USDA Forest Service Awards $3.3M Contract for Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation to Minuteman Aviation Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,320,173 ($3.3M)

Contractor: Minuteman Aviation Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2028-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/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 STEARNS KY, HAMILTON MT, N640MA

Place of Performance

Location: STEARNS, MCCREARY County, KENTUCKY, 42647

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.3 million to MINUTEMAN AVIATION INC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 STEARNS KY, HAMILTON MT, N640MA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Minuteman Aviation Inc. for $3.32 million. 2. Service involves nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this award. 4. The contract duration is approximately 5 years, ending in December 2028.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.32 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized air transportation services. Benchmarking against similar MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) awards for aviation 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 robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair pricing. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to propose their services.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among potential service providers.

Public Impact

Ensures essential transportation for Forest Service operations, potentially in remote areas. Supports critical missions related to land management, firefighting, or research. Provides flexibility for unpredictable operational needs. Contributes to the operational readiness of the Forest Service.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation over the 5-year term.
Dependence on a single awardee for critical transportation needs.
Geographic limitations of service provision.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract provides stability for operations.
Clear definition of service type (chartered passenger air transport).

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector is critical for government agencies requiring rapid and flexible transportation, especially for operations in remote or challenging terrains. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary significantly based on aircraft type, duration, and operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

While this specific award went to Minuteman Aviation Inc., the Forest Service often utilizes MATOCs which can include provisions for small business participation in subsequent task orders. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the bidding process or could be subcontracted.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Delivery Order under a MATOC structure implies that a broader contract vehicle has already undergone initial review and oversight. The specific oversight for this delivery order would fall under the Forest Service's contracting officers and program managers.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to price increases.
Potential for service disruption if vendor faces issues.
Limited competition for specific task orders under MATOC.
Dependence on vendor's fleet availability and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.3 million to MINUTEMAN AVIATION INC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 STEARNS KY, HAMILTON MT, N640MA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MINUTEMAN AVIATION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost per flight hour or per passenger mile for similar nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation services awarded under full and open competition?

Benchmarking per-unit costs for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation is complex due to variables like aircraft size, range, specialized equipment, and operational tempo. However, typical rates can range from $2,000 to $10,000+ per flight hour, depending on the aircraft and specific mission requirements. A detailed analysis of the awarded contract's specific terms and the types of aircraft utilized would be necessary for a precise comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for chartered air transportation over a five-year period, especially for critical Forest Service missions?

Key risks include vendor financial instability, potential service disruptions due to unforeseen events (e.g., accidents, maintenance issues), and a lack of competitive pressure to maintain optimal pricing or service quality over the contract's duration. If Minuteman Aviation Inc. faces operational challenges, the Forest Service might experience significant delays or increased costs in securing alternative transportation, potentially impacting critical missions like wildfire suppression or remote area access.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's ability to conduct its diverse missions, particularly in areas with limited ground infrastructure?

This contract likely enhances the Forest Service's effectiveness by providing crucial, flexible air access to remote or inaccessible areas, which is vital for missions such as wildfire management, ecological surveys, and personnel deployment. The ability to charter flights on demand allows for rapid response and efficient operations where traditional transportation methods are impractical or impossible, thereby directly supporting the agency's land management and conservation goals.

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: 6337 AVIATION WAY W, MISSOULA, MT, 59808

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,320,173

Exercised Options: $3,320,173

Current Obligation: $3,320,173

Actual Outlays: $1,961,511

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9327

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline