Alaska Helicopter Services Contract Awarded to Alpine Air Alaska for $155,680

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,568 ($15.6K)

Contractor: Alpine AIR Alaska, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-27

End Date: 2026-05-06

Contract Duration: 9 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/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 HELICOPTER ON CALL - CONTRACTOR PROVIDED HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR NRCS KENAI AERIAL MARKERS

Place of Performance

Location: GIRDWOOD, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99587

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $15,568 to ALPINE AIR ALASKA, LLC for work described as: ALASKA HELICOPTER ON CALL - CONTRACTOR PROVIDED HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR NRCS KENAI AERIAL MARKERS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Alpine Air Alaska, LLC for helicopter flight services. 2. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. The total award amount is $155,680. 5. The contract duration is 9 months.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment appears reasonable for specialized helicopter services in Alaska. Benchmarking is difficult without specific flight hour details, but the award amount seems aligned with niche aerial support needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through 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 contract value of $155,680 represents a modest expenditure for essential aerial services, with competition likely ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial marker support for NRCS in Alaska. Provides specialized aviation services in a remote and challenging environment. Supports local economic activity through contract with an Alaska-based company.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause could lead to cost increases.
Limited contract duration may require re-competition soon.
Geographic remoteness of Alaska can increase operational costs and risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Contract supports a specific, necessary government function.
Fixed-price structure provides some cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the air transportation sector, specifically nonscheduled chartered passenger services. Spending in this area is often driven by unique logistical needs in remote regions like Alaska, where specialized aircraft are essential for government operations.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Alpine Air Alaska, LLC. Further analysis is needed to determine if this company qualifies as a small business and if subcontracting opportunities were considered.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Interior, with oversight likely managed by the NRCS. The fixed-price structure and competitive award process suggest a degree of accountability.

Related Government Programs

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to EPA.
Short contract duration necessitates future procurement efforts.
Operational risks inherent in remote Alaskan aviation.
Limited visibility into small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $15,568 to ALPINE AIR ALASKA, LLC. ALASKA HELICOPTER ON CALL - CONTRACTOR PROVIDED HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR NRCS KENAI AERIAL MARKERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALPINE AIR ALASKA, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15,568.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-27. End: 2026-05-06.

What specific aerial marker activities will the helicopter services support for NRCS in Alaska?

The helicopter services are intended to support the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alaska with aerial marker operations. This likely involves tasks such as deploying, inspecting, or maintaining markers used for environmental monitoring, land management, or resource identification in remote or inaccessible areas. The specific nature of these markers and their purpose would dictate the precise flight requirements and operational tempo.

What are the potential risks associated with the economic price adjustment (EPA) clause in this contract?

The economic price adjustment clause allows for adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specific economic factors, such as fuel costs or labor rates. The primary risk is that these adjustments could lead to higher-than-anticipated costs for the government if market conditions trend unfavorably. This could potentially increase the total expenditure beyond the initial fixed-price estimate, impacting budget predictability.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring optimal value for this type of specialized service?

This competition method can be effective by allowing a broad range of potential bidders while still excluding specific sources deemed unsuitable or unnecessary. It aims to balance broad market reach with targeted procurement. For specialized services like helicopter operations in Alaska, it can ensure that qualified providers compete, driving value. However, the effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation and the actual number and capability of responsive bidders.

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: 599 MT HOOD RD, GIRDWOOD, AK, 99587

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,568

Exercised Options: $15,568

Current Obligation: $15,568

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D8122D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline