Agriculture awards $21.2M for helicopter transport, serving Oregon's wildfire suppression needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,199,620 ($21.2M)

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: $32.8K/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 LA GRANDE, OR #3

Place of Performance

Location: LA GRANDE, UNION County, OREGON, 97850

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $21.2 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: HTS - T1 EU FOR LA GRANDE, OR #3 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aerial firefighting services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Potential risks include operational disruptions due to weather or equipment failure. 4. This contract supports critical wildfire management operations in Oregon. 5. The provider is a specialized firm in the aviation services sector. 6. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.2 million for helicopter transport services over approximately two years seems aligned with industry standards for specialized aerial support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for wildfire suppression or emergency response in similar geographic regions would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract helps control costs and provides predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors were likely solicited. The presence of 28 bids suggests a robust competitive environment, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. This level of competition is favorable for the government and taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing services at market-driven rates, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the US Forest Service and the state of Oregon, receiving critical support for wildfire prevention and suppression. Services include aerial transport of personnel, equipment, and potentially water or retardant for firefighting efforts. The geographic impact is focused on Oregon, a state prone to significant wildfire activity. This contract supports specialized aviation jobs and related support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Dependence on a single contractor for critical services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational challenges require extended service periods beyond the initial scope.
Environmental impact associated with helicopter operations in sensitive ecological areas.

Positive Signals

Awarding to a firm with demonstrated experience in helicopter transport is a positive signal.
The fixed-price contract structure provides budget certainty.
Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector, particularly specialized aerial support for government agencies, is a critical component of national infrastructure. This contract falls within the broader category of transportation and logistics services, with a specific focus on emergency response and resource management. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for aerial firefighting, cargo transport, or specialized surveillance services awarded to private companies by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of helicopter transport for firefighting, it is possible that larger, specialized aviation firms are the primary participants. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the US Forest Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific operational details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Management Programs
Aerial Firefighting Contracts
Emergency Response Services
US Forest Service Aviation Operations

Risk Flags

Operational Risk
Weather Dependency
Safety Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $21.2 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. HTS - T1 EU FOR LA GRANDE, OR #3

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 $21.2 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?

Information regarding the specific track record of Helicopter Transport Services, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, especially for aerial firefighting, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or commendations from previous government engagements. Analyzing their experience with similar operational demands, safety records, and on-time delivery rates would be crucial to understanding their reliability and capability for this $21.2 million contract with the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar helicopter transport services in Oregon?

The provided data does not include specific unit costs or detailed pricing breakdowns to directly compare against market rates for similar helicopter transport services in Oregon. To conduct such a comparison, one would need to gather data on hourly rates, operational costs, and typical contract values for comparable helicopter types and services (e.g., firefighting, cargo transport) in the region. Factors like aircraft type, capacity, specialized equipment, and operational duration significantly influence pricing. The $21.2 million total value over the contract period (approximately 20 months) provides a broad benchmark, but granular market analysis is necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment.

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

Primary risks associated with this helicopter transport contract include operational disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, potential equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues, and the inherent safety risks associated with aviation operations, especially in challenging environments like wildfire zones. Additionally, dependence on a single provider for critical services could be a risk if performance falters. Mitigation strategies typically involve stringent maintenance protocols, pilot qualifications, adherence to safety regulations, contingency planning for weather delays, and performance monitoring by the contracting agency. The fixed-price nature of the contract also mitigates some financial risks for the government.

How effective has the Forest Service been in leveraging competition for aviation services in recent years?

The Forest Service has historically utilized a mix of contract types and competition levels for aviation services, including full and open competition, sole-source awards, and task orders against existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Data from contract databases like FPDS-NG can reveal trends in competition levels for aerial firefighting and transport. While full and open competition, as seen in this instance with 28 bids, is generally preferred for maximizing value, the agency also relies on pre-qualified vendor pools and specialized contracts to ensure rapid deployment capabilities during emergencies. Analyzing the overall trend of competition versus sole-source awards would provide a clearer picture of their effectiveness in securing cost-efficient and capable aviation support.

What is the historical spending pattern for helicopter transport services by the Department of Agriculture, specifically the Forest Service?

Historical spending patterns for helicopter transport services by the Department of Agriculture, particularly the Forest Service, can be analyzed through federal procurement data. This analysis would involve querying databases like FPDS-NG for contracts awarded under relevant NAICS codes (e.g., 481212 - Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation) and PSC codes related to aircraft services. Examining spending over the past 5-10 fiscal years would reveal trends in contract values, number of awards, types of services procured (e.g., firefighting, logistics, surveillance), and the primary contractors. This historical context is essential for understanding the scale of current spending and identifying any significant shifts or anomalies.

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: $21,199,620

Exercised Options: $21,199,620

Current Obligation: $21,199,620

Actual Outlays: $6,963,261

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9217

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline