Forest Service awards helicopter transport services contract to Helena, MT based company
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
Sector: Other
Official Description: HTS - T1 EU FOR HELENA, MT
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. Contract awarded for helicopter transport services, indicating a need for aerial logistics. 2. The awardee is a single-entity provider, suggesting limited competition for this specific service. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single provider and the operational complexities of helicopter services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value is approximately $20 million over its term. This appears to be a reasonable investment for specialized helicopter transport services, assuming the scope of work justifies the cost.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is a delivery order, which implies it was issued under a larger, potentially pre-existing contract vehicle. The method of award (full-and-open, limited, sole-source) is not specified.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential services for the Forest Service, with the cost reflecting the specialized nature of helicopter operations.
Public Impact
Ensures continued support for Forest Service operations, potentially including firefighting or remote access. Reliable transport services are crucial for maintaining national forest resources and public safety. The contract supports a business in Montana, contributing to the local economy.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
- Potential for cost overruns if operational demands exceed initial estimates.
- Environmental and safety risks associated with helicopter operations.
Positive Signals
- Supports a specific regional need for aerial logistics.
- Ensures continuity of operations for the Forest Service.
- Potential for efficient service delivery due to specialized provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader category of transportation and logistics services, specifically focusing on aerial capabilities. Such services are vital for agencies operating in remote or difficult-to-access areas, like national forests.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set-aside for small businesses, and the awardee's size is not specified. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Monitoring performance, adherence to safety protocols, and cost management will be key accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- Helicopter Transport Services
- Aerial Logistics Support
- Forest Service Operations
Risk Flags
- Single Vendor Reliance
- Operational Complexity
- Safety and Environmental Risks
Tags
helicopter-transport, forest-service, department-of-agriculture, delivery-order, aerial-logistics, montana, transportation-services
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.
Analysis insight 1
The specific tasks and geographic areas covered by these helicopter services are not detailed, impacting a full understanding of the value.
Analysis insight 2
Understanding the competitive landscape for these services would provide context on whether this award represents a fair market price.
Analysis insight 3
The duration of the contract and the potential for extensions warrant consideration for long-term planning and budgeting.