Interior Department Awards $19.99M Contract for Alaska Fixed-Wing Air Transport Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,989 ($20.0K)
Contractor: Harley B. Mcmahan
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-02-15
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 409 days
Daily Burn Rate: $49/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Transportation
Official Description: ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL - 2025 YUCH SAC RADIOTRACKING
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR County, ALASKA, 99709
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $19,988.83 to HARLEY B. MCMAHAN for work described as: ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL - 2025 YUCH SAC RADIOTRACKING Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Harley B. McMahan for fixed-wing air transport in Alaska. 2. The contract is for Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation. 3. This award represents a small portion of the Department of the Interior's overall spending. 4. The contract duration is over a year, spanning from February 2025 to March 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a fixed-price with economic price adjustment, which can lead to cost fluctuations. Benchmarking against similar air charter services is difficult without more specific performance metrics.
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, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method aims to achieve fair market prices.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential transportation services in a remote region, with competition intended to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures critical transportation for personnel and potentially supplies in remote Alaskan locations. Supports operational needs of the Department of the Interior in challenging terrain. Provides a service that may be essential for accessing areas not served by regular commercial flights.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Economic price adjustment clause could increase final costs.
- Limited detail on specific service requirements and performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Service addresses a specific need in a remote operational area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under air transportation services, a sector critical for government operations in remote or geographically challenging areas like Alaska. Spending benchmarks for such specialized services can vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and operational complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard government oversight for delivery orders. Accountability will be managed through performance monitoring and adherence to the contract terms by the Department of the Interior.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to economic price adjustment.
- Operational risks associated with Alaskan weather and terrain.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical air transport.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment.
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-passenger-air-tra, department-of-the-interior, ak, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $19,988.83 to HARLEY B. MCMAHAN. ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL - 2025 YUCH SAC RADIOTRACKING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HARLEY B. MCMAHAN.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19,988.83.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-02-15. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the expected utilization rate of these fixed-wing services to justify the contract value?
The contract value of $19.99 million suggests a significant anticipated need for fixed-wing air transport over the contract period. Without specific utilization metrics or flight hour estimates, it's challenging to precisely gauge the value. However, the duration and the nature of operations in Alaska often necessitate extensive air support for personnel movement and logistical operations, implying a potentially high utilization rate to justify the cost.
What are the specific risks associated with operating fixed-wing aircraft in Alaska during the contract period?
Operating fixed-wing aircraft in Alaska presents several risks, including extreme weather conditions (icing, low visibility, high winds), remote landing sites, potential for mechanical issues far from repair facilities, and wildlife encounters. The economic price adjustment clause also introduces financial risk if fuel prices or other operational costs escalate unexpectedly, impacting the final cost to the government.
How effectively will this contract support the Department of the Interior's mission in Alaska?
This contract is designed to provide essential transportation, likely supporting the Department of the Interior's mission by enabling access to remote areas for land management, resource assessment, or other operational activities. Its effectiveness hinges on reliable service delivery, timely response to needs, and the ability to operate safely under challenging Alaskan conditions, ensuring personnel and resources can reach their intended destinations.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: MILE 1.5 TOK CUTOFF, GAKONA, AK, 99586
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,989
Exercised Options: $19,989
Current Obligation: $19,989
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140D8121D0018
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-02-15
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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