Forest Service Awards $4.15M Contract for Air Support in Truckee, CA to Mariani Bros

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,148,863 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Mariani Bros AIR Support LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-05-06

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 604 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: BROTHERS AIR SUPPORT - T1 EU FOR TRUCKEE, CA

Place of Performance

Location: TRUCKEE, NEVADA County, CALIFORNIA, 96160

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.1 million to MARIANI BROS AIR SUPPORT LLC for work described as: BROTHERS AIR SUPPORT - T1 EU FOR TRUCKEE, CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mariani Bros Air Support LLC for $4.15 million. 2. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this award. 4. The contract duration is 604 days, ending December 31, 2026. 5. This award represents a small portion of the Forest Service's overall spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar air support contracts would offer further insight into its value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process, likely leading to a competitive price. The award was a delivery order against an existing contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive bidding process for essential air support services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air support for Forest Service operations in California. Supports wildfire suppression and other emergency response needs. Provides essential transportation services for goods and personnel. Contributes to the operational readiness of the Forest Service.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 68 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation if fuel costs rise significantly.
Dependence on a single provider for critical air services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Supports vital federal agency operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation and logistics sector, specifically air charter services. Federal spending in this area is crucial for agency operations, particularly for agencies like the Forest Service that operate in remote or challenging terrains.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the awardee is Mariani Bros Air Support LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a small business and if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement oversight processes should ensure compliance and performance.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for price volatility due to fuel costs.
Operational disruptions due to weather or aircraft maintenance.
Dependence on a single contractor for essential services.
Ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.1 million to MARIANI BROS AIR SUPPORT LLC. BROTHERS AIR SUPPORT - T1 EU FOR TRUCKEE, CA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARIANI BROS AIR SUPPORT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-06. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the historical performance of Mariani Bros Air Support LLC on similar contracts?

Assessing the past performance of Mariani Bros Air Support LLC is crucial for understanding their reliability and quality of service. Reviewing past contract awards, customer feedback, and any documented issues or commendations would provide valuable insights into their capabilities and suitability for this role, mitigating potential risks associated with service delivery.

How does the per-hour or per-mile cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar air charter services?

Comparing the contract's pricing structure to industry benchmarks for comparable air charter services is essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness. Understanding the average rates for similar aircraft types, flight durations, and operational areas will help determine if the $4.15 million award represents a fair market price or if there's potential for overpayment.

What specific operational needs does this air support contract fulfill for the Forest Service in Truckee, CA?

This contract likely supports critical Forest Service functions such as wildfire management (e.g., water drops, personnel transport), remote site access, equipment and supply delivery, and potentially search and rescue operations in the Truckee, California region. Understanding these specific needs clarifies the necessity and value of the contracted air support.

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: 500 CROCKER DR, VACAVILLE, CA, 95688

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,148,863

Exercised Options: $4,148,863

Current Obligation: $4,148,863

Actual Outlays: $2,673,413

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9205

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline