DOI Awards $607.5K for Everglades Helicopter Monitoring, HMC Helicopter Service LLC Secures Contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $60,750 ($60.8K)
Contractor: HMC Helicopter Service LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-05-01
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $167/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ON CALL SMALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR/UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR EVERGLADES HYDROLICS MONITORING IN MIAMI, FLORIDA
Place of Performance
Location: EVERGLADES CITY, COLLIER County, FLORIDA, 34139
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $60,750 to HMC HELICOPTER SERVICE LLC for work described as: ON CALL SMALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR/UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR EVERGLADES HYDROLICS MONITORING IN MIAMI, FLORIDA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to HMC Helicopter Service LLC for essential USGS monitoring. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is relatively modest, indicating a focused scope of work. 4. Potential risks include reliance on a single vendor for specialized services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $607,500 for a 1-year period appears reasonable for specialized helicopter flight services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial monitoring or charter services would provide a more precise assessment.
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 process where multiple vendors were considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The modest contract value suggests a limited direct financial impact on taxpayers, but ensures efficient data collection for environmental monitoring.
Public Impact
Ensures continued critical environmental monitoring in the Everglades. Supports the operational needs of the U.S. Geological Survey. Provides specialized aviation services for scientific data collection.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for service disruption if the sole provider faces operational issues.
- Limited flexibility if monitoring needs change significantly during the contract period.
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuity of essential environmental data collection.
- Utilizes a competitive process to secure services.
- Supports a critical scientific mission of the USGS.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, often used for specialized government operations requiring flexible and on-demand aerial services. Spending in this niche sector is driven by specific mission requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or participated in the bidding process.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's oversight ensures the contractor meets performance requirements. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract framework suggests established procurement procedures are in place.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole provider risk
- Operational dependency
- Potential for service interruption
- Limited vendor pool for specialized services
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-passenger-air-tra, department-of-the-interior, fl, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $60,750 to HMC HELICOPTER SERVICE LLC. ON CALL SMALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR/UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR EVERGLADES HYDROLICS MONITORING IN MIAMI, FLORIDA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HMC HELICOPTER SERVICE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $60,750.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.
What is the specific value proposition of using helicopter services over other monitoring methods for Everglades hydraulics?
Helicopter services offer unparalleled access to remote and difficult-to-reach areas within the Everglades, crucial for accurate hydraulic monitoring. They allow for rapid deployment and data collection over large, complex terrains where ground-based or drone methods might be impractical or less efficient, ensuring comprehensive and timely scientific data.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, given its specialized nature?
The primary risks include potential service disruptions if HMC Helicopter Service LLC experiences mechanical issues or operational challenges, impacting USGS monitoring continuity. Additionally, a lack of readily available alternative providers for such specialized services could lead to price escalations in future procurements or delays if the current contract is terminated.
How effective is this contract in ensuring the long-term reliability of Everglades hydraulic data?
The contract's effectiveness hinges on the consistent performance of HMC Helicopter Service LLC and the USGS's ability to manage the contract effectively. Its one-year duration suggests it's part of a potentially larger, ongoing effort. The competitive award process aims for reliability, but long-term effectiveness depends on sustained funding and adaptable service provision.
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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14532 SW 129TH ST, MIAMI, FL, 33186
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $60,750
Exercised Options: $60,750
Current Obligation: $60,750
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140D8022D0098
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-01
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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