Interior Dept. Awards $1.35M for MP Flight Helmets to Helicopter Helmet LLC, Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,523 ($13.5K)
Contractor: Helicopter Helmet LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 28 days
Daily Burn Rate: $483/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MP FLIGHT HELMET REPLACEMENT, VALE DISTRICT BLM, OREGON
Place of Performance
Location: VALE, MALHEUR County, OREGON, 97918
State: Oregon Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $13,523 to HELICOPTER HELMET LLC for work described as: MP FLIGHT HELMET REPLACEMENT, VALE DISTRICT BLM, OREGON Key points: 1. Spending on flight helmets for the Vale District BLM is $1.35M. 2. Competition was limited, with the award going to Helicopter Helmet LLC. 3. Risk appears low due to the specialized nature of the product. 4. The sector is primarily manufacturing, with potential for IT integration in future models.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $1.35M award for flight helmets is a significant expenditure. Benchmarking against similar specialized safety equipment contracts is difficult without more data on specific features and quantities. The firm fixed price suggests cost certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting an expectation of lower dollar value or limited vendor pool. While competed, the specific limitations of SAP may have restricted broader participation, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential safety equipment. The effectiveness of the competition under SAP will determine if the best possible price was achieved.
Public Impact
Ensures safety for Bureau of Land Management pilots operating in Oregon. Supports specialized manufacturing within the aerospace/safety equipment sector. Potential for future technology integration in helmet design and functionality.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 48 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for price overruns if specifications are not precise
Positive Signals
- Essential safety equipment procurement
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the manufacturing sector, specifically related to specialized safety and aviation equipment. Benchmarks for similar high-spec helmets are scarce, but spending on safety equipment is generally driven by regulatory requirements and operational necessity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management. Oversight would focus on contract performance, delivery, and adherence to specifications to ensure taxpayer value.
Related Government Programs
- Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Land Management Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price inflation due to specialized nature
- Lack of detailed technical specifications in public data
Tags
surgical-appliance-and-supplies-manufact, department-of-the-interior, or, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $13,523 to HELICOPTER HELMET LLC. MP FLIGHT HELMET REPLACEMENT, VALE DISTRICT BLM, OREGON
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HELICOPTER HELMET LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13,523.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-30.
What specific features and performance standards are required for these MP flight helmets, and how do they compare to industry standards?
The provided data lacks specific details on the technical requirements for the MP flight helmets. Understanding the exact specifications, materials, and performance standards is crucial for assessing their value and comparing them to industry benchmarks. Without this, it's difficult to determine if the $1.35M price reflects the necessary quality and functionality for pilot safety.
What were the limitations of the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) used, and could a broader competition have yielded better pricing?
SAP is designed for purchases below certain thresholds, often involving fewer vendors and less extensive documentation. While efficient, it may not attract the widest range of suppliers. The 'limited' competition suggests that either few vendors could meet the requirements or the SAP process itself constrained outreach, potentially impacting the government's ability to secure the most competitive price.
How will the effectiveness of these helmets in ensuring pilot safety be measured and validated post-delivery?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through pilot feedback, incident reports, and adherence to safety regulations. The Bureau of Land Management will need robust mechanisms to track helmet performance in operational conditions. Validation might involve periodic inspections, maintenance logs, and ensuring the helmets meet all required safety certifications throughout their service life.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 274 WEST DR, MELBOURNE, FL, 32904
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,523
Exercised Options: $13,523
Current Obligation: $13,523
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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