DoD awards $17.7M contract for environmental study at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,748,398 ($17.7M)

Contractor: Weston-Ea JV

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-08-07

End Date: 2029-08-18

Contract Duration: 1,837 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CHARLESTOWN NAVAL AUXILIARY LANDING FIELD FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITE REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/FEASIBILITY STUDY, CHARLESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND

Place of Performance

Location: CHARLESTOWN, WASHINGTON County, RHODE ISLAND, 02813

State: Rhode Island Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.7 million to WESTON-EA JV for work described as: CHARLESTOWN NAVAL AUXILIARY LANDING FIELD FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITE REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/FEASIBILITY STUDY, CHARLESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental remediation planning for a former defense site. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the multi-year study. 3. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The project duration indicates a comprehensive and detailed investigation is planned. 5. Geographic focus is Rhode Island, addressing local environmental concerns. 6. This contract falls under engineering services, a key sector for environmental management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.7 million for a multi-year remedial investigation and feasibility study appears reasonable given the scope of work at a former defense site. Benchmarking against similar environmental consulting contracts for large-scale remediation projects suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, although it places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from a wide range of capable firms. The specific number of bidders was not provided, but the designation suggests a healthy competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to more competitive pricing, potentially saving taxpayer dollars compared to sole-source or limited competition awards. It also ensures that the most qualified and cost-effective contractor is selected.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially the local community in Charlestown, Rhode Island, through the assessment and planning for environmental cleanup. The services delivered include a remedial investigation and feasibility study, crucial steps in identifying and planning the remediation of environmental contamination. The geographic impact is localized to Charlestown, Rhode Island, specifically the former Naval Auxiliary Landing Field. Workforce implications include employment for environmental scientists, engineers, geologists, and support staff involved in the study.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial site characterization is more complex than anticipated.
Contractor performance risk associated with delivering a comprehensive and accurate study within the defined timeline.
Ensuring the feasibility study adequately addresses all potential remediation technologies and associated costs.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost control for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
Experienced contractor (WESTON-EA JV) likely possesses relevant expertise.
Clear definition of work (remedial investigation/feasibility study) for a former defense site.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on environmental consulting and remediation planning. The market for these services is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and the need to address legacy environmental issues at industrial and military sites. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar large-scale environmental studies at federal facilities often range in the millions of dollars, depending on site complexity and remediation scope.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to WESTON-EA JV, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The contract value and nature of the work suggest it is unlikely to be primarily subcontracted to small businesses, though specific subcontracting plans were not detailed. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and technical representatives within the Department of the Army. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract, combined with the defined scope of work for an investigation and study, provides a framework for accountability. Transparency will depend on the public availability of the study's findings and the reporting mechanisms established by the agency.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Remediation Services
Defense Environmental Cleanup Program
Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program
Environmental Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting scope.
Contractor's ability to meet rigorous scientific and reporting standards.
Ensuring long-term effectiveness of selected remediation strategies based on study findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.7 million to WESTON-EA JV. CHARLESTOWN NAVAL AUXILIARY LANDING FIELD FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITE REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/FEASIBILITY STUDY, CHARLESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTON-EA JV.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-07. End: 2029-08-18.

What is the track record of WESTON-EA JV in performing similar environmental investigation and feasibility study contracts for the Department of Defense?

WESTON-EA JV, a joint venture, likely comprises experienced entities in the environmental consulting field. To assess their track record, one would typically review their past performance on similar contracts, looking at factors such as on-time delivery, adherence to budget (especially for fixed-price contracts), quality of deliverables, and any past performance issues or awards. Specific data on WESTON-EA JV's past performance with the DoD for FUDS or similar projects would be crucial. A review of contract databases and agency performance evaluations would provide insights into their capabilities and reliability in executing complex environmental studies.

How does the awarded value of $17.7 million compare to the estimated costs for similar remedial investigation and feasibility studies at former defense sites?

The $17.7 million award for a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field needs to be benchmarked against similar projects. Factors influencing cost include the size of the site, the types and extent of suspected contamination (e.g., chemicals, munitions), the complexity of the geological and hydrological setting, and the regulatory framework. Generally, RI/FS contracts for large former defense sites can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars. Without specific details on the site's contamination profile and complexity, a precise comparison is difficult, but the awarded amount appears within a plausible range for a comprehensive study at a significant former military installation.

What are the key risk indicators associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risk indicators for this contract include the potential for unforeseen contamination complexities that could increase study scope and cost, contractor performance risks in delivering a thorough and accurate study, and schedule delays. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by the government, clear performance work statements, phased reviews of deliverables, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently. The contractor's own risk management plan, including technical expertise and resource allocation, is also critical. The multi-year duration allows for detailed investigation, potentially mitigating risks associated with rushing the process.

What is the expected effectiveness of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study in addressing environmental concerns at the former landing field?

The effectiveness of the RI/FS is paramount as it forms the basis for all future cleanup decisions. A well-executed RI/FS will accurately characterize the nature and extent of contamination, identify potential risks to human health and the environment, and evaluate a range of feasible remedial alternatives. The study's effectiveness hinges on the thoroughness of the field investigations, the accuracy of the laboratory analyses, the rigor of the risk assessment, and the comprehensive evaluation of remedial technologies. If conducted properly, this study will provide the necessary data and analysis to select the most appropriate and cost-effective cleanup strategy, thereby effectively addressing the environmental concerns.

How does historical spending on environmental services for Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) compare to this specific contract award?

Historical spending on environmental services for FUDS programs across the Department of Defense is substantial, often amounting to hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars annually, reflecting the vast number of sites requiring assessment and remediation. This $17.7 million contract represents a significant but not unusually large investment for a single RI/FS at a specific site. Comparing it requires looking at the average cost per RI/FS within the FUDS program, considering site size and complexity. This award aligns with the typical scale of funding allocated to comprehensive environmental studies for major former defense installations undergoing investigation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1400 WESTON WAY, WEST CHESTER, PA, 19380

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,862,553

Exercised Options: $17,748,398

Current Obligation: $17,748,398

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912DR23D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline