DOI awards $3.35M for SEAT flight services to Rutledge Airborne Applications, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,348,397 ($3.3M)

Contractor: Rutledge Airborne Applications, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 227 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.8K/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: CASA GRANDE, PINAL County, ARIZONA, 85122

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.3 million to RUTLEDGE AIRBORNE APPLICATIONS, LLC for work described as: ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 2. The contract is for on-call single engine air tanker (SEAT) flight services. 3. Services will be performed in Arizona. 4. The contract duration is 227 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $3.35M for 227 days of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aerial firefighting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for SEAT services would provide a more definitive assessment.

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, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive bidding aims to secure cost-effective services, thereby maximizing the value of taxpayer funds allocated for wildfire suppression.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial firefighting capabilities are available to combat wildfires. Supports the Department of the Interior's land management and public safety missions. Provides essential services for protecting natural resources and communities in Arizona.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited duration of contract may require re-competition soon.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
Geographic concentration of services in Arizona.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Clear definition of services required.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aviation services sector, specifically supporting emergency response and natural resource management. Spending on aerial firefighting is crucial for agencies tasked with wildfire suppression, with costs varying based on aircraft type, duration, and operational demands.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Rutledge Airborne Applications, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a small business and if opportunities were provided for other small businesses in the subcontracting process.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract specifies a firm fixed price, which aids in cost control. Oversight will be crucial to ensure service delivery meets the required standards and that the contractor adheres to all terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited contract duration.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Geographic concentration.
Dependence on specialized, high-risk services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.3 million to RUTLEDGE AIRBORNE APPLICATIONS, LLC. ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RUTLEDGE AIRBORNE APPLICATIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the typical cost per flight hour or day for SEAT services in this region?

The typical cost per flight hour or day for SEAT services can vary significantly based on factors like aircraft type, pilot experience, maintenance, insurance, and operational tempo. Without specific regional benchmarks for SEAT operations, it's challenging to definitively assess the value. However, competitive bidding is a strong indicator of fair pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for on-call air tanker services?

The primary risks include potential service disruptions due to vendor operational issues (e.g., mechanical failures, pilot availability), lack of leverage for price negotiation in future contracts, and potential for vendor complacency. Mitigation strategies might involve robust performance monitoring and contingency planning.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring optimal pricing for specialized services like aerial firefighting?

This method can be effective by allowing a broad range of potential bidders while excluding those who do not meet specific, often technical, qualifications. This balances competition with the need for specialized capabilities, potentially leading to better pricing than a purely open bid or a sole-source award, provided the exclusion criteria are justified and not overly restrictive.

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: 1078 W DESCANSO CANYON DR, CASA GRANDE, AZ, 85122

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,348,397

Exercised Options: $3,348,397

Current Obligation: $3,348,397

Actual Outlays: $3,115,143

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0424D0067

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline