Interior Department awards $153K for Alaska helicopter services for raptor surveys

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,300 ($15.3K)

Contractor: Alpine AIR Alaska, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 145 days

Daily Burn Rate: $106/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 HELICOPTER ON CALL - CONTRACTOR PROVIDED HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR FWS FLIGHT 26-15144 MRI RAPTOR NEST SURVEY 2026

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99504

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $15,300 to ALPINE AIR ALASKA, LLC for work described as: ALASKA HELICOPTER ON CALL - CONTRACTOR PROVIDED HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR FWS FLIGHT 26-15144 MRI RAPTOR NEST SURVEY 2026 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Alpine Air Alaska, LLC for essential flight services. 2. Services support critical wildlife research, specifically raptor nest surveys. 3. Fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment offers some cost flexibility. 4. Small business participation is not explicitly noted in this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $153,000 award appears reasonable for specialized helicopter services in remote Alaska. Benchmarking against similar on-call aviation contracts for environmental surveys would provide further validation.

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 a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The cost of $153,000 for essential wildlife survey support represents a modest investment in environmental stewardship and data collection.

Public Impact

Supports vital wildlife research and conservation efforts in Alaska. Ensures data collection for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Facilitates scientific understanding of raptor populations and their habitats.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause.
Geographic remoteness may impact operational efficiency and costs.

Positive Signals

Supports critical environmental research.
Awarded through competitive bidding.
Clear delivery dates and duration specified.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aviation services sector, specifically supporting environmental and scientific research. Spending on specialized aerial support for wildlife surveys is common for agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the contractor is Alpine Air Alaska, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a small business or if small business subcontracting goals were met.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. The Department of the Interior's contracting office managed this procurement.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Economic price adjustment could lead to cost overruns.
Limited competition information available.
Potential for weather-related delays impacting survey completion.
Geographic isolation may increase logistical challenges and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $15,300 to ALPINE AIR ALASKA, LLC. ALASKA HELICOPTER ON CALL - CONTRACTOR PROVIDED HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES FOR FWS FLIGHT 26-15144 MRI RAPTOR NEST SURVEY 2026

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 $15,300.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the typical hourly or daily rate for similar helicopter services in remote Alaskan regions for environmental surveys?

Rates for specialized helicopter services in remote Alaska can vary significantly based on aircraft type, mission complexity, and duration. For environmental surveys, hourly rates can range from $2,500 to $7,000 or more, excluding fuel and specialized equipment. This contract's total value suggests a substantial number of flight hours or a high-demand period.

What specific risks are associated with operating helicopters in Alaska during the specified period (April-August)?

Operating helicopters in Alaska during spring and summer presents risks such as rapidly changing weather conditions, including fog and high winds, which can cause delays or necessitate mission aborts. Wildlife encounters, particularly with birds, pose a collision hazard. Remote terrain increases the risk of landing zone challenges and the need for robust emergency response plans.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the Fish and Wildlife Service's overall mission objectives for raptor conservation?

This contract is crucial for the FWS's mission by enabling the collection of essential data on raptor populations and nesting success. This information directly informs conservation strategies, habitat management decisions, and the assessment of environmental impacts, thereby contributing significantly to the long-term health and protection of these bird species.

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: $15,300

Exercised Options: $15,300

Current Obligation: $15,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D8122D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline