USDA Forest Service Awards $17.3M Task Order for Airtanker Services to Coulson Aviation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,278,968 ($17.3M)

Contractor: Coulson Aviation (USA), Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-05-17

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 593 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COULSON - AIRTANKER MATCO 2023 EXCLUSIVE USE TASKER ORDER 120 DAY MAP

Place of Performance

Location: BOISE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83705

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $17.3 million to COULSON AVIATION (USA), INC. for work described as: COULSON - AIRTANKER MATCO 2023 EXCLUSIVE USE TASKER ORDER 120 DAY MAP Key points: 1. The contract is for exclusive use of an airtanker, crucial for wildfire suppression. 2. Coulson Aviation (USA), Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The firm fixed price contract aims to control costs for a critical service. 4. This spending supports national forest management and wildfire response capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $17.3 million task order for 593 days of service appears to be within a reasonable range for exclusive-use airtanker contracts, though specific comparable contracts are not readily available. The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition scenario. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to broader full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential wildfire suppression resources. The limited competition structure warrants scrutiny to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial firefighting resources are available for the upcoming fire seasons. Supports the Department of Agriculture's mission to protect national forests. Provides employment and economic activity within the aviation and firefighting sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may reduce cost savings.
Dependence on a single provider for critical assets.
Potential for price escalation in future contract renewals.

Positive Signals

Secures essential wildfire suppression capability.
Firm fixed price provides budget predictability.
Supports national security through forest protection.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aviation services sector, specifically supporting government needs for specialized aerial firefighting. Spending benchmarks for exclusive-use airtankers vary significantly based on aircraft type, duration, and operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is Coulson Aviation (USA), Inc. No information is provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific task order.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing this task order to ensure timely delivery and performance of airtanker services. Accountability is maintained through contract terms and performance monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpayment.
Sole reliance on one provider for critical assets.
Lack of transparency regarding the exclusion of other sources.
Potential for cost overruns if operational needs exceed initial estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $17.3 million to COULSON AVIATION (USA), INC.. COULSON - AIRTANKER MATCO 2023 EXCLUSIVE USE TASKER ORDER 120 DAY MAP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COULSON AVIATION (USA), INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-17. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of other sources in this 'limited' competition, and how were they documented?

The justification for excluding other sources typically involves factors like unique capabilities, existing infrastructure, or urgent needs that only a specific contractor can meet. Documentation would detail these reasons, often found in the contract file or justification for other than full and open competition (JOFOC). Without access to the full contract documentation, the precise reasons remain unclear.

How does the per-day cost of this airtanker service compare to similar exclusive-use contracts awarded by other federal agencies or state governments?

Benchmarking the per-day cost requires access to a database of similar contracts. Factors like aircraft model (e.g., C-130, BAe-146), retardant capacity, required flight hours, and geographic operating area significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests the price is within the expected range for large, exclusive-use airtankers, but a definitive comparison needs more data.

What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the airtanker service throughout the contract period?

Effectiveness is typically measured through adherence to delivery schedules, aircraft availability, pilot qualifications, and successful mission completion rates. The Forest Service likely has specific performance standards and reporting requirements outlined in the task order. Failure to meet these metrics could result in penalties or contract termination, ensuring accountability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FS-AT23-EU-01

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1200 NW NAITO PKWY STE 200, PORTLAND, OR, 97209

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,828,380

Exercised Options: $19,121,018

Current Obligation: $17,278,968

Actual Outlays: $16,809,257

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9103

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline