USDA Forest Service awards $4.86M contract for air transportation services in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,860,778 ($4.9M)

Contractor: Heli-1 Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 30

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: TYPE II EU MAP FOR QUINCY, CA

Place of Performance

Location: QUINCY, PLUMAS County, CALIFORNIA, 95971

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.9 million to HELI-1 CORP for work described as: TYPE II EU MAP FOR QUINCY, CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to HELI-1 CORP for Type II EU Map services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized for this award. 3. The contract duration is 1095 days, ending December 31, 2026. 4. The total value is $4,860,778.36. 5. The contract is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.86M for air transportation services appears reasonable given the 3-year duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerial mapping or transport contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and ensuring fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently through a competitive bidding process, aiming for the best value in air transportation services.

Public Impact

Supports critical wildfire prevention and mapping efforts in California. Ensures timely aerial support for environmental monitoring and resource management. Provides essential services for the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if operational needs exceed initial projections.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air services.
Geographic limitations of service delivery.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and fixed pricing.
Utilized full and open competition.
Supports vital environmental and safety missions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation sector, specifically air charter services. Spending benchmarks for similar aerial mapping and transport contracts vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and mission complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this award. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Oversight would involve monitoring performance, adherence to terms, and financial accountability throughout the contract period.

Related Government Programs

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in mapping requirements.
Reliance on specialized aerial equipment.
Weather-related operational disruptions.
Contractor performance variability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.9 million to HELI-1 CORP. TYPE II EU MAP FOR QUINCY, CA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELI-1 CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What specific type of 'EU Map' is being procured, and what is its operational significance for the Forest Service?

The 'EU Map' likely refers to an Emergency Use or Environmental Unit map, crucial for wildfire management, resource assessment, or land-use planning. Its operational significance lies in providing critical geospatial data for decision-making, enabling efficient deployment of resources, and supporting environmental protection efforts within the Forest Service's jurisdiction.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this air transportation contract to ensure effectiveness?

Key performance indicators should include on-time availability of aircraft, adherence to flight plans and safety protocols, data accuracy and timeliness for mapping services, and overall mission completion rates. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms are essential to ensure the contractor meets or exceeds these KPIs, guaranteeing the effectiveness of the air support.

Are there any identified risks associated with the sole-source nature of the 'Type II EU Map' service, even if the overall contract was full and open?

While the overall contract was full and open, the specific 'Type II EU Map' service might have unique requirements or proprietary technology, potentially limiting the pool of qualified providers. Risks could include vendor lock-in for specialized services, higher costs if competition is de facto limited, and potential delays if the primary provider faces operational issues.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1202SA22R9202

Offers Received: 30

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 485 S ROCK BLVD, RENO, NV, 89502

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,860,778

Exercised Options: $4,860,778

Current Obligation: $4,860,778

Actual Outlays: $3,415,253

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9264

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline