DOI awards $11.66M for SEAT Flight Services in Colorado, ensuring wildfire suppression capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,659,714 ($11.7M)

Contractor: CO Fire Aviation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-06-03

End Date: 2026-06-04

Contract Duration: 731 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) EXCLUSIVE USE FLIGHT SERVICES - DURANGO, CO AND GRAND JUNCTION, CO

Place of Performance

Location: FORT MORGAN, MORGAN County, COLORADO, 80701

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $11.7 million to CO FIRE AVIATION, INC. for work described as: SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) EXCLUSIVE USE FLIGHT SERVICES - DURANGO, CO AND GRAND JUNCTION, CO Key points: 1. Contract value of $11.66M supports critical aerial firefighting resources. 2. Competition method indicates a robust bidding process. 3. Risk of service disruption is mitigated by contract duration. 4. Sector focus is on essential public safety and natural resource management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.66M for SEAT flight services appears reasonable given the duration and critical nature of aerial firefighting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized aviation services would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process that aimed to maximize value while potentially addressing specific source limitations. This method generally promotes price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive award process that aims to secure essential services at a fair price, supporting wildfire suppression efforts.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of critical Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) for wildfire response in Colorado. Supports public safety and protects natural resources from fire damage. Provides essential aviation support for the Department of the Interior's land management missions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased demand and costs due to climate change impacts on wildfire seasons.
Dependence on a limited number of specialized aviation providers.

Positive Signals

Long-term contract provides service stability.
Competitive bidding process likely secured favorable pricing.
Supports critical public safety infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the public safety and transportation sectors, specifically focusing on specialized aviation services for emergency response. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary significantly based on aircraft type, operational tempo, and geographic region.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific participation or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Interior's oversight ensures the effective and efficient delivery of these critical flight services. Contract monitoring will be key to verifying performance and adherence to terms.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption due to unforeseen events (weather, mechanical).
Dependence on specialized contractor and limited pool of qualified pilots.
Rising operational costs (fuel, maintenance) impacting long-term affordability.
Need for continuous monitoring of contractor performance and aircraft readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $11.7 million to CO FIRE AVIATION, INC.. SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) EXCLUSIVE USE FLIGHT SERVICES - DURANGO, CO AND GRAND JUNCTION, CO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CO FIRE AVIATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-03. End: 2026-06-04.

What is the historical cost trend for SEAT exclusive use flight services in this region?

Analyzing historical cost data for SEAT exclusive use flight services in the Durango and Grand Junction regions is crucial for assessing long-term value. Trends influenced by fuel prices, pilot availability, and regulatory changes can impact future contract costs. Understanding these trends helps determine if the current $11.66M award represents a fair market price or if potential cost escalations need closer monitoring.

What are the primary risks associated with the operational availability of these SEAT aircraft?

Primary risks include mechanical failures, pilot shortages, adverse weather conditions, and the potential for aircraft being diverted to higher priority incidents. Ensuring robust maintenance schedules, competitive pilot compensation, and clear communication protocols between the contractor and the agency are vital to mitigate these risks and maintain operational readiness for wildfire suppression.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall wildfire preparedness and response strategy of the DOI?

This contract is a foundational element of the DOI's wildfire preparedness strategy by securing dedicated SEAT resources. These aircraft provide rapid initial attack capabilities, crucial for containing fires when small. Their availability directly enhances the agency's ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources, contributing significantly to an effective and timely response.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140D0424D0061

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 23101 HIGHWAY 52, FORT MORGAN, CO, 80701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,883,922

Exercised Options: $11,659,714

Current Obligation: $11,659,714

Actual Outlays: $11,659,714

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0424D0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline