Interior Department awards $2.3M helicopter services contract to Trans Aero, Limited for Arizona operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,309,820 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Trans Aero, Limited

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-07-23

End Date: 2025-11-30

Contract Duration: 130 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CALL WHEN NEEDED TYPE I HELICOPTER SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: PRESCOTT, YAVAPAI County, ARIZONA, 86301

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.3 million to TRANS AERO, LIMITED for work described as: CALL WHEN NEEDED TYPE I HELICOPTER SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized aviation services, though specific performance metrics are not detailed. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a need for immediate or time-bound services. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The award is for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, a niche service. 6. Geographic focus on Arizona suggests specific operational requirements in that region.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.3 million for approximately 4.5 months of service seems within a reasonable range for specialized helicopter charter services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nonscheduled freight air transportation would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. Without detailed performance metrics or comparison data for similar services in Arizona, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the initial indicators are positive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide the required services at a fair price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive nature of the award, which is expected to drive down costs and ensure the government receives services at a fair market value.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from essential aviation support for its operations. Services include nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, likely for logistical support or remote access. The geographic impact is concentrated in Arizona, supporting specific regional needs. The contract supports the aviation services workforce employed by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess operational efficiency.
Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-competition and potential service disruptions if not managed well.
Limited information on the specific type of freight or operational context.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Awarded to a single contractor, potentially indicating specialized capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector is diverse, encompassing scheduled and nonscheduled transport, cargo, and passenger services. This contract falls within the nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation segment, which is often utilized for specialized logistical needs where standard commercial routes are insufficient. The market size for such niche services can be significant, driven by government and private sector requirements for flexibility and access to remote locations. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for charter air freight would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Trans Aero, Limited, is not mandated to subcontract with small businesses under this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of services as specified. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of the Interior Aviation Management
Nonscheduled Chartered Air Transportation Services
Federal Aviation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor's operational reliability and safety record.
Limited duration may necessitate frequent re-competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.3 million to TRANS AERO, LIMITED. CALL WHEN NEEDED TYPE I HELICOPTER SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRANS AERO, LIMITED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-23. End: 2025-11-30.

What is the track record of Trans Aero, Limited with federal contracts, particularly for aviation services?

Trans Aero, Limited has a history of securing federal contracts, primarily within the aviation services domain. While specific details on past performance for similar nonscheduled freight air transportation contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their presence as a federal contractor suggests they meet certain baseline requirements for capability and reliability. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any disputes or terminations, would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their track record. Analyzing their performance on previous Department of the Interior or similar agency contracts would be particularly insightful for assessing their suitability for this current award.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar helicopter charter services in Arizona?

The provided data does not include specific details on the services rendered (e.g., helicopter type, flight hours, payload capacity) or the exact duration of service beyond the award end date, making a direct per-unit cost comparison difficult. However, the total award of $2.3 million for approximately 4.5 months of nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation suggests a significant operational cost. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts for similar helicopter types and mission profiles in the Arizona region or similar terrain/operational environments. Market research reports or industry pricing guides for charter aviation services could also provide context, but the unique demands of government contracts often lead to different pricing structures than commercial rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include operational disruptions due to weather or mechanical issues, potential cost increases if the scope of work expands beyond the initial fixed-price agreement (though less likely with FFP), and ensuring the contractor meets all safety and performance standards. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract type, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. The Department of the Interior's oversight, including performance monitoring and adherence to service level agreements, is crucial. The short duration also limits long-term exposure to performance issues. Furthermore, the full and open competition process aims to select a capable and reliable provider.

What is the expected effectiveness of these helicopter services in supporting the Department of the Interior's mission in Arizona?

The effectiveness hinges on the specific mission requirements, which are not detailed but are implied to be critical given the use of dedicated charter services. Nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation is typically employed for accessing remote areas, transporting equipment or personnel where ground transport is infeasible, or responding to urgent operational needs. For the Department of the Interior, this could involve supporting land management, environmental monitoring, emergency response, or law enforcement activities across Arizona's diverse and often rugged terrain. The contract's success will be measured by its ability to reliably fulfill these logistical and operational support functions, contributing to the agency's overall mission accomplishment in the region.

How does this contract's value and duration compare to historical spending patterns for similar aviation services by the Department of the Interior?

Without access to historical spending data for the Department of the Interior's aviation services, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the $2.3 million award for a period of roughly 4.5 months represents a substantial investment in specialized air transport. Analyzing past contracts for similar services (e.g., helicopter charters, nonscheduled freight) awarded by the DOI or other agencies operating in similar environments would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and pricing structures. This analysis would help determine if this award is consistent with historical spending, potentially indicating stable demand or a shift in operational needs or market pricing.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4101 EVANS AVE, CHEYENNE, WY, 82001

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,309,820

Exercised Options: $2,309,820

Current Obligation: $2,309,820

Actual Outlays: $2,309,820

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9237

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline