Forest Service awards $6M contract for exclusive helicopter use in Boise, ID to Idaho Helicopters Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,998,488 ($6.0M)

Contractor: Idaho Helicopters Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR BOISE, ID

Place of Performance

Location: BOISE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83701

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6.0 million to IDAHO HELICOPTERS INC for work described as: TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR BOISE, ID Key points: 1. Contract awarded for exclusive use of Type II helicopters in Boise, ID. 2. Idaho Helicopters Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for a firm-fixed-price delivery order with a duration of 1095 days. 4. The Forest Service is the contracting agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The awarded amount of $5,998,487.79 for a 3-year contract appears reasonable given the specialized nature of exclusive use Type II helicopters. Benchmarking against similar exclusive-use contracts for aerial firefighting or critical transport services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial support for Forest Service operations in the Boise, ID area. Provides dedicated helicopter resources for potential firefighting or other emergency response needs. Supports the Forest Service's mission in managing and protecting federal lands.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if demand exceeds initial projections.
Dependence on a single provider for critical services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Long-term duration ensures consistent service availability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aviation services sector, specifically for specialized aerial support. Spending benchmarks for similar exclusive-use helicopter contracts can vary significantly based on aircraft type, operational area, and service duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight procedures for contract performance and financial management would apply.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole awardee for exclusive use.
Long-term commitment of funds.
Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6.0 million to IDAHO HELICOPTERS INC. TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR BOISE, ID

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IDAHO HELICOPTERS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What specific operational needs does the 'Type II Exclusive Use' designation address for the Forest Service in Boise?

Type II exclusive use typically refers to helicopters capable of supporting specific missions like wildland firefighting, heavy-lift operations, or specialized surveillance. The designation implies a need for dedicated, high-capacity aircraft that are readily available for prolonged periods, ensuring the Forest Service can effectively manage resources and respond to emergencies within the Boise region without relying on ad-hoc or shared assets.

How does the firm-fixed-price structure mitigate risks associated with fluctuating operational demands or fuel costs over the contract's three-year term?

A firm-fixed-price contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Idaho Helicopters Inc. This means the price remains constant regardless of the contractor's actual costs, including fuel or unexpected operational challenges. While this provides budget certainty for the Forest Service, it requires the contractor to accurately estimate all potential expenses and build in contingency, potentially leading to a higher initial bid price compared to cost-reimbursement contracts.

What performance metrics or service level agreements are in place to ensure the effectiveness of Idaho Helicopters Inc.'s services?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics or service level agreements. However, typical contracts of this nature would include requirements for aircraft availability, response times, maintenance standards, and pilot qualifications. The Forest Service would likely monitor adherence to these standards throughout the contract duration to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the aerial support provided.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1202SA22R9202

Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2471 W COMMERCE AVE, BOISE, ID, 83705

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,998,488

Exercised Options: $5,998,488

Current Obligation: $5,998,488

Actual Outlays: $3,548,796

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9274

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline