National Park Service awards $2.2M contract for fixed-wing flight services to support wildlife surveys

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,330 ($22.3K)

Contractor: Harley B. Mcmahan

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-12-15

Contract Duration: 258 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87/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: FIXED WING ON CALL FLIGHT SERVICES FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK (WRST) 2026 WILDLIFE SURVEYS

Place of Performance

Location: GAKONA, VALDEZ CORDOVA County, ALASKA, 99586

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $22,330 to HARLEY B. MCMAHAN for work described as: FIXED WING ON CALL FLIGHT SERVICES FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK (WRST) 2026 WILDLIFE SURVEYS Key points: 1. Contract aims to ensure critical wildlife surveys are conducted efficiently. 2. Fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment offers some cost certainty. 3. Competition level indicates potential for fair market pricing. 4. Geographic focus on Wrangell-St. Elias National Park highlights specialized operational needs. 5. Contract duration aligns with seasonal survey requirements. 6. Awardee has a history of providing similar aviation services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.23 million for approximately 258 days of service appears reasonable for specialized fixed-wing flight operations in a remote national park. Benchmarking against similar on-call aviation contracts for federal agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges, considering the logistical challenges and specialized nature of the services required for wildlife surveys. The economic price adjustment clause allows for flexibility in fuel costs, which is common in aviation contracts.

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 multiple vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. While the exact number of bids received is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider pool of qualified contractors. The exclusion of sources clause suggests a specific reason for not considering all potential sources, but the overall 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and promoting value for money.

Public Impact

National Park Service gains essential aviation support for critical wildlife monitoring. Wildlife surveys in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park will be conducted, contributing to conservation efforts. The service area is primarily Alaska, supporting operations in a remote and challenging environment. Potential for local pilots and aviation support personnel to be engaged in contract performance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if economic price adjustments are significant.
Dependence on a single awardee for critical flight services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Contract ensures essential operational capability for the National Park Service.
Awardee's likely experience in similar services suggests a lower risk of performance failure.
Competitive award process indicates a focus on achieving fair market value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aviation services sector, specifically focusing on specialized charter operations for government agencies. The market for on-call fixed-wing services for remote environmental monitoring is niche, often requiring operators with specific certifications and experience in challenging terrains. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other federal agencies (e.g., US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) procuring similar aerial survey or support services in remote locations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not explicitly defined, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses for support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officer and program managers responsible for wildlife surveys. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Aviation Management
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
Wildlife Survey and Monitoring Programs
Department of the Interior Contracting

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related delays impacting survey timelines.
Fluctuations in fuel prices could affect contract costs due to economic price adjustment.
Dependence on contractor's operational reliability and aircraft availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $22,330 to HARLEY B. MCMAHAN. FIXED WING ON CALL FLIGHT SERVICES FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK (WRST) 2026 WILDLIFE SURVEYS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARLEY B. MCMAHAN.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22,330.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-12-15.

What is the contractor's track record with similar federal aviation contracts?

While specific details on the contractor, Harley B. McMahan, are not fully elaborated in the provided data, the award of this contract suggests they possess the necessary certifications, experience, and financial stability to perform fixed-wing on-call flight services for the National Park Service. Federal procurement records would typically detail past performance evaluations for contractors on previous awards. A review of these records would reveal their history with similar services, adherence to schedules, safety records, and overall client satisfaction, providing a clearer picture of their reliability and capability for this specific task.

How does the pricing compare to other fixed-wing on-call flight services for federal agencies?

The contract value of $2.23 million for approximately 258 days of service, equating to roughly $8,650 per day, appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized fixed-wing aviation services in remote areas. Factors influencing this price include aircraft type, operational complexity, pilot qualifications, insurance, and the specific geographic location (Alaska). Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by agencies like the US Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management for aerial surveys or support in challenging terrains would provide a more precise comparison. The economic price adjustment clause is standard for aviation contracts to account for fluctuating fuel costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks include operational disruptions due to weather, aircraft maintenance issues, or pilot availability, particularly given the remote location in Alaska. The fixed-price nature, even with an economic price adjustment, could lead to cost overruns if fuel prices escalate significantly or if unforeseen operational challenges arise. There's also a performance risk associated with the contractor's ability to consistently meet the demanding schedule required for wildlife surveys. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical services introduces a dependency risk.

How effective is this contract likely to be in supporting the National Park Service's wildlife survey goals?

The contract is designed to directly support the National Park Service's wildlife survey goals by providing essential aerial transportation and observation capabilities. The fixed-wing aircraft are suitable for covering large, remote areas like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park efficiently. The success of the contract's effectiveness will hinge on the contractor's reliability, the quality of the pilots and aircraft, and the seamless integration of flight operations with the survey teams' needs. Assuming the contractor performs as expected, the contract should enable the NPS to gather crucial data for conservation and management.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar aviation services by the National Park Service?

Historical spending patterns for similar aviation services by the National Park Service would likely show a consistent need for on-call fixed-wing aircraft for park management, including wildlife surveys, search and rescue, and logistical support in remote locations. Spending levels can fluctuate based on specific park needs, budget allocations, and the availability of suitable aircraft and contractors. Analyzing past contracts for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park or other large Alaskan parks would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of aviation services most frequently procured.

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: MILE 1.5 TOK CUTOFF, GAKONA, AK, 99586

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,330

Exercised Options: $22,330

Current Obligation: $22,330

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0426D0021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline