Interior Department awards $6.4M for aerial firefighting, with Fletcher Flying Service Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,422,452 ($6.4M)

Contractor: Fletcher Flying Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-06-10

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 324 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: IMMOKALEE, COLLIER County, FLORIDA, 34142

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $6.4 million to FLETCHER FLYING SERVICE INC for work described as: ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized aerial support services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of over a year indicates a sustained need for these services. 4. The contract supports critical forestry activities, highlighting its public safety role. 5. Geographic focus on Florida suggests regional demand for aerial firefighting resources.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.4 million for on-call single-engine air tanker (SEAT) flight services over approximately 324 days appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized aviation support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial firefighting services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that costs are predictable for the government.

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,' which indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this method of competition generally promotes price discovery and encourages multiple vendors to compete, potentially leading to better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal and state agencies responsible for wildland fire suppression, ensuring critical resources are available. Services delivered include on-call flight operations for single-engine air tankers, crucial for combating wildfires. The contract has a geographic impact primarily focused on Florida (ST: FL, SN: FLORIDA), addressing regional needs for aerial firefighting. Workforce implications include support for pilots, ground crews, and maintenance personnel associated with the air tankers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific bidder numbers makes it difficult to fully assess the competitiveness of the award.
Details on the specific performance metrics and evaluation criteria used in selecting the contractor are not readily available.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation to understand if any specific capabilities or limitations were considered.

Positive Signals

The use of 'Full and Open Competition' is a positive indicator of a robust bidding process.
The contract is firm fixed-price, providing cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration suggests a consistent and ongoing need for these vital services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader aviation services sector, specifically focusing on specialized aerial support for natural resource management and emergency response. The market for aerial firefighting is critical, involving a limited number of specialized operators capable of providing these services. Spending in this area is often driven by seasonal demands and environmental conditions, making on-call contracts essential for preparedness.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (SB: false) and set-asides (SS: false) were not primary considerations for this specific contract award. This suggests that the prime contractor, Fletcher Flying Service Inc., is likely not a small business, and the contract was not specifically targeted towards small business set-aside programs. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Wildland Fire Management Programs
Aviation Support Services
Emergency Response Contracts
Department of the Interior Forestry Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for underutilization of services if fire activity is low.
Dependence on specific geographic region (Florida) may limit broader applicability.
Safety risks inherent in aviation operations.
Availability of qualified personnel and aircraft during peak demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $6.4 million to FLETCHER FLYING SERVICE INC. ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLETCHER FLYING SERVICE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-10. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of Fletcher Flying Service Inc. in providing aerial firefighting services?

Information regarding Fletcher Flying Service Inc.'s specific track record in providing aerial firefighting services is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported incidents or commendations related to their operations. Understanding their experience with Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) operations, safety records, and responsiveness to call-outs would be crucial. Further research into federal contract databases and industry reviews would be necessary to establish a detailed performance profile.

How does the awarded price compare to similar aerial firefighting contracts?

The provided data does not include specific pricing details beyond the total contract value of $6.4 million. To compare this price to similar contracts, one would need access to data on the cost per flight hour, cost per gallon of retardant dropped, or daily operational rates for comparable SEAT services. Benchmarking against contracts awarded by other agencies (e.g., US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) or in different geographic regions would be necessary. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract provides cost certainty, but without detailed cost breakdowns or comparative data, a precise value-for-money assessment relative to the market is challenging.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of on-call aviation contract?

Key risks for this on-call aviation contract include operational risks such as aircraft mechanical failures, pilot error, and weather-related disruptions, all of which can impact service availability and safety. There's also a risk of underutilization if demand for services is low, leading to potentially inefficient use of allocated funds, or conversely, overutilization leading to strain on resources. Ensuring consistent availability of qualified pilots and aircraft, maintaining stringent safety protocols, and managing the logistical complexities of rapid deployment are ongoing challenges. The reliance on a single provider, even under full and open competition, can pose a risk if performance issues arise.

How effective are Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) in wildland fire suppression compared to other aerial assets?

Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) are highly effective for initial attack on wildland fires, particularly in their early stages. Their smaller size and maneuverability allow them to operate at lower altitudes and make precise drops of fire retardant or water, directly targeting hotspots and creating containment lines. They are generally more cost-effective per flight hour than larger air tankers or helicopters. However, their limited payload capacity means they are less suited for large-scale, sustained suppression efforts on major wildfires, where larger air tankers or Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) are more appropriate. SEATs excel in specific tactical roles and are a crucial component of a multi-asset aerial firefighting strategy.

What is the historical spending trend for aerial firefighting services within the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending data for aerial firefighting services within the Department of the Interior is not provided in the current dataset. To analyze this trend, one would need to examine annual budgets and contract awards related to aviation support for forestry and fire management over several fiscal years. Factors influencing spending include the severity of fire seasons, changes in firefighting strategies, technological advancements, and agency budget allocations. Understanding past spending patterns would help contextualize the current $6.4 million award and identify any significant increases or decreases in investment in these critical services.

What are the implications of the 'Delivery Order' (AW: DELIVERY ORDER) contract type for this service?

The 'Delivery Order' designation indicates that this contract is likely a task order or delivery order placed against a larger indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar pre-negotiated agreement. This means that while the overall terms and pricing have been established, specific services and quantities are ordered as needed. For this SEAT flight services contract, it implies that the Department of the Interior has the flexibility to order these services when required, up to the contract's ceiling amount, rather than committing to a fixed schedule from the outset. This structure is common for services that have variable demand, such as emergency 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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 195 AIRPARK BLVD, IMMOKALEE, FL, 34142

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,422,452

Exercised Options: $6,422,452

Current Obligation: $6,422,452

Actual Outlays: $4,198,583

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0424D0064

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline