GSA awards $9.1M rotary wing airlift support contract to Berry Aviation, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,111,889 ($9.1M)

Contractor: Berry Aviation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-10-31

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: AETC ROTARY WING AIRLIFT SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: RANDOLPH AFB, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78150

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $9.1 million to BERRY AVIATION, INC. for work described as: AETC ROTARY WING AIRLIFT SUPPORT OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for rotary wing airlift support operations. 2. Berry Aviation, Inc. selected for service delivery. 3. Contract duration spans approximately two years. 4. Operations will be based in Texas. 5. This contract falls under 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation'. 6. The award was made through full and open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.1 million over two years for rotary wing airlift support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aviation support is challenging without more specific details on the scope of operations, flight hours, and aircraft types. However, the General Services Administration (GSA) typically aims for competitive pricing, suggesting that this award likely represents fair market value. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, warrants close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders suggests a moderately competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from various qualified sources, potentially leading to better terms and pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and encourages a wider pool of contractors to offer their services, leading to potentially more cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely government agencies requiring rotary wing airlift support, potentially for personnel transport, cargo delivery, or specialized missions. Services delivered include operational support for rotary wing aircraft. The geographic impact is centered in Texas, where the operations will be based. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for pilots, mechanics, and support staff within the aviation sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract type if not closely managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical airlift support operations.
Geographic concentration of operations in Texas could limit flexibility for missions outside this region.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Berry Aviation, Inc. is an established provider of aviation services.
Contract duration provides a period of stable support for required operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aviation services sector, specifically supporting rotary wing operations. The market for specialized airlift support is often characterized by a mix of large aerospace companies and smaller, niche service providers. Government contracts are a significant driver in this sector, demanding high standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific mission profile, aircraft utilized, and geographic operational area.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While Berry Aviation, Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors, there is no explicit requirement noted in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Berry Aviation actively seeks out and utilizes small business partners for specialized services or supplies.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Rotary Wing Aircraft Services
Air Transportation Support
Aviation Operations Support
Government Aviation Contracts
Defense Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical operations.
Geographic concentration of services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $9.1 million to BERRY AVIATION, INC.. AETC ROTARY WING AIRLIFT SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BERRY AVIATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-31. End: 2026-10-30.

What is Berry Aviation, Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly for airlift support?

Berry Aviation, Inc. has a history of performing aviation services for government entities. While specific details on their track record for rotary wing airlift support operations under similar contracts are not fully detailed in the provided data, their selection suggests they meet the qualifications and past performance requirements set by the GSA. Further investigation into their contract history, client feedback, and any past performance issues or commendations would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this domain. Reviewing federal procurement databases and agency performance reports could offer insights into their success rates and the types of missions they have supported.

How does the awarded value of $9.1 million compare to similar rotary wing airlift support contracts?

Comparing the $9.1 million value requires understanding the specific scope, duration, and operational tempo of this contract. Rotary wing airlift support can vary significantly in cost based on factors like the number and type of aircraft, required flight hours, maintenance schedules, crew support, and geographic operational area. A two-year contract of this value might be considered moderate for extensive, continuous operations. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze contracts with similar mission profiles, such as medevac, personnel transport, or cargo delivery, awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense or other federal bodies. Without such detailed comparisons, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a premium or a discount.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract type?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, such as this one, is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. This structure can incentivize longer task durations or higher material costs if oversight is insufficient. For taxpayers, the risk lies in paying more than necessary if the contractor's efficiency is low or if the scope of work expands without adequate controls. Effective risk mitigation involves robust monitoring of labor hours, material usage, and regular reviews of the work performed to ensure efficiency and prevent scope creep.

What is the expected effectiveness of Berry Aviation's services in meeting the government's airlift needs?

The expected effectiveness of Berry Aviation's services hinges on their ability to consistently meet the operational requirements outlined in the contract. Given that they were selected through a competitive process, it implies they demonstrated the capability, experience, and proposed approach to fulfill the government's needs for rotary wing airlift support. Effectiveness will be measured by their adherence to safety standards, on-time performance, reliability of aircraft, and responsiveness to mission demands. The GSA's oversight and performance metrics will be crucial in ensuring that the services delivered are effective and provide the intended value for the government's operations in Texas.

How has federal spending in 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending in the 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' category (NAICS 488190) can fluctuate based on government priorities, operational tempo, and specific program needs. This category encompasses a range of services beyond direct flight operations, including air traffic control support, airport operations, and specialized aviation services like airlift support. This $9.1 million contract represents a specific allocation within this broader category, focused on rotary wing operations. Analyzing historical spending trends in NAICS 488190 would reveal whether this award is part of an increasing, decreasing, or stable investment in such support activities. It highlights a continued need for specialized aviation services to support various government functions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFWA23R0008

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1807 AIRPORT DR, SAN MARCOS, TX, 78666

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,316,187

Exercised Options: $10,877,465

Current Obligation: $9,111,889

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFCA22D0109

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline