Agriculture Forest Service Awards $20M for Helicopter Transport Services in Colorado

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,085,850 ($20.1M)

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: $31.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: HTS - T1 EU FOR RIFLE, CO

Place of Performance

Location: RIFLE, GARFIELD County, COLORADO, 81650

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $20.1 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: HTS - T1 EU FOR RIFLE, CO Key points: 1. The contract value is $20.09 million. 2. Competition was full and open. 3. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation. 4. The period of performance is from March 2025 to December 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.09 million for a 646-day duration appears reasonable given the nature of specialized air transport services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nonscheduled freight air transportation would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives the best possible price for services rendered.

Public Impact

Supports critical wildfire suppression and resource management efforts. Ensures timely transport of personnel and equipment to remote areas. Contributes to the operational readiness of the Forest Service in Colorado.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if fuel prices or operational demands increase significantly.
Dependence on a single vendor for specialized services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating competitive pricing.
Long-term contract provides stability for service provision.
Clear period of performance ensures accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the air transportation sector, specifically nonscheduled chartered freight. Spending in this sector is often driven by seasonal demands, emergency response needs, and logistical requirements for remote operations.

Small Business Impact

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

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting it has undergone initial review. Oversight will be crucial to ensure performance standards and cost controls are met throughout the contract period.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

High cost of specialized aviation services.
Potential for weather-related delays and cancellations.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical transport.
Geographic challenges of operating in Colorado's terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $20.1 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. HTS - T1 EU FOR RIFLE, CO

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 $20.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the average cost per flight hour or per mile for this type of service, and how does this contract compare?

Without specific data on flight hours, miles, or operational details, a precise per-unit cost comparison is challenging. However, the total award of $20.09 million over approximately 646 days suggests a significant operational tempo. Benchmarking against industry rates for similar helicopter transport services, considering factors like aircraft type, payload capacity, and mission complexity, would be necessary for a thorough cost-effectiveness analysis.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on helicopter transport for Forest Service operations in Colorado?

Key risks include weather-related disruptions impacting flight schedules, potential for mechanical failures requiring immediate maintenance or replacement, and the high operational costs associated with specialized aircraft and skilled pilots. Furthermore, the remote and rugged terrain of Colorado can present unique navigational and safety challenges, increasing the potential for accidents or mission delays.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's mission in terms of timeliness and accessibility?

This contract is designed to enhance the Forest Service's effectiveness by providing timely and flexible access to remote areas for critical operations like wildfire suppression, search and rescue, and resource management. The nonscheduled nature of the service allows for rapid deployment of personnel and equipment as needed, directly supporting the agency's ability to respond to dynamic environmental conditions and emergencies.

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: $22,140,276

Exercised Options: $22,140,276

Current Obligation: $20,085,850

Actual Outlays: $7,445,649

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9217

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline