contract Awarded to RTI Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,927,862 ($15.9M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2006-10-01
End Date: 2011-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SUPPORT FOR THE METALS, MINERALS, AND ENERGY SECTOR
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $15.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: SUPPORT FOR THE METALS, MINERALS, AND ENERGY SECTOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for environmental consulting services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, with a base year and option periods. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services). 5. The contract was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar environmental consulting contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, which typically fosters price discovery and competitive pricing. The award to a single contractor suggests RTI offered the best value proposition among bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for environmental consulting services, with the expectation of efficient and effective project execution to benefit the public.
Public Impact
Supports environmental protection initiatives through expert consulting. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and standards. Contributes to the understanding and management of natural resources. Potentially impacts local communities through environmental assessments and remediation projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with CPFF contract type.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for per-unit analysis.
- Limited visibility into specific deliverables and their impact.
Positive Signals
- Utilized full and open competition.
- Awarded by a key environmental agency.
- Supports critical environmental sector.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the environmental consulting sector, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and sustainable practices. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on federal agency priorities and environmental challenges.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The contract was awarded to Research Triangle Institute, a large research organization, suggesting limited direct benefit to small businesses in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The EPA is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure deliverables meet environmental consulting standards and taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Performance metrics and regular reporting are key oversight mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown hinders per-unit cost analysis.
- Limited information on specific project deliverables and their measurable impact.
- Potential for contractor to prioritize profit over optimal environmental outcomes if not closely monitored.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, environmental-protection-agency, nc, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $15.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. SUPPORT FOR THE METALS, MINERALS, AND ENERGY SECTOR
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 $15.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-10-01. End: 2011-09-30.
What specific environmental challenges or projects does this contract address, and how do they align with EPA's strategic goals?
This contract supports the 'Metals, Minerals, and Energy Sector' and is managed by the EPA. While the specific projects are not detailed, it likely involves providing expert analysis, research, and consulting services related to environmental impacts, regulations, and best practices within these industries. This aligns with the EPA's broader mission to protect human health and the environment by addressing pollution and promoting sustainable resource management.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure mitigate risks of cost overruns for this specific contract?
The CPFF structure aims to provide a fixed profit margin for the contractor while allowing for the recovery of allowable costs. However, it inherently carries a risk of cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed projections. Effective oversight by the EPA, including rigorous cost monitoring, auditing, and clear definition of scope, is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the contract remains within budget.
What is the expected long-term environmental benefit or impact resulting from the services provided under this contract?
The long-term environmental benefit is expected to stem from improved environmental management and regulatory compliance within the metals, minerals, and energy sectors. This could include reduced pollution, more sustainable resource extraction, better waste management, and informed policy development. The effectiveness will depend on the quality of RTI's consulting and the EPA's implementation of the recommendations provided.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: PRNC0610267
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS ROAD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 04
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,796,514
Exercised Options: $18,010,543
Current Obligation: $15,927,862
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-10-01
Current End Date: 2011-09-30
Potential End Date: 2011-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-10-23
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