Forest Service awards $20,000 contract for aerial material transportation in Alaska

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,000 ($20.0K)

Contractor: Ridgeline Aviation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-17

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 196 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CORDOVA RANGER DISTRICT FY 26 MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION AERIAL

Place of Performance

Location: CORDOVA, VALDEZ CORDOVA County, ALASKA, 99574

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $20,000 to RIDGELINE AVIATION, INC. for work described as: CORDOVA RANGER DISTRICT FY 26 MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION AERIAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential aerial logistics in a remote region. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient price discovery process. 3. Fixed-price contract structure limits cost overrun risks. 4. Short performance period indicates a focused operational need. 5. Geographic location in Alaska presents unique logistical challenges and opportunities. 6. Contract aligns with Forest Service needs for remote area support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20,000 is relatively small, making direct comparison to larger aerial transport contracts difficult. However, for a specialized service in a remote location like Alaska, the price appears reasonable given the operational complexities. The firm fixed-price nature of the award suggests a clear understanding of costs by both parties, aiming for value through predictable expenditure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely a small dollar value procurement. While not full and open competition, SAP allows for a broader range of potential bidders than sole-source. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the process aims to solicit offers from qualified sources to ensure fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP generally leads to better pricing than a sole-source award, even if it's not the most extensive competition possible.

Public Impact

The contract directly benefits the Forest Service's operational capabilities in the Cordova Ranger District. Aerial transportation services will support the movement of materials critical for land management and fire suppression activities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska, a region with significant federal land management responsibilities. Workforce implications are likely minimal, involving specialized pilots and ground support personnel for the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than a full and open competition.
The remote Alaskan location may introduce unforeseen logistical challenges impacting performance.
Dependence on a single delivery order for a specific need limits long-term strategic planning visibility.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a specific vendor suggests they possess the necessary specialized capabilities for Alaskan operations.
Short duration limits long-term commitment and allows for re-evaluation of needs.

Sector Analysis

The aerial transportation sector is critical for supporting various government functions, particularly in remote or challenging terrains like Alaska. This contract falls within the broader category of logistics and transportation services, essential for agencies like the Forest Service to manage vast federal lands. Comparable spending benchmarks for specialized aerial services in remote areas are highly variable, but this contract's value suggests a focused, short-term need rather than a large-scale program.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly detailed for this contract. Given the small value and specialized nature, it's possible it was not specifically set aside for small businesses, but the contractor itself may be a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Forest Service's contracting officer and program managers. As a delivery order under a larger framework (implied by SAP), there may be established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally good for federal contracts, but specific details on performance monitoring are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aerial Firefighting Contracts
Department of Agriculture Logistics Support
Federal Aviation Services
Remote Area Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Geographic isolation and environmental challenges in Alaska.
Potential for weather-related delays impacting mission timelines.
Limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $20,000 to RIDGELINE AVIATION, INC.. CORDOVA RANGER DISTRICT FY 26 MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION AERIAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIDGELINE AVIATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-17. End: 2026-10-30.

What is the track record of Ridgeline Aviation, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Ridgeline Aviation, Inc.'s track record. Key areas to investigate would include the number and value of previous contracts awarded, performance ratings on past projects, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Understanding their experience with similar aerial transportation services, especially in challenging environments like Alaska, would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability to fulfill this specific contract effectively and efficiently.

How does the $20,000 value compare to typical Forest Service aerial material transportation contracts in Alaska?

The $20,000 value for this specific aerial material transportation contract is relatively modest. Typical contracts for such services in Alaska can range significantly higher, depending on the duration, scope of services, type of aircraft, and specific mission requirements (e.g., firefighting support, remote site resupply, timber operations). This $20,000 award likely represents a short-term, specific need, such as a single delivery or a series of limited transports, rather than a large-scale, ongoing operational requirement. Benchmarking against similar small-value, short-duration contracts would be more appropriate than comparing it to major aerial support programs.

What are the primary risks associated with performing aerial material transportation in remote Alaskan regions for the Forest Service?

Performing aerial material transportation in remote Alaskan regions presents several significant risks. These include extreme and unpredictable weather conditions (icing, high winds, low visibility), challenging terrain requiring specialized piloting skills, limited landing zones, and potential for mechanical issues far from maintenance facilities. Furthermore, logistical complexities related to fuel, crew support, and communication in isolated areas add to the risk profile. For the Forest Service, risks also include potential delays impacting critical operations, increased costs due to unforeseen circumstances, and safety concerns for personnel and equipment.

What specific types of materials are typically transported under such contracts, and how do they support Forest Service missions?

Under contracts like this, the Forest Service typically transports a variety of materials essential for land management and operational activities. This can include equipment for trail maintenance, supplies for remote ranger stations or fire lookouts, scientific monitoring equipment, tools and materials for reforestation projects, and potentially emergency supplies. In fire management contexts, it could involve transporting personnel, water bladders, or specialized gear to inaccessible areas. The efficient and timely delivery of these materials is crucial for enabling Forest Service personnel to carry out their missions effectively, from conservation efforts to wildfire response.

What is the historical spending pattern for aerial transportation services by the Forest Service in Alaska over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for aerial transportation services by the Forest Service in Alaska over the past five years would reveal trends in demand, types of services procured, and average contract values. This data could indicate whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and highlight any shifts in the types of aerial support required (e.g., fixed-wing vs. rotary-wing, specialized cargo vs. personnel transport). Such an analysis would help contextualize the $20,000 award, determining if it aligns with typical expenditure levels for similar needs or represents an outlier. It would also inform future budgeting and procurement strategies for the agency in the region.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRANSPORTATION OF THINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: MILE 13 COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY, CORDOVA, AK, 99574

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,000

Exercised Options: $20,000

Current Obligation: $20,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1240BF26D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline