Interior Department awards $6.3M fixed-wing flight contract to Ryan Air, Inc. for Alaska operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,343 ($6.3K)

Contractor: Ryan AIR, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-03-05

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 26 days

Daily Burn Rate: $244/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: Other

Official Description: ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL FOR FWS FLIGHT 25-14923 BET EWU YUKON DELTA TRANSPORT

Place of Performance

Location: BETHEL, BETHEL County, ALASKA, 99559

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $6,342.81 to RYAN AIR, INC. for work described as: ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL FOR FWS FLIGHT 25-14923 BET EWU YUKON DELTA TRANSPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized fixed-wing air transport in remote Alaska. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 26 months provides a stable operational window. 4. Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FPEPA) contract type may mitigate fuel cost volatility. 5. The primary service is nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 6. Geographic focus is on Alaska, specifically the Yukon Delta region.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.34 million for a 26-month period for fixed-wing air transportation in Alaska seems within a reasonable range for specialized services in a high-cost operating environment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for remote air services in Alaska would provide a more precise value assessment. The FPEPA pricing structure allows for adjustments, which is common for aviation contracts sensitive to fuel price fluctuations, potentially offering a fair balance between cost control and operational viability.

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 that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. This suggests a deliberate effort to ensure broad participation while potentially focusing on qualified vendors. The presence of 3 bids indicates a moderate level of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery and value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, even with source exclusion, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to submit bids, driving down prices and improving service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) personnel and potentially other Department of the Interior agencies operating in the Yukon Delta region of Alaska. The contract delivers essential nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation services, crucial for accessing remote areas. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska, specifically supporting operations within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge or surrounding areas. Workforce implications include support for pilots, mechanics, and ground crew employed by Ryan Air, Inc. and potentially local support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs due to economic price adjustments if fuel prices rise significantly.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical transportation in a remote region could pose risks if operational issues arise.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation to understand its rationale and potential impact on competition.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to leveraging market forces for best value.
The FPEPA contract type provides flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions, particularly fuel costs.
The contract award to Ryan Air, Inc. indicates a known entity providing these services, potentially implying a degree of reliability.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector is critical for supporting government operations in remote and geographically challenging areas like Alaska. This contract falls under nonscheduled chartered air transportation, a niche market often dominated by specialized operators. The market size for such services in Alaska is substantial due to the state's vastness and limited ground infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar air transport services in remote regions, considering factors like aircraft type, payload, and operational complexity.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Ryan Air, Inc.'s status as a small or large business is not specified. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in the award information. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Ryan Air, Inc. utilizes small business subcontractors or if the competition itself involved small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers responsible for FWS operations in Alaska. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Oversight
Department of the Interior Agency Operations
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Logistics
Remote Area Access Programs
Alaska State Aviation Services

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustments.
Operational risks associated with single-source reliance in a remote area.
Limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $6,342.81 to RYAN AIR, INC.. ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL FOR FWS FLIGHT 25-14923 BET EWU YUKON DELTA TRANSPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RYAN AIR, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6,342.81.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of Ryan Air, Inc. in performing similar federal contracts, particularly in Alaska?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to fully assess Ryan Air, Inc.'s track record. Information regarding past performance, including on-time delivery, safety records, and client satisfaction, is crucial. Specifically, examining previous contracts with the Department of the Interior or other agencies operating in Alaska would provide insight into their capabilities and reliability in similar environments. Any history of contract disputes, performance failures, or positive performance commendations would be relevant to understanding their suitability for this current award.

How does the pricing structure (Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment) compare to other fixed-wing air charter contracts in similar remote regions?

The Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FPEPA) structure is common for contracts involving volatile input costs, such as aviation fuel. Comparing this contract's base price and adjustment mechanisms to similar fixed-wing air charter contracts in remote regions like Alaska, the Arctic, or other challenging terrains would reveal its competitiveness. Factors to consider include the type of aircraft, operational hours, included services (e.g., maintenance, crew), and the specific economic indicators used for price adjustments. A higher base price might be justified if the FPEPA offers robust protection against significant fuel price spikes, ultimately providing better value stability.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single contractor for critical air transport in the Yukon Delta region?

Relying on a single contractor for critical air transport in a remote region like the Yukon Delta presents several risks. These include potential service disruptions due to aircraft mechanical issues, pilot availability, or adverse weather conditions that could ground operations for extended periods. A lack of competition could also lead to complacency in service quality or price increases over time, although the FPEPA structure aims to mitigate some price risks. Furthermore, if the contractor faces financial difficulties or operational challenges, the government may have limited immediate alternatives, potentially impacting mission-critical activities dependent on air transport.

What is the historical spending pattern for fixed-wing air transportation services by the Department of the Interior in Alaska?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for fixed-wing air transportation by the Department of the Interior in Alaska would provide context for the current $6.34 million award. This involves examining contract data over several fiscal years to identify trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the number of contractors utilized. Understanding whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending compared to previous years is important. It also helps in identifying any significant shifts in procurement strategies or reliance on specific service providers over time.

What does the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the contract's competition type imply for potential future competition and cost savings?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' clause suggests that while the competition was broadly open, certain potential bidders were identified and excluded prior to the solicitation phase. The reasons for exclusion could range from past performance issues, inability to meet specific technical requirements, or strategic sourcing decisions. This exclusion might limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially reducing the intensity of competition compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition. Consequently, it could have implications for achieving the lowest possible prices for taxpayers and may warrant scrutiny to ensure the exclusions were justified and did not unduly restrict competition.

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: 6400 CARL BRADY DR, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99502

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,343

Exercised Options: $6,343

Current Obligation: $6,343

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D8121D0042

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline