DoD's $10.5M Groundwater Monitoring Contract Awarded to Kleinfelder JV Lacks Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,482,576 ($10.5M)
Contractor: CE2 Kleinfelder JV
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-02-14
End Date: 2012-10-31
Contract Duration: 2,086 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BASEWIDE GROUNDWATER MONITORING SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94124
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.5 million to CE2 KLEINFELDER JV for work described as: BASEWIDE GROUNDWATER MONITORING SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract awarded to CE2 Kleinfelder JV for groundwater monitoring services represents a significant expenditure. 2. The absence of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced innovation. 3. Environmental consulting services are crucial for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. 4. The Department of the Navy's reliance on a single vendor for this service warrants scrutiny.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $10.5M over five years for groundwater monitoring services appears high given the lack of competitive bidding. Without market comparisons or multiple vendor proposals, it's difficult to ascertain if this price reflects fair market value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source or limited-source award. This procurement method can lead to higher prices and less incentive for the contractor to optimize performance or cost-efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the lack of competitive pressure to drive down costs for essential environmental consulting services.
Public Impact
Environmental protection efforts may be hampered by a lack of diverse solutions or cost-effective approaches. The long-term implications of potentially inflated costs could impact future environmental remediation budgets. Lack of transparency in the procurement process can erode public trust in government spending.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of Competition
- Potential Overpricing
- Limited Transparency
Positive Signals
- Essential Service Provided
- Long-Term Contractual Relationship
Sector Analysis
Environmental consulting services, including groundwater monitoring, are critical for regulatory compliance and managing environmental risks. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on scope, location, and complexity, but competitive bidding typically ensures better value.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. This represents a missed opportunity to support small business participation in government contracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The limited competition and lack of transparency in this award raise questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in ensuring fair pricing and optimal resource allocation.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of price competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited oversight on pricing
- No small business participation
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, department-of-defense, ca, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.5 million to CE2 KLEINFELDER JV. BASEWIDE GROUNDWATER MONITORING SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CE2 KLEINFELDER JV.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-02-14. End: 2012-10-31.
What specific factors justified the 'not available for competition' determination for this significant environmental consulting contract?
The justification for a 'not available for competition' award typically stems from unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific government requirements that only one vendor can meet. Without detailed documentation from the Department of the Navy, it's impossible to confirm the precise reasons. However, such determinations should be rigorously reviewed to prevent circumvention of competitive processes.
How does the $10.5M cost compare to similar groundwater monitoring contracts awarded competitively?
A direct comparison is challenging without access to detailed scopes of work and contract terms for other groundwater monitoring services. However, contracts awarded under full and open competition generally yield lower prices due to market forces. The absence of competition here suggests this price may be higher than what could have been achieved through a competitive process.
What are the potential long-term risks associated with awarding this contract without competition?
The primary long-term risks include sustained higher costs for taxpayers, potential complacency from the contractor leading to suboptimal service quality, and a lack of incentive for innovation. Furthermore, it sets a precedent that could be followed for similar future contracts, further limiting competition in the environmental consulting sector.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: N6247307R3001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7901 STONERIDGE DR STE 505, PLEASANTON, CA, 14
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Emerging Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,482,576
Exercised Options: $10,482,576
Current Obligation: $10,482,576
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-02-14
Current End Date: 2012-10-31
Potential End Date: 2012-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-12-10
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