Interior Department awards $2.9M fixed-wing air transport contract to Misty Fjords Air and Outfitting, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,911 ($2.9K)

Contractor: Misty Fjords AIR and Outfitting, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-03-06

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 25 days

Daily Burn Rate: $116/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 - FWS/IOS/USFS 2026 RAC TRANSPORT, AVIATION RQ 26-15240

Place of Performance

Location: KETCHIKAN, KETCHIKAN GATEWAY County, ALASKA, 99901

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2,910.6 to MISTY FJORDS AIR AND OUTFITTING, INC. for work described as: ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL - FWS/IOS/USFS 2026 RAC TRANSPORT, AVIATION RQ 26-15240 Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration is 25 months, indicating a medium-term service requirement. 3. The fixed-price structure with economic price adjustment aims to manage cost fluctuations. 4. The service is for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, vital for remote operations. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract is for services in Alaska, highlighting regional operational needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.9 million over 25 months for fixed-wing air transport in Alaska appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service and the remote operating environment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for on-call aviation services in remote regions would provide a more precise value assessment. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure is common for aviation contracts to account for fuel and operational cost volatility.

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,' which implies that while the initial solicitation might have had some exclusions, the final award was made through a broad competitive process. The presence of 3 bidders (indicated by 'no': 3) suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. A higher number of bidders would typically lead to more aggressive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price than a sole-source or limited competition scenario. The active participation of multiple companies helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The contract directly benefits the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and other Interior Department agencies operating in Alaska. It ensures the availability of essential fixed-wing air transportation for personnel and potentially light cargo. The services are critical for supporting land management, fire suppression, research, and other operational activities in remote Alaskan areas. Geographic impact is concentrated within Alaska, supporting federal operations across the state. The contract supports the aviation services sector, including pilots, mechanics, and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause if fuel costs or other operational expenses rise significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air transport services in remote areas could pose a risk if the contractor faces operational issues.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The fixed-price structure, even with adjustments, provides a baseline cost control mechanism.
The contract duration of 25 months offers stability for service provision.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector is diverse, encompassing scheduled airlines, cargo carriers, and specialized charter operations. This contract falls into the specialized charter segment, providing on-call fixed-wing transport crucial for government agencies operating in challenging terrains like Alaska. The market for such services is often characterized by high barriers to entry due to regulatory requirements, specialized aircraft, and operational expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely focus on per-flight-hour or per-mile rates for similar charter services in remote or challenging environments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses ('sb': false). While the prime contractor, Misty Fjords Air and Outfitting, Inc., may be a small business itself, the contract terms do not reflect a formal small business set-aside. There is no explicit information on subcontracting requirements for small businesses within this award, though it is common practice for larger contracts to include such provisions to foster small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Interior or the U.S. Forest Service. Accountability measures would include adherence to delivery schedules, service quality standards, and reporting requirements outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Oversight
Department of the Interior Aviation Management
U.S. Forest Service Aviation Management
Remote Area Logistics Support Contracts
On-Call Charter Services

Risk Flags

Potential for price escalation due to economic price adjustment.
Dependence on specialized aviation services in remote locations.
Contract duration may not align with long-term strategic needs if requirements evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2,910.6 to MISTY FJORDS AIR AND OUTFITTING, INC.. ALASKA FIXED WING ON CALL - FWS/IOS/USFS 2026 RAC TRANSPORT, AVIATION RQ 26-15240

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MISTY FJORDS AIR AND OUTFITTING, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,910.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-06. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of Misty Fjords Air and Outfitting, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for aviation services in Alaska?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Misty Fjords Air and Outfitting, Inc.'s track record. Key metrics to examine include the number of previous federal contracts awarded, their total value, performance ratings (if available), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Understanding their experience with similar types of services (nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation) and operating environments (remote Alaska) is crucial. A positive history with timely delivery, quality service, and adherence to regulations would indicate a lower performance risk for this new contract. Conversely, any past issues could signal potential challenges.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar fixed-wing charter services in Alaska?

Determining the precise value for money requires benchmarking against comparable contracts and market rates. This involves researching per-hour or per-mile costs for similar fixed-wing aircraft charters in Alaska, considering factors like aircraft type, capacity, range, and operational complexity. Data from similar government contracts awarded to other providers in the region, or from commercial charter rate surveys, can serve as benchmarks. The 'fixed price with economic price adjustment' structure also needs consideration, as the base price might be competitive, but the potential for escalation due to the adjustment clause needs to be factored into the overall value assessment. Without specific market data, a definitive comparison is difficult, but the competitive award process suggests an effort to secure fair market value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include operational disruptions (weather, mechanical issues), potential cost overruns due to the economic price adjustment clause, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies often involve the contract's performance standards, reporting requirements, and the contracting officer's oversight. The fixed-price nature provides some cost control, while the economic price adjustment is designed to manage unavoidable cost fluctuations. The requirement for 'on-call' service implies a need for rapid response capabilities, and the contractor's ability to meet this is a critical performance indicator. The government may also maintain contingency plans or alternative providers for critical services in remote areas.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring competitive pricing for specialized services like this?

This procurement method aims to balance the need for broad competition with specific requirements that might initially limit the pool of eligible bidders. 'Exclusion of sources' suggests that certain restrictions or pre-qualifications were applied, perhaps due to safety, operational, or regulatory reasons specific to remote Alaskan aviation. However, the subsequent 'full and open competition' phase means that all qualified sources were invited to bid. This approach can be effective if the initial exclusions are justified and the subsequent competition is robust, leading to a competitive price. If the exclusions were overly restrictive, it could limit competition and potentially increase costs compared to a truly unrestricted open competition.

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

Analyzing historical spending requires accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying all contracts for similar fixed-wing air transport services awarded by the Department of the Interior (and its agencies like the USFS) in Alaska. Key data points to examine include the total annual expenditure, the number of contracts awarded, the average contract value, and the primary contractors. Understanding these patterns can reveal trends in demand, pricing stability, and contractor concentration. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending, or a reliance on a few dominant contractors, could warrant further investigation into the efficiency and competitiveness of the procurement process.

What are the implications of the 'delivery order' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER) nature of this award?

A 'delivery order' indicates that this contract is a task order issued under a previously established indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) or other multiple-award contract vehicle. This means the underlying contract was already competed and awarded, and this specific order represents a defined scope of work with a set price and delivery timeline. The implications are that the competition for the broader contract vehicle likely occurred earlier. This specific award is for a defined period (March 2026 - March 2026, though the duration is 25 months, suggesting the end date might be a typo or placeholder), and its value ($2.9M) contributes to the overall ceiling of the parent contract. It streamlines the acquisition process for specific needs.

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: 1716 S TONGASS HWY, KETCHIKAN, AK, 99901

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,911

Exercised Options: $2,911

Current Obligation: $2,911

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D8121D0019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline