USDA Forest Service Awards $5.2M Contract for Arroyo Grande Air Transport Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,199,962 ($5.2M)

Contractor: Rogers Helicopters Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: TYPE II EU MAP FOR ARROYO GRANDE, CA

Place of Performance

Location: ARROYO GRANDE, SAN LUIS OBISPO County, CALIFORNIA, 93420

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $5.2 million to ROGERS HELICOPTERS INC for work described as: TYPE II EU MAP FOR ARROYO GRANDE, CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Rogers Helicopters Inc. for aerial mapping services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 1095 days, indicating a long-term need. 4. The service falls under nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation. 5. The total award value is $5,199,962.30.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award value of $5.2 million over three years for specialized air transport services appears reasonable given the niche nature of aerial mapping. Benchmarking against similar specialized aviation contracts is difficult without more granular data on flight hours, equipment, and specific mapping technology used.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential bidders. This method is expected to yield fair market value for the services provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential aerial mapping services, likely for environmental or land management purposes. The competitive nature of the award aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial mapping data collection for land management and environmental monitoring in California. Supports specialized aviation services, potentially benefiting local economies through subcontracting or operational support. Provides the Department of Agriculture with necessary tools for resource assessment and planning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational challenges arise.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service over a long period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear contract duration and fixed price structure.
Supports essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the broad category of transportation services, specifically nonscheduled chartered air transport. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on the type of aircraft, duration of service, and geographic scope. The $5.2 million award is moderate for specialized government aviation needs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's oversight would typically fall under the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service contracting officers. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms are expected to ensure accountability and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related delays impacting service delivery.
Reliance on specialized equipment and skilled pilots.
Long-term contract duration may limit flexibility for future technological advancements.
Geographic specificity of the service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $5.2 million to ROGERS HELICOPTERS INC. TYPE II EU MAP FOR ARROYO GRANDE, CA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROGERS HELICOPTERS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific environmental or land management objectives does this aerial mapping support?

This aerial mapping likely supports critical Forest Service objectives such as wildfire risk assessment, forest health monitoring, habitat analysis, and land use planning within the Arroyo Grande region of California. The data gathered is essential for informed decision-making regarding resource management and conservation efforts.

Are there any identified risks associated with the use of helicopters for this type of mapping?

Risks associated with helicopter use include operational safety, weather dependency, and potential noise pollution. For mapping, challenges might arise from maintaining consistent altitude and flight paths for accurate data acquisition, especially in varied terrain. Mitigation strategies likely involve pilot experience and specialized equipment.

How does the fixed-price structure ensure value for money given potential flight condition variability?

The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, transferring most of the risk for cost overruns to the contractor. While it ensures a predictable expense, value for money depends on the contractor's ability to efficiently manage operations and deliver the required mapping quality despite potential weather or terrain-related challenges.

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: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5484 E PERIMETER RD, FRESNO, CA, 93727

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,199,962

Exercised Options: $5,199,962

Current Obligation: $5,199,962

Actual Outlays: $3,655,313

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9287

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline