Forest Service awards $6.7M contract for sensor-enhanced fire mapping aircraft and crew

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,713,875 ($6.7M)

Contractor: Owyhee AIR Research LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-06-14

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 930 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AIRCRAFT AND CREW TO PROVIDE SENSOR ENHANCED FIRE MAPPING - BOISE

Place of Performance

Location: NEW BRAUNFELS, COMAL County, TEXAS, 78130

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6.7 million to OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLC for work described as: AIRCRAFT AND CREW TO PROVIDE SENSOR ENHANCED FIRE MAPPING - BOISE Key points: 1. Contract aims to improve wildfire detection and response capabilities. 2. Focus on sensor technology suggests an investment in advanced data collection. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure incentivizes cost control by the contractor. 4. Delivery order structure indicates a need for specific, time-bound services. 5. Geographic focus on Boise implies support for regional firefighting efforts. 6. The contract duration of 930 days suggests a sustained operational requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.7 million for specialized aerial fire mapping services appears reasonable given the niche nature of the requirement. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial surveillance and sensor deployment in firefighting contexts would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and is seeking predictable costs, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that while the initial solicitation may have had specific exclusions, the final award was made through a competitive process. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. A higher number of bidders would typically lead to more aggressive pricing and potentially better innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even with two bidders, is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more cost-effective solution than a sole-source procurement.

Public Impact

Provides critical aerial intelligence to support firefighting operations in the Boise region and potentially beyond. Enhances the ability of the Forest Service to map fire perimeters and hot spots accurately. Supports the safety of firefighters on the ground by providing real-time situational awareness. Contributes to more effective resource allocation and strategic decision-making during wildfire events. May indirectly benefit communities by enabling faster and more targeted wildfire suppression.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if sensor requirements evolve beyond initial specifications.
Dependence on specific sensor technology could lead to obsolescence issues if not managed.
Geographic limitations of the service may not cover all critical fire areas.
Contractor's past performance and technical capability for sensor integration need thorough vetting.

Positive Signals

Use of advanced sensor technology promises improved data quality for fire mapping.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Delivery order structure allows for flexibility in tasking within the contract's scope.
Competition, even if limited, ensures some level of market validation for the service.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized aviation services for government applications. The market for aerial surveillance and data collection, particularly for environmental monitoring and emergency response, is growing. This contract represents a specific application of technology within this sector, leveraging aircraft and sensor capabilities for wildfire management, a critical area for federal agencies like the Forest Service.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLC, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The contract value and specialized nature suggest it may be less likely to be subcontracted to small businesses unless they possess highly specific sensor or data analysis expertise. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and program managers responsible for wildfire support. Accountability is established through the firm-fixed-price contract terms and performance delivery requirements. Transparency is facilitated by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Management Support
Aerial Surveillance Services
Remote Sensing Technology
Emergency Response Aircraft
Forestry and Natural Resource Management

Risk Flags

Limited competition despite 'full and open' designation.
Potential for technology obsolescence.
Dependence on specific sensor performance.
Weather-related operational delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6.7 million to OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLC. AIRCRAFT AND CREW TO PROVIDE SENSOR ENHANCED FIRE MAPPING - BOISE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLC.

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: 2024-06-14. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific sensor technology being utilized, and how does it enhance fire mapping compared to traditional methods?

The provided data does not specify the exact sensor technology. However, 'sensor-enhanced fire mapping' typically implies the use of advanced imaging systems such as infrared (IR), thermal, or multispectral sensors. These technologies can penetrate smoke and detect heat signatures more effectively than visual observation alone, providing more accurate perimeter mapping, identifying hotspots, and assessing fire intensity. This leads to better situational awareness for ground crews, improved resource allocation, and potentially faster containment of wildfires. Traditional methods often rely on visual reconnaissance, which is limited by visibility conditions and human interpretation.

How does the $6.7 million contract value compare to similar aerial fire mapping contracts awarded by the Forest Service or other agencies?

Without specific comparable contract data, a direct benchmark is challenging. However, $6.7 million for a nearly three-year contract (930 days) involving specialized aircraft and sensor technology for fire mapping suggests a moderate investment. Contracts for similar services can range significantly based on aircraft type, sensor sophistication, duration, and geographic coverage. For instance, contracts solely for aerial firefighting (water/retardant drops) might have different cost structures. This contract's focus on 'sensor-enhanced mapping' indicates a premium for data acquisition capabilities. A thorough analysis would require comparing contract line item details and performance periods of recent, similar procurements.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will contractor performance be measured?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely revolve around the accuracy and timeliness of the sensor-enhanced fire mapping data provided. This could include metrics such as the percentage of fire perimeter accurately mapped within a specified timeframe (e.g., X hours of detection), the resolution and clarity of sensor data, the reliability of data transmission, and the overall availability of the aircraft and crew as per the delivery order schedule. Performance will be measured through regular reporting by the contractor, validation of the data by Forest Service personnel, and potentially through post-incident reviews. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contract remedies or non-payment.

What is the track record of OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLC in providing similar aerial services, particularly related to sensor technology and wildfire support?

The provided data indicates OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLC is the contractor, but does not detail their specific track record. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contracts held with the government, and any specialized certifications or experience they possess in aerial sensor deployment and data analysis for environmental or emergency response purposes. Their ability to successfully execute this contract hinges on their demonstrated expertise in operating specialized aircraft and integrating advanced sensor systems in challenging operational environments like wildfire zones.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks include technological obsolescence of sensors, adverse weather conditions impacting flight operations, contractor performance issues (e.g., equipment failure, data inaccuracies), and potential cost overruns if not managed tightly under the firm-fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by the Forest Service, clear performance standards and acceptance criteria, contingency planning for weather delays, and potentially requiring the contractor to maintain backup equipment or personnel. The 'exclusion of sources' aspect in the competition also warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition and introduce risk.

How does this contract align with the Forest Service's broader strategy for wildfire management and technological adoption?

This contract aligns with a broader trend in wildfire management towards leveraging advanced technology for improved situational awareness and decision-making. The Forest Service, like other agencies, is increasingly investing in tools that provide real-time, accurate data to combat increasingly severe wildfire seasons. Sensor-enhanced mapping contributes to this strategy by offering capabilities beyond traditional visual reconnaissance, enabling more precise understanding of fire behavior and spread. This supports strategic goals related to firefighter safety, resource optimization, and minimizing overall damage from wildfires.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 158 S SEGUIN AVE, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX, 78130

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,713,875

Exercised Options: $6,713,875

Current Obligation: $6,713,875

Actual Outlays: $4,975,175

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9423

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline