Forest Service awards $1M+ contract for air transport, with 44 orders issued

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,017,280 ($1.0M)

Contractor: Brainerd Helicopters, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2028-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $557/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 44

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 ANNISTON AL N127BH

Place of Performance

Location: ANNISTON, CALHOUN County, ALABAMA, 36201

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $1.0 million to BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 ANNISTON AL N127BH Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the firm fixed-price structure and duration. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, likely fostering competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the established nature of air transport services. 4. Performance context suggests routine operational needs for the Forest Service. 5. Sector positioning is within the transportation services category for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of approximately $1.02 million over a five-year period, with 44 delivery orders issued, suggests a consistent need for the service. The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation would be necessary for a definitive value assessment, but the pricing structure is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The issuance of 44 delivery orders suggests a robust and ongoing requirement. The competitive nature of the award process is expected to have driven favorable pricing and service terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from the most competitive pricing and potentially innovative solutions available in the market.

Public Impact

The Forest Service benefits from reliable air transportation for its operations. Services delivered include nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. Geographic impact is primarily within Alabama, where the contract is managed. Workforce implications are likely related to pilots, ground crew, and support staff for the contracted air services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and competitive pricing.
Multiple delivery orders indicate sustained demand and successful service provision.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader transportation services sector, specifically focusing on nonscheduled air charter services. This niche market supports government agencies requiring flexible and on-demand aerial transport for personnel or light cargo. The market size for such specialized government air services is relatively small but critical for agencies operating in remote or expansive areas.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, if any, in fulfilling this requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. Accountability is maintained through the firm fixed-price structure and the issuance of delivery orders against the base contract. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract award data.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aviation Management
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules (potential)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $1.0 million to BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 ANNISTON AL N127BH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2028-12-31.

What is the typical cost per flight hour or mile for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation in Alabama?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost for this contract against market rates for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation in Alabama is challenging without specific details on aircraft type, capacity, and flight duration. However, general industry data suggests that charter flight costs can range significantly, from several hundred to several thousand dollars per hour, depending on the aircraft. The Forest Service's firm fixed-price contract structure aims to stabilize these costs over the contract period. A detailed analysis would require comparing the average cost per delivery order or estimated flight time against publicly available charter rates for similar aircraft and service areas within Alabama.

How does the number of delivery orders (44) compare to similar MATOC contracts for air transport?

The issuance of 44 delivery orders under this MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) for air transport suggests a high level of utilization and a consistent demand for the services provided by Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. Compared to similar indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) or MATOC contracts, 44 orders over an 1826-day period (approximately 5 years) indicates a relatively active contract. This frequency suggests that the Forest Service frequently requires nonscheduled air charter services, potentially for various operational needs such as personnel transport, surveillance, or logistical support across its Alabama operations. A higher number of orders generally implies more frequent, smaller-scale taskings rather than fewer, larger projects.

What is Brainerd Helicopters, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture?

Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, including those with agencies like the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Examining their past performance on similar aviation contracts would provide insight into their reliability, safety record, and ability to meet delivery schedules and performance requirements. A review of their contract history would reveal the types of services previously rendered, the total value of contracts awarded, and any performance evaluations or disputes. This information is crucial for assessing the contractor's suitability and the potential risks associated with this award.

What specific types of missions or operations does the Forest Service typically use nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation for in Alabama?

Nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation for the Forest Service in Alabama likely supports a range of critical operational needs. These can include transporting personnel to remote fire suppression sites, conducting aerial surveys for forest health or wildlife management, providing access for land management activities in areas without traditional airstrips, or supporting emergency response efforts. The flexibility of chartered air services is essential for missions that require rapid deployment or access to difficult-to-reach locations, ensuring efficient resource allocation and personnel safety in diverse terrains.

Are there any known performance issues or concerns associated with Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. on previous contracts?

Assessing potential performance issues requires a thorough review of past contract performance evaluations, such as Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) data, and any documented disputes or claims. Without access to this specific performance history, it is difficult to definitively state whether there are known issues. However, the continued award of contracts, especially under full and open competition, generally suggests satisfactory performance. A comprehensive risk assessment would involve scrutinizing any available feedback on timeliness, quality of service, safety compliance, and responsiveness to contract requirements.

Industry Classification

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

Offers Received: 44

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8850 AIRPORT BLVD, LEESBURG, FL, 34788

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,017,280

Exercised Options: $1,017,280

Current Obligation: $1,017,280

Actual Outlays: $723,570

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9312

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline