Forest Service Awards $2.3M MATOC to Guardian Helicopters for Air Transport in Arizona

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,324,900 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Guardian Helicopters Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2028-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,705 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/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 PRESCOTT N407GH

Place of Performance

Location: PRESCOTT, YAVAPAI County, ARIZONA, 86301

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.3 million to GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 PRESCOTT N407GH Key points: 1. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 2. Guardian Helicopters Inc. is the sole awardee under full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is over 1700 days, indicating a long-term need. 4. The spending is concentrated in Arizona, supporting specific regional operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $2.3M over approximately 4 years suggests a moderate but consistent need for air transport services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized air charter services would be necessary for a precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential air transportation services, with competition likely ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Supports critical Forest Service operations, potentially including firefighting, personnel transport, and resource management in remote areas. Ensures continuity of operations for the Forest Service in Arizona. Provides a reliable air transport solution for government personnel and potentially equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if demand exceeds projections.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
Geographic concentration of services may limit flexibility.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract provides stability for service provision.
Supports essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

The Forest Service frequently utilizes contracts for air transportation, especially in regions like Arizona with vast, often inaccessible terrain. Spending benchmarks for similar nonscheduled air charter services vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and mission complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, suggesting larger, specialized aviation companies are likely fulfilling this requirement. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, as part of the Department of Agriculture, is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight. Delivery orders under MATOCs are typically reviewed for compliance and necessity.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole awardee reliance
Geographic concentration
Potential for demand fluctuations
Lack of small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.3 million to GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 PRESCOTT N407GH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2028-12-31.

What is the average cost per flight hour or day for this type of charter service, and how does it compare to the estimated cost under this contract?

Determining the average cost per flight hour or day requires detailed knowledge of the specific aircraft utilized and the mission profile. Without this, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the total award of $2.3M over nearly 5 years suggests a significant operational tempo. Benchmarking against industry rates for similar helicopter charters, considering factors like crew, maintenance, and insurance, would be crucial for assessing cost-effectiveness.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single vendor for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation in a remote region like Arizona?

Relying on a single vendor presents risks such as service disruptions due to the vendor's operational issues (e.g., mechanical failures, pilot availability), potential price increases upon contract renewal, and limited recourse if performance falters. In remote areas, these risks are amplified by fewer alternative providers, potentially impacting critical Forest Service missions like wildfire suppression or emergency response.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's primary mission objectives in Arizona, particularly concerning resource management and public safety?

This contract likely enhances the Forest Service's effectiveness by providing essential aerial access for personnel and potentially equipment to remote or difficult-to-reach areas critical for resource management and public safety. Reliable air transport is vital for activities such as monitoring forest health, conducting surveys, supporting firefighting efforts, and responding to emergencies, thereby directly contributing to mission success.

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: 67 D ST, FILLMORE, CA, 93015

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,324,900

Exercised Options: $2,324,900

Current Obligation: $2,324,900

Actual Outlays: $1,377,830

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9313

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline