Forest Service awards $5.3M contract for exclusive helicopter services in Idaho to Helicopter Express LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,298,529 ($5.3M)

Contractor: Helicopter Express LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 639 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR PRICE VALLEY, ID #1

Place of Performance

Location: LEWISTON, NEZ PERCE County, IDAHO, 83501

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $5.3 million to HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC for work described as: TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR PRICE VALLEY, ID #1 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Helicopter Express LLC for exclusive use of Price Valley. 2. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this award. 4. The contract duration is 639 days, ending December 31, 2025.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $5.3M for exclusive helicopter services over 639 days appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service and the geographic location. Benchmarking against similar exclusive-use contracts for remote aerial support would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, ensuring the government secures services at a fair market price for essential aerial support in remote areas.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial support for Forest Service operations in Price Valley, Idaho. Supports wildfire suppression, resource management, and other essential services. Provides exclusive access to a vital transportation resource for a specific region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price creep if demand significantly exceeds initial projections.
Reliance on a single vendor for exclusive use could pose risks if service is interrupted.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures best value.
Firm fixed price contract provides budget predictability.
Essential service for remote area operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the transportation sector, specifically air charter services. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for access to remote or difficult terrain, common in federal land management agencies like the Forest Service.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition, is subject to standard federal oversight. Delivery orders under larger contracts are typically monitored for compliance and performance.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Exclusive use may limit flexibility for other potential users.
Dependence on a single provider for critical services.
Geographic remoteness could increase operational risks and costs.
Potential for price escalation in future contract renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $5.3 million to HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC. TYPE II EXCLUSIVE USE FOR PRICE VALLEY, ID #1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the historical cost of similar exclusive-use helicopter contracts in remote regions?

Historical data on similar exclusive-use helicopter contracts in remote regions is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment. While this contract's $5.3M price tag over 639 days seems reasonable for specialized services, comparing it to past awards for comparable geographic areas and service scopes would reveal if the current pricing is competitive or if there are opportunities for cost savings in future procurements.

What are the contingency plans if Helicopter Express LLC experiences operational disruptions?

Contingency planning for operational disruptions is vital, especially with exclusive-use contracts. The Forest Service should have pre-defined protocols for alternative service providers or mitigation strategies in case Helicopter Express LLC faces unforeseen issues like mechanical failures, pilot shortages, or natural disasters impacting their operations. This ensures continuity of essential services.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's mission objectives in Idaho?

This contract directly supports the Forest Service's mission by providing essential aerial transportation for resource management, wildfire response, and other critical operations in the Price Valley area of Idaho. The exclusive use ensures reliable access to remote locations, enhancing the agency's ability to protect natural resources and public safety in challenging terrain.

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: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2025 FLIGHTWAY DR, ATLANTA, GA, 30341

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,298,529

Exercised Options: $5,298,529

Current Obligation: $5,298,529

Actual Outlays: $3,972,760

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9267

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline