EPA's $15M waste management contract with Encon International, Inc. awarded in 2008, completed in 2013

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,006,643 ($15.0M)

Contractor: Encon International, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2008-11-01

End Date: 2013-03-08

Contract Duration: 1,588 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: EL PASO, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79912

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $15.0 million to ENCON INTERNATIONAL, INC for work described as: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $15 million over its period of performance. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Contractor Encon International, Inc. has a history with the EPA. 4. Services provided fall under Remediation Services. 5. The contract was firm-fixed-price, indicating defined scope and cost. 6. Performance occurred over a period of approximately 4.3 years.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $15 million for waste management and remediation services over nearly five years suggests a moderate scale for such contracts. Without specific details on the scope of work or the nature of the remediation, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure implies that the contractor bore the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government if the work was completed successfully within the agreed price. Benchmarking against similar EPA remediation contracts would be necessary for a more precise evaluation of pricing and value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which typically means the solicitation was broadly advertised, but certain sources were excluded for specific reasons, or it could indicate a re-competition after prior exclusions. With 6 bidders, the competition level appears healthy, suggesting that multiple firms were interested and capable of performing the required services. This level of competition generally supports price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process with multiple bidders helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. The presence of six bidders indicates a robust market for these services, likely resulting in a more favorable price for the EPA compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from the contracted remediation services, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Services delivered include waste management and remediation, crucial for environmental protection and public health. The contract was performed in Texas, indicating a specific geographic impact. While not explicitly stated, remediation services often involve specialized labor, potentially impacting the environmental services workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the remediation.
The specific nature of the 'waste' and 'remediation' is not detailed, raising questions about the scope and potential environmental risks addressed.
The exclusion of sources in the competition type warrants further investigation into the justification for such exclusions.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors.
The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Multiple bidders (6) suggest a competitive market for these services.

Sector Analysis

The waste management and remediation services sector is a critical component of environmental protection and compliance. This contract falls within the broader environmental services industry, which includes hazardous waste treatment, disposal, and site remediation. The market for these services is driven by regulatory requirements and the need to address historical contamination. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific type and scale of remediation required, but federal contracts in this area can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication from the provided data that this contract included small business set-asides or specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. The contract was awarded to Encon International, Inc., a company whose size is not specified. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would have been managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a federal contract, it would be subject to standard government oversight mechanisms, including contract administration and potentially audits. Transparency regarding the specific remediation activities and outcomes would depend on EPA's public reporting practices for such contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

EPA Superfund Program
Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Remediation Contracts
Department of Defense Environmental Services

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions in remediation projects.
Complexity of waste management and environmental regulations.
Need for detailed performance outcome data.
Justification for 'exclusion of sources' in competition type requires review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $15.0 million to ENCON INTERNATIONAL, INC. WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENCON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-11-01. End: 2013-03-08.

What was the specific nature of the waste managed and remediated under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION SERVICES' under NAICS code 562910 (Remediation Services). However, the specific type of waste (e.g., hazardous, non-hazardous, industrial) and the exact nature of the remediation activities (e.g., site cleanup, soil treatment, water purification) are not detailed in the summary data. Understanding these specifics is crucial for assessing the environmental impact, the complexity of the work, and the appropriateness of the contract's value. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge the full scope and significance of the services rendered.

How does the $15 million contract value compare to similar EPA remediation projects during the 2008-2013 period?

Comparing the $15 million total award value requires access to historical EPA contract databases and filtering for similar remediation services (NAICS 562910) awarded within the 2008-2013 timeframe. Factors such as geographic location, type of contamination, and remediation technology used significantly influence contract costs. A preliminary assessment suggests $15 million over nearly five years is a moderate-sized contract for remediation. However, without specific benchmarks for comparable projects (e.g., average cost per acre remediated, cost per ton of waste treated), it's challenging to definitively state whether this represented excellent, fair, or questionable value for money. Further analysis would involve identifying and comparing the scope, duration, and specific outcomes of similar contracts.

What is Encon International, Inc.'s track record with the federal government, particularly the EPA?

Encon International, Inc. was awarded this $15 million contract by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for waste management and remediation services from 2008 to 2013. The fact that they secured this contract under full and open competition suggests they met the government's requirements and were competitive. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine other federal contracts awarded to Encon International, Inc., including their performance history, any past performance evaluations, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. Information on their specific expertise in remediation services and their overall financial stability would also be relevant.

What were the key performance indicators and outcomes for this remediation contract?

The provided summary data does not include specific details on the key performance indicators (KPIs) or the ultimate outcomes of the waste management and remediation services provided by Encon International, Inc. for the EPA. For a comprehensive assessment of program effectiveness, it would be essential to review the contract's statement of work, performance work statements, and any final inspection reports or acceptance documentation. Understanding whether the remediation goals were met, the environmental improvements achieved, and the adherence to timelines and quality standards are critical for evaluating the success of this contract and the value delivered to taxpayers.

Were there any significant risks or challenges associated with this contract, and how were they managed?

The data indicates the contract was firm-fixed-price, which inherently shifts cost overrun risks to the contractor. However, remediation projects can carry inherent risks related to unforeseen site conditions, environmental hazards, regulatory changes, and contractor performance. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award type might suggest potential complexities or specific requirements that led to exclusions, which could represent a risk factor if not properly managed. Without detailed performance reports or post-contract reviews, it is difficult to identify specific challenges encountered and the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies employed by both the contractor and the EPA during the contract's lifecycle.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: PRR70810413

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7307 REMCON CIR STE103, EL PASO, TX, 16

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,619,691

Exercised Options: $18,269,028

Current Obligation: $15,006,643

Timeline