NSF Antarctica Flight Services Awarded to Kenn Borek Air for $5.19M Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,192,136 ($5.2M)

Contractor: Kenn Borek AIR Ltd

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-15

End Date: 2025-09-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER IS FOR FIXED WING FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN ANTARCTICA.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $5.2 million to KENN BOREK AIR LTD for work described as: TASK ORDER IS FOR FIXED WING FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN ANTARCTICA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Kenn Borek Air for essential flight services in Antarctica. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a firm fixed-price delivery order, providing cost certainty. 4. Services support the National Science Foundation's critical Antarctic operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $5.19M award for fixed-wing flight services appears reasonable given the specialized nature and remote location of operations in Antarctica. Benchmarking against similar specialized aviation contracts in extreme environments 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, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential scientific support services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued scientific research and operations in the remote Antarctic region. Supports logistical needs for personnel and equipment in a challenging environment. Reliable transportation is critical for the success of NSF's polar programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for weather delays impacting service delivery.
Geopolitical factors affecting access or operations in Antarctica.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Experienced contractor with a history of operating in polar regions.
Full and open competition likely resulted in a competitive price.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation' and supports scientific research. Spending in this niche sector is highly dependent on specific agency needs, such as polar exploration, and is not easily benchmarked against broader transportation categories.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Kenn Borek Air Ltd. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting in this specific award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting it has undergone initial review. Further oversight would focus on performance monitoring and adherence to the firm fixed-price terms.

Related Government Programs

Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Operational risks associated with extreme Antarctic weather.
Potential for logistical challenges in remote deployment and maintenance.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical flight services.
Geopolitical considerations impacting Antarctic operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $5.2 million to KENN BOREK AIR LTD. TASK ORDER IS FOR FIXED WING FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN ANTARCTICA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KENN BOREK AIR LTD.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-15. End: 2025-09-14.

What is the historical performance of Kenn Borek Air Ltd. in supporting NSF or similar Antarctic operations?

Information on Kenn Borek Air's historical performance is crucial for assessing reliability and effectiveness. Past successful operations in similar extreme environments, adherence to safety protocols, and timely delivery of services would indicate a lower risk profile. Conversely, any documented issues with performance, safety incidents, or contract disputes would warrant closer scrutiny of this award.

How does the per-flight-hour cost compare to industry benchmarks for specialized Antarctic aviation services?

Benchmarking the cost against similar contracts for fixed-wing aircraft operating in polar regions is essential for value assessment. Factors like aircraft type, payload capacity, flight duration, and operational complexity in Antarctica significantly influence pricing. A comparison would reveal if this $5.19M award represents a fair market price or if potential cost savings could have been achieved through further negotiation or different contract structures.

What are the contingency plans in place for service disruptions due to extreme weather or unforeseen operational challenges in Antarctica?

Given the extreme and unpredictable Antarctic environment, robust contingency plans are vital for ensuring the continuity of scientific operations. Understanding the contractor's and NSF's protocols for managing weather delays, aircraft maintenance issues, or emergency situations is key to assessing operational effectiveness. The presence of well-defined backup procedures and communication channels mitigates risks to critical research timelines.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 808 55 AVE NE SUITE A, CALGARY

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,192,136

Exercised Options: $5,192,136

Current Obligation: $5,192,136

Actual Outlays: $5,192,136

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0423D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline