Reeder Flying Service awarded $186K for Nevada helicopter services, highlighting niche aviation support needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,642 ($18.6K)

Contractor: Reeder Flying Service, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-02-20

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 39 days

Daily Burn Rate: $478/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 DOI/BLM WHB INVENTORY PROJECT IN ELKO & WINNEMUCCA, NV

Place of Performance

Location: ELKO, ELKO County, NEVADA, 89801

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $18,642 to REEDER FLYING SERVICE, INC. for work described as: ON-CALL SMALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF DOI/BLM WHB INVENTORY PROJECT IN ELKO & WINNEMUCCA, NV Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized, on-call aviation services in remote areas. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a project-specific need. 4. Performance is tied to inventory projects, suggesting a direct link to land management activities. 5. The award to Reeder Flying Service positions them as a key provider for this specific DOI/BLM need. 6. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $186,420 for on-call helicopter flight services over approximately one month appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the geographic location. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial surveying or support in remote areas would provide further context, but the price seems aligned with the niche market for such services. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple potential bidders were solicited and allowed to submit proposals. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this method generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The exclusion of sources clause suggests a specific reason for initial non-consideration, but the subsequent full and open competition indicates a robust process.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of providers to compete, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior (DOI) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) benefit from essential flight services for their inventory projects. Residents and businesses in Elko and Winnemucca, Nevada, may see indirect economic benefits through the contractor's local operations. The services directly support land management and inventory efforts in Nevada, contributing to resource management and conservation. The contract supports specialized aviation jobs within the region. The project's success in inventorying resources in Nevada is facilitated by this contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited contractor availability due to the niche nature of specialized helicopter services.
Geographic remoteness of service areas could introduce logistical challenges and potential delays.
Dependence on weather conditions for flight operations can impact project timelines.
The short duration of the contract may necessitate rapid mobilization and demobilization.
Ensuring consistent adherence to safety protocols in remote operational environments.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services.
The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor is supporting critical inventory projects for the DOI/BLM.
The contract is awarded to a specific company, indicating a clear point of accountability.
The services are essential for land management operations in Nevada.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector, particularly specialized charter and support flights, is critical for various government operations, including land management, surveying, and emergency response. This contract falls within the niche of nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, often characterized by smaller operators catering to specific regional or project needs. The market size for such highly specialized on-call services can be difficult to quantify broadly but is essential for agencies operating in remote or challenging terrains like those managed by the BLM in Nevada.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned. The award to Reeder Flying Service, Inc. indicates a direct contract with a specific entity. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Reeder Flying Service itself is a small business or if they utilize small business subcontractors, which could impact the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the BLM's inventory projects. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by fixing the cost. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability rests with Reeder Flying Service to perform the contracted services to specification and with the agency to monitor performance and payment.

Related Government Programs

DOI/BLM Land Inventory Projects
Nonscheduled Chartered Air Transportation Services
Federal Aviation Support Contracts
Remote Area Operations Support

Risk Flags

Geographic remoteness may impact operational efficiency.
Weather dependency can cause schedule disruptions.
Short contract duration requires rapid mobilization.
Niche service may limit contractor availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $18,642 to REEDER FLYING SERVICE, INC.. ON-CALL SMALL HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF DOI/BLM WHB INVENTORY PROJECT IN ELKO & WINNEMUCCA, NV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REEDER FLYING SERVICE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18,642.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-20. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of Reeder Flying Service, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Interior?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Reeder Flying Service, Inc. has received federal contracts primarily from the Department of the Interior, specifically the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These contracts often involve specialized aviation services such as helicopter support for land management, surveying, and fire support operations in remote areas of Nevada. The company appears to have a history of performing services related to the agency's operational needs in challenging environments. Further detailed analysis of past performance reviews and any documented issues would be necessary to fully assess their track record beyond the types of services provided and the agencies served.

How does the awarded price compare to similar on-call helicopter flight services contracts in the region or for similar government needs?

Benchmarking the $186,420 award for on-call helicopter flight services requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and operational complexity. Given the specialized nature of supporting DOI/BLM inventory projects in remote Nevada locations, direct comparisons can be challenging. However, typical rates for on-call helicopter services can vary significantly based on aircraft type, pilot expertise, operational duration, and geographic remoteness. Without specific data on the number of flight hours, aircraft type, and the precise nature of the inventory support, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. Generally, specialized services in remote areas command a premium. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government sought cost certainty.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include operational challenges due to the remote Nevada locations (e.g., logistics, accessibility, communication), potential weather disruptions impacting flight schedules, and ensuring the availability of specialized helicopter services on an 'on-call' basis. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed planning by the contractor, clear communication protocols with the BLM, contingency planning for weather delays, and the firm fixed-price contract structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and timelines efficiently. The short duration (approx. 1 month) also limits the exposure to long-term risks. Safety protocols and adherence to flight regulations are also critical risk mitigation elements.

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

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to balance the need for broad competition with specific circumstances that might initially limit the pool of eligible bidders. In this case, it suggests that while certain sources might have been initially excluded (perhaps due to specific qualifications or prior relationships), the agency ultimately opened the solicitation broadly. This approach can be effective if the initial exclusion was narrowly defined and the subsequent open competition attracts a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing hinges on the number and capability of the bidders that responded to the open solicitation. If only a few responded, the competitive pressure might be limited.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar helicopter flight services by the Department of the Interior or Bureau of Land Management?

Historical spending patterns for helicopter flight services by the DOI and BLM often show significant investment in support of land management, wildfire suppression, and resource monitoring. These contracts are frequently awarded for specific geographic regions or project durations, reflecting the operational needs in vast and often remote areas. Spending can fluctuate annually based on environmental conditions (e.g., drought leading to increased wildfire risk) and agency priorities. Contracts for inventory projects, like the one awarded to Reeder Flying Service, represent a segment of this spending, focused on data collection and land assessment rather than emergency response. Analyzing past awards reveals a consistent need for specialized aviation support across various BLM programs.

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

Parent Company: Reeder Flying Service Inc.

Address: 644 AIRPORT LOOP, TWIN FALLS, ID, 83301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,642

Exercised Options: $18,642

Current Obligation: $18,642

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D8022D0113

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline