Agriculture's $20M helicopter transport contract awarded to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for Montana operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,986,850 ($20.0M)

Contractor: Helicopter Transport Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-03-25

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 646 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HTS - T1 EU FOR HELENA, MT

Place of Performance

Location: HELENA, LEWIS AND CLARK County, MONTANA, 59601

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $20.0 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: HTS - T1 EU FOR HELENA, MT Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aerial transport for remote firefighting. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, primarily related to operational dependencies and potential weather disruptions. 4. Performance context is critical for timely wildfire response and resource deployment in challenging terrain. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within essential public safety and resource management services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $20 million over two years for helicopter transport services in Montana seems aligned with specialized aviation contracts. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial firefighting or remote logistics support would provide a clearer picture of value. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a predictable cost, but the ultimate value depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. The presence of a competitive process generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government. The number of bidders (28) suggests robust interest and a healthy competitive environment for these services.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a marketplace where providers vie for the contract, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the US Forest Service and the public through enhanced wildfire suppression capabilities. Services delivered include critical aerial transport for personnel, equipment, and supplies to remote and inaccessible areas. Geographic impact is focused on Montana, a state with significant forest cover and wildfire risk. Workforce implications include support for firefighters and land management crews, ensuring their safe and efficient deployment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Dependence on specialized aircraft and skilled pilots introduces operational risks.
Weather conditions in Montana can significantly impact service availability and operational timelines.
Potential for scope creep or unforeseen logistical challenges in remote operational areas.

Positive Signals

Award to a single contractor suggests a streamlined management approach.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Longer contract duration allows for consistent service delivery and planning.

Sector Analysis

Helicopter transport services, particularly for specialized applications like firefighting and remote logistics, represent a niche but vital segment of the aviation industry. This contract fits within the broader category of government support services, essential for agencies managing vast natural resources. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in contracts supporting other land management agencies or emergency response organizations requiring similar aerial capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific award, as the contractor is HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this contract, which could provide them with valuable experience and revenue.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the US Forest Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and ongoing oversight activities may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Suppression Support
Aerial Logistics and Support Services
US Forest Service Aviation Management
Department of Agriculture Resource Management

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related delays impacting critical operations.
Dependence on specialized aircraft and skilled personnel.
Operational challenges in remote and rugged terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $20.0 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. HTS - T1 EU FOR HELENA, MT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-25. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for aerial firefighting or similar services?

A thorough review of HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC's past performance is crucial. This would involve examining their contract history with federal agencies, specifically looking for awards related to helicopter transport, aerial firefighting, or remote logistics. Key performance indicators to assess would include on-time delivery, adherence to safety protocols, cost control, and overall client satisfaction as documented in past performance evaluations. Understanding their experience in similar geographic regions or challenging environments would also be beneficial in predicting their capability to successfully execute this Montana-based contract.

How does the per-hour or per-flight-hour cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar helicopter services in mountainous regions?

To benchmark the value for money, a detailed cost analysis per operational hour or flight hour is necessary. This would involve comparing the rates offered by HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC against publicly available data or industry reports for comparable helicopter types (e.g., utility, transport) operating in similar terrain and altitudes. Factors such as aircraft type, payload capacity, crew requirements, and specialized equipment (like water buckets or hoist systems, if applicable) must be considered. A significant deviation from established benchmarks, either higher or lower, would warrant further investigation into the underlying cost drivers or potential efficiencies.

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

The primary risks for this contract likely revolve around operational safety, weather-related disruptions, and the availability of specialized aircraft and qualified personnel. Given the remote and often challenging terrain in Montana, risks include mechanical failures, pilot error, and environmental hazards. Mitigation strategies typically involve stringent maintenance schedules, comprehensive pilot training and certification, adherence to strict operational protocols, and contingency planning for adverse weather. The contract itself may include clauses addressing force majeure events and performance standards that incentivize risk management by the contractor.

How effective has the US Forest Service been in leveraging helicopter transport services for wildfire management in recent years?

Assessing the effectiveness of helicopter transport services for wildfire management requires analyzing data on response times, resource deployment efficiency, and their contribution to containment efforts. This would involve examining historical USFS reports, after-action reviews of major wildfire incidents, and potentially studies on aviation asset utilization. Key metrics could include the percentage of fires reached within a critical time window, the volume of personnel and equipment moved, and the cost-effectiveness compared to alternative transport methods. Understanding the agency's overall strategy for aviation asset deployment provides context for the importance and expected impact of this specific contract.

What has been the historical spending trend for helicopter transport services by the Department of Agriculture or the US Forest Service?

Analyzing historical spending on helicopter transport services by the Department of Agriculture and the US Forest Service would reveal patterns in demand, contract values, and the number of awards over time. This data can help identify periods of increased spending (e.g., during severe fire seasons) and the typical duration and value of such contracts. Examining this trend can also highlight any shifts in procurement strategies, such as increased reliance on full and open competition or changes in contract types. Understanding this historical context provides a baseline against which the current $20 million award can be evaluated for its significance and alignment with past investment levels.

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

Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 701 WILSON POINT RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21220

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,986,850

Exercised Options: $19,986,850

Current Obligation: $19,986,850

Actual Outlays: $6,158,766

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9217

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline