A New PFAS Power Pair Emerges in Air Force Bid

Montrose and Tanaq’s alliance shows how defence contracts are reshaping the PFAS market

25 Feb 2025

America’s effort to tackle persistent PFAS contamination advanced this week after the US Air Force selected several contractors, including Montrose Environmental Group and Tanaq Environmental, for a 10-year, $1.5bn task order framework. Funding will be divided among all awardees, but analysts said the Montrose and Tanaq partnership could hold influence within the broader programme.

The collaboration combines Montrose’s national capabilities in testing, treatment design and site remediation with Tanaq’s field experience and federal small-business status. Analysts argued that this mix of capacity and on-site expertise may help the Air Force manage complex contamination linked to decades of firefighting foam use at bases where chemicals have entered groundwater.

Erik Vennstrom, Montrose’s chief executive, said the joint approach supports the monitoring, planning and technical work needed for PFAS cleanup. Observers added that similar team structures may become more common as agencies seek contractors able to connect technology, field operations and regulatory demands in a single programme.

Policy specialists placed the award in the context of a broader shift in national PFAS strategy. State standards are tightening, and the Environmental Protection Agency is considering additional steps. This, analysts said, is increasing demand for groups that can demonstrate reliable performance. Technologies proven through the Air Force effort could influence future decisions by regulators and private operators.

Although larger national firms may benefit from long-term contracting vehicles, analysts noted that alliances between established providers and specialist small businesses can give agencies a balance of scale and flexibility. The length of the framework also allows the Montrose and Tanaq team to incorporate new tools and adjust to regulatory changes.

For the wider remediation sector, the partnership highlights the growing importance of collaborative and multi-year PFAS solutions. Many experts see the award as a sign that the next phase of cleanup will depend not only on technical progress but also on stable partnerships capable of delivering measurable results.