DoD awards $2M contract for UXO tech and equipment to Bering Sea Ecotech, LLC for range clearance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,007,839 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Bering SEA Eccotech, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-01-11

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,144 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE UXO TECHS AND EQUIPMENT FOR RANGE CLEARANCE OF 2507

Place of Performance

Location: YUMA, YUMA County, ARIZONA, 85369

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.0 million to BERING SEA ECCOTECH, LLC for work described as: PROVIDE UXO TECHS AND EQUIPMENT FOR RANGE CLEARANCE OF 2507 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) detection and removal services. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 3. Competition was conducted under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggesting a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 4. The contract duration is approximately 3 years, indicating a medium-term need for these services. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. The geographic scope is not explicitly detailed but implies operational needs within a specific range or area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $2 million for three years of UXO technical support and equipment for range clearance appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized environmental remediation services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for UXO remediation is challenging without more detailed scope information. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an effort to establish a predictable cost for the government. Further analysis would require comparing the specific deliverables and technical requirements against industry standards and other awarded contracts for similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This procurement method indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded initially, possibly due to pre-qualification requirements or specific technical capabilities needed. The number of bidders is not provided, making it difficult to fully assess the breadth of competition. This approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing if the pool of eligible bidders is small.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, even if justified, may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a truly open solicitation with a larger number of diverse bidders. It is crucial to ensure the exclusion of sources was well-documented and based on legitimate technical or operational requirements.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and specifically the Department of the Navy, ensuring safe and operational training ranges. Services delivered include providing Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) technicians and necessary equipment for range clearance. The geographic impact is localized to the specific training range requiring clearance, crucial for military readiness. Workforce implications include employment for specialized UXO technicians and support personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants scrutiny to ensure it was fully justified and did not unduly limit competition.
Lack of detailed scope of work and specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the full value and effectiveness of the contract.
The contract is a delivery order, meaning its total value and impact are dependent on the parent IDIQ contract's overall scope and funding.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract addresses a critical safety and operational requirement for military training ranges.
The award to a specific company suggests they possess the necessary specialized expertise and equipment for UXO remediation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Remediation Services sector, specifically focusing on hazardous materials management related to Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). The market for UXO detection and clearance is specialized, driven by government and military needs for safe training and operational areas. Spending in this sector is often project-based and tied to specific site remediation requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for UXO services awarded by various government agencies, considering factors like the size of the area to be cleared, the type and density of ordnance, and the required technology.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract includes a small business set-aside. The award is to Bering Sea Ecotech, LLC. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan, which is not detailed here. Without specific set-aside provisions or clear subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is likely limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Navy contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services and equipment. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Remediation Services
Ordnance and Explosives Disposal
Military Range Maintenance
Hazardous Material Management

Risk Flags

Limited competition justification requires review.
Scope of work clarity for range clearance.
Performance metrics for UXO detection and removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.0 million to BERING SEA ECCOTECH, LLC. PROVIDE UXO TECHS AND EQUIPMENT FOR RANGE CLEARANCE OF 2507

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BERING SEA ECCOTECH, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-11. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the specific nature of the 'exclusion of sources' in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award, and what was the justification?

The procurement method 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' (FAR 6.302-5(b)(2)) is used when a statute expressly authorizes or requires that the procurement be conducted by limited sources. In this context, it implies that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were initially excluded based on pre-defined criteria or statutory requirements. The justification for such exclusion would typically be documented in the contract file, potentially relating to specific technical capabilities, security clearances, or unique equipment required for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) detection and clearance. Without access to the contract's Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) or similar documentation, the precise reasons for excluding certain sources remain unknown. This method can limit the number of potential bidders, potentially impacting price competitiveness.

How does the $2 million contract value compare to typical spending for similar UXO range clearance services?

The $2 million contract value for approximately three years of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) technical support and equipment for range clearance is a moderate amount for specialized environmental services. However, direct comparison to 'typical' spending is difficult without a detailed understanding of the scope of work, the size and complexity of the range, the density and type of ordnance present, and the specific technologies employed. Contracts for UXO remediation can vary significantly in cost, ranging from tens of thousands for small-scale assessments to hundreds of millions for large-scale site cleanups. This $2 million award suggests a focused effort on a specific range or set of tasks rather than a comprehensive site remediation. Benchmarking would require access to detailed contract data for similar services, including the specific deliverables and performance metrics.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of Bering Sea Ecotech, LLC's performance under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics for evaluating Bering Sea Ecotech, LLC's performance. Typically, for UXO services, performance would be assessed based on factors such as the successful detection and clearance of ordnance, adherence to safety protocols, timely completion of tasks, quality of technical reports, and the operational readiness of the equipment provided. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor is responsible for delivering the specified services and equipment within the agreed-upon price. Performance evaluations would likely be conducted by the Department of the Navy's contracting officer's representative (COR) throughout the contract period, with formal reviews at key milestones or upon completion of specific tasks.

What is the historical spending pattern for UXO range clearance services by the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense?

Historical spending on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) range clearance services by the Department of the Navy and the broader Department of Defense is substantial and ongoing, reflecting the extensive legacy of military training activities. These services are critical for maintaining the safety and operational capability of training ranges across the globe. While specific aggregate spending figures for 'range clearance' are not readily available in a single public dataset, the DoD consistently awards numerous contracts for environmental remediation, hazardous waste management, and munitions response, which encompass UXO clearance. Annual spending in these related categories often runs into the billions of dollars. The Navy, in particular, manages numerous coastal and inland training ranges that require regular assessment and clearance of UXO.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Potential risks for this contract include the inherent dangers of working with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), which could lead to accidents or delays. Technical risks involve the effectiveness of the provided equipment and the expertise of the technicians in detecting and neutralizing various types of ordnance. Schedule risks could arise from unforeseen site conditions or the complexity of the ordnance encountered. Financial risks, though mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure, could still occur if the contractor underestimates the scope or encounters unexpected challenges. Mitigation strategies likely include stringent safety protocols, thorough site assessments, contractor pre-qualification based on proven expertise, robust oversight by the COR, and contingency planning within the contract.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6247322R3432

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tanadgusix Corporation

Address: 3601 C ST STE 1000-30, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,007,839

Exercised Options: $2,007,839

Current Obligation: $2,007,839

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $60,144

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6247323D2216

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline