Forest Service awards Type II exclusive use contract for Kernville, CA helicopter services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,684,527 ($6.7M)
Contractor: Heliqwest International Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2024-01-01
End Date: 2026-12-31
Sector: Other
Official Description: TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR KERNVILLE, CA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $6.7 million to HELIQWEST INTERNATIONAL INC. for work described as: TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR KERNVILLE, CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Heliqwest International Inc. for specialized helicopter services. 2. This is an exclusive use contract, limiting competition for the duration. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single provider for critical services. 4. The contract duration spans nearly three years, indicating a significant commitment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The value of this contract is substantial, covering essential services for nearly three years. The award to a single, specialized provider suggests a need for specific capabilities.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, indicated by 'EXCLUSIVE USE'. This means competition was likely limited or non-existent, potentially due to specialized requirements or existing relationships.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a specialized service where competition may have been restricted.
Public Impact
Ensures availability of critical aerial firefighting and support resources. Supports operations in the Kernville, California area. Maintains essential services for public safety and land management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to exclusive use.
- Potential for price increases if contract is extended or re-competed.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical operations.
Positive Signals
- Secures necessary specialized equipment and personnel.
- Provides continuity of essential services.
- Supports critical wildfire suppression efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aviation services sector, specifically for aerial support and firefighting, crucial for land management agencies like the Forest Service.
Small Business Impact
The contract is not set-aside for small businesses. It is an exclusive use contract awarded to Heliqwest International Inc.
Oversight & Accountability
The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure service delivery meets requirements. Accountability will be managed through performance metrics and delivery order monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- Type II Exclusive Use Helicopter Services
- Aviation Support Contracts
- Wildfire Suppression Resources
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Limited competition
Tags
helicopter-services, exclusive-use, forest-service, kernville-ca, aviation-support, wildfire-suppression, sole-source, delivery-order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $6.7 million to HELIQWEST INTERNATIONAL INC.. TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR KERNVILLE, CA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HELIQWEST INTERNATIONAL INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.
Analysis insight 1
The 'Type II Exclusive Use' designation implies a specific level of capability and availability required from the contractor.
Analysis insight 2
Understanding the justification for 'exclusive use' is key to assessing competitive fairness.
Analysis insight 3
The contract's duration suggests a long-term need for these specialized aerial services.