Interior Dept. Awards $37.6K Helicopter Services Contract to Helicopter Roundup Service LLC for Bison Herding
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,564 ($37.6K)
Contractor: Helicopter Roundup Service LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-12-06
End Date: 2025-12-05
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $103/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ACETA/WH&B ON CALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR FWS BISON HERDING
Place of Performance
Location: NEPHI, JUAB County, UTAH, 84648
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $37,563.54 to HELICOPTER ROUNDUP SERVICE LLC for work described as: ACETA/WH&B ON CALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR FWS BISON HERDING Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Helicopter Roundup Service LLC for $37,563.54. 2. Service is for FWS bison herding in Utah. 3. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price. 5. The period of performance is one year.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $37,563.54 appears reasonable for on-call helicopter flight services for a one-year period. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized wildlife management support would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition approach. While SAP aims for fair and reasonable prices, it may not achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The relatively small contract value suggests a minimal direct impact on taxpayers, but efficient use of funds for wildlife management is still important.
Public Impact
Supports critical wildlife management activities for bison populations. Ensures efficient and effective herding operations through specialized services. Contracting for specialized services allows agencies to access expertise without permanent staffing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for higher prices due to limited competition
Positive Signals
- Supports essential wildlife management
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty
- One-year duration allows for flexibility
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, often used for specialized operational needs. Spending in this sub-sector can vary widely based on agency requirements for remote access, surveillance, or unique logistical support.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether Helicopter Roundup Service LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve ensuring the services provided meet the terms of the contract and are necessary for the FWS bison herding mission. Performance monitoring by the Department of the Interior is key.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price inefficiencies
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-passenger-air-tra, department-of-the-interior, ut, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $37,563.54 to HELICOPTER ROUNDUP SERVICE LLC. ACETA/WH&B ON CALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR FWS BISON HERDING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HELICOPTER ROUNDUP SERVICE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $37,563.54.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-06. End: 2025-12-05.
What is the typical cost range for similar on-call helicopter flight services for wildlife management in the Western US?
The typical cost range for on-call helicopter flight services for wildlife management in the Western US can vary significantly based on factors like helicopter type, duration of service, specific mission requirements (e.g., herding, surveying, transport), and geographic location. However, hourly rates can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, with specialized services like bison herding potentially commanding higher prices due to the skill and equipment involved. The $37.6K contract for a year of on-call services suggests a moderate usage level or a competitive rate for the services rendered.
What are the risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this type of service?
Using SAP for this service carries risks such as potentially higher prices due to limited competition compared to full and open solicitations. There's also a risk that innovative solutions or a wider range of qualified vendors might be overlooked. While SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, it necessitates careful market research and justification to ensure fair and reasonable pricing and to mitigate the risk of awarding contracts to less capable or more expensive providers.
How effectively does this contract support the FWS's mission of bison conservation and management?
This contract directly supports the FWS's mission by providing essential aerial capabilities for bison herding, a crucial activity for managing herd movements, health, and preventing overgrazing or conflicts. By securing specialized helicopter services, the FWS can conduct these operations efficiently, especially in rugged or remote terrains where ground-based herding is impractical. The effectiveness hinges on the reliability of the service provider and the strategic deployment of these flights to achieve specific conservation and management objectives for the bison population.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 743 WEST HWY 132, NEPHI, UT, 84648
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $37,564
Exercised Options: $37,564
Current Obligation: $37,564
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140D8020A0009
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-06
Current End Date: 2025-12-05
Potential End Date: 2025-12-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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