Forest Service awards $915K air transport contract to HELOAIR, INCORPORATED for nonscheduled passenger services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $915,553 ($915.6K)

Contractor: Heloair, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $837/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 AIKEN, SC N203HA

Place of Performance

Location: RICHMOND, HENRICO County, VIRGINIA, 23250

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $915,553.2 to HELOAIR, INCORPORATED for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 AIKEN, SC N203HA Key points: 1. Contract value appears moderate for specialized air transport, requiring careful benchmarking. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. This contract supports essential operational needs for the Forest Service. 5. The duration of the contract indicates a sustained requirement for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $915,553.20 for a nearly three-year period for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on flight hours, routes, and aircraft types. However, given the nature of specialized aviation services, this amount seems within a reasonable range for a single award. Further analysis would require comparing per-flight hour costs or cost per passenger mile against industry standards and similar government contracts for similar operational profiles.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 17 bids suggests a competitive environment, which generally benefits the government by driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The specific number of bidders and the evaluation criteria would provide a clearer picture of the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by securing services at market-competitive rates, preventing potential overpayment that could occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The Forest Service benefits from reliable and flexible air transportation for its operations. Services include nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, likely supporting personnel movement, resource management, or emergency response. The contract's geographic impact is not specified but is likely tied to Forest Service operational areas. Workforce implications are primarily for the contractor's flight crews and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price creep if contract terms are not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical transportation needs.
Ensuring compliance with all safety and operational regulations for air charter services.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for cost savings.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration allows for stable planning and execution of services.

Sector Analysis

The nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation sector is a niche but vital part of the broader transportation industry. It serves government agencies, private businesses, and individuals requiring flexible and often remote access. Government spending in this area typically supports logistical needs for agencies like the Forest Service, which operate in vast, often inaccessible terrains. Benchmarking would involve comparing rates for similar charter services, considering factors like aircraft size, range, and operational complexity.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The presence of 17 bids suggests that both large and small businesses may have participated in the competition. Further review of the bid data would be necessary to determine the extent of small business involvement and potential subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Forest Service's contracting officer and program managers. Performance monitoring, adherence to flight schedules, safety compliance, and financial accountability are key oversight areas. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract simplifies financial oversight compared to cost-reimbursement contracts. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aviation Management
Department of Agriculture Air Operations
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined operational scope impacting cost control.
Reliance on contractor's safety record and maintenance protocols.
Geographic limitations or operational constraints not fully detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $915,553.2 to HELOAIR, INCORPORATED. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 AIKEN, SC N203HA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELOAIR, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $915,553.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2027-12-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the Forest Service?

Analyzing historical spending for similar services by the Forest Service is crucial for context. While specific data for this contract is limited, the Forest Service, like other land management agencies, relies on aviation for critical functions such as wildfire suppression support, personnel transport to remote areas, and resource monitoring. Past contracts for air charter services would reveal trends in pricing, types of aircraft utilized, and geographic areas of operation. A review of previous years' spending on aviation contracts, particularly those for nonscheduled passenger transport, would help determine if the current award of $915,553.20 over approximately three years represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment compared to prior periods. This historical perspective is vital for assessing value for money and identifying any significant shifts in demand or cost.

How does the contractor, HELOAIR, INCORPORATED, compare to other providers in terms of track record and past performance with the federal government?

Evaluating HELOAIR, INCORPORATED's track record is essential for assessing risk and performance reliability. A review of federal contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would reveal their history of awarded contracts, including agencies served, contract types, and values. Past performance evaluations, if available, provide insights into their ability to meet delivery schedules, quality standards, and budgetary constraints. Comparing their performance history against that of other potential bidders in this solicitation, particularly those with extensive experience in government aviation contracts, would offer a clearer picture of their competitive standing and suitability. Any documented issues, such as contract disputes, performance deficiencies, or positive commendations, would significantly inform the risk assessment for this current award.

What specific types of missions and operational needs does this contract address for the Forest Service?

The contract specifies 'Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation,' which is broad. For the Forest Service, this typically supports a range of critical missions. These could include transporting personnel to and from remote fire suppression sites, moving research teams to field study locations, conducting aerial surveys for forest health or wildlife monitoring, or providing logistical support for land management activities in areas inaccessible by road. The 'nonscheduled' nature implies flexibility is key, allowing the agency to request flights as needed rather than on a fixed timetable. Understanding the primary use cases – whether it's predominantly for emergency response, routine operations, or specialized scientific missions – helps in assessing the necessity and value of the service provided and whether the contract terms adequately align with these operational demands.

Are there any specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract to measure success?

While the provided data does not detail specific performance metrics, government contracts, especially for aviation services, typically include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure service quality and reliability. For nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, common KPIs might include on-time performance (percentage of flights departing and arriving within a specified window), aircraft availability (ensuring the contracted aircraft are ready when needed), safety compliance (adherence to all FAA and agency safety regulations), and passenger satisfaction. The firm fixed-price nature suggests that meeting these KPIs is crucial for the contractor to achieve profitability. The Forest Service's contracting officer and technical monitors would be responsible for tracking these metrics and addressing any deviations from expected performance.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader aviation services market, particularly for small businesses?

The impact on the broader aviation services market depends on the scale and nature of the contract. A $915K contract for nonscheduled charter services, while significant for the awarded vendor, is unlikely to drastically alter the overall market dynamics. However, its full and open competition suggests a healthy ecosystem of providers. For small businesses, the impact is twofold: if HELOAIR, INCORPORATED is a large business, this contract represents a missed opportunity for small business set-asides. Conversely, if HELOAIR, INCORPORATED is a small business, it signifies a substantial award. Furthermore, the contract could create subcontracting opportunities for smaller specialized aviation support firms (e.g., maintenance, ground handling), provided such clauses are included and utilized. The overall effect is likely a modest boost to the specific segment of the market serving federal aviation needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger 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: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5721 GULFSTREAM RD, RICHMOND, VA, 23250

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $915,553

Exercised Options: $915,553

Current Obligation: $915,553

Actual Outlays: $176,473

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9319

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline