Forest Service Awards $4.1M Nonscheduled Air Charter Contract to Heliqwest International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,093,865 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Heliqwest International Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/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 KANKAKEE, BROOMFIELD N114NS

Place of Performance

Location: WESTMINSTER, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80020

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.1 million to HELIQWEST INTERNATIONAL INC. for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 KANKAKEE, BROOMFIELD N114NS Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, indicating specialized service needs. 3. Heliqwest International Inc. is the sole awardee, highlighting their specific capability or market position. 4. The contract duration is 4 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $4.1M over four years appears reasonable for specialized air charter services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for nonscheduled air transport is difficult without more specific service details and geographic scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest possible range of potential bidders. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to the best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that seeks to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential air transportation services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transportation for Forest Service operations, potentially in remote or challenging terrains. Supports agency missions related to wildfire management, resource monitoring, or personnel transport. Provides flexibility for unscheduled or emergency travel needs. The award to a single entity suggests specialized equipment or operational expertise is required.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or service level agreements in the provided data.
Potential for price fluctuations in fuel and operational costs over the 4-year term.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical transportation needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract provides stability for service provision.
Clear contract end date ensures future re-evaluation of needs.

Sector Analysis

The Forest Service often requires specialized transportation for accessing remote areas for land management and firefighting. This contract falls under nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, a niche within the broader transportation sector.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via full and open competition, suggesting adherence to standard procurement regulations. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against contract terms and ensuring timely delivery of services.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Contract awarded to a single entity.
Nonscheduled service may have variable demand and cost.
Long contract duration could outpace evolving needs or technology.
Limited data on specific performance metrics or service level agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.1 million to HELIQWEST INTERNATIONAL INC.. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 KANKAKEE, BROOMFIELD N114NS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELIQWEST INTERNATIONAL INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2027-12-31.

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

Benchmarking the per-unit cost for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation is challenging without detailed specifications like aircraft type, passenger capacity, range, and specific operational areas. However, typical rates can range significantly, from hundreds to thousands of dollars per flight hour, depending on the aircraft and service complexity. Government contracts often negotiate rates based on market analysis and competitive bids to ensure value.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor for nonscheduled air charter services?

The primary risks include potential service disruptions due to the contractor's operational issues (e.g., mechanical failures, pilot availability), limited leverage for price negotiation if needs increase significantly, and a lack of alternative options in emergencies. This dependence necessitates robust contract management and performance monitoring to mitigate these risks effectively.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's mission in remote or challenging operational environments?

This contract likely enhances the Forest Service's effectiveness by providing essential access to remote areas for critical missions like firefighting, resource management, and emergency response. The flexibility of nonscheduled charters allows for timely deployment of personnel and equipment where fixed-wing or scheduled services are impractical, directly supporting operational efficiency and safety.

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: 11915 AIRPORT WAY, BROOMFIELD, CO, 80021

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,093,865

Exercised Options: $4,093,865

Current Obligation: $4,093,865

Actual Outlays: $2,506,103

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9317

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline