Forest Service awards $888,797 contract for air transportation services to Mountain Blade Runner LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $888,797 ($888.8K)

Contractor: Mountain Blade Runner LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-01-01

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $609/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 44

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 FOREST N614HH

Place of Performance

Location: FOREST, SCOTT County, MISSISSIPPI, 39074

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $888,797.36 to MOUNTAIN BLADE RUNNER LLC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 FOREST N614HH Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, a specialized service. 3. The duration of the contract is 1460 days, indicating a long-term need. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which helps in cost predictability. 5. The award amount of $888,797 is for a delivery order under a larger MATOC. 6. The contractor, Mountain Blade Runner LLC, is relatively new to federal contracting based on available data. 7. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, implying larger firms were likely involved. 8. The geographic focus appears to be Mississippi, based on the state code provided.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the total value of the MATOC it falls under or the specific services rendered. The firm fixed price structure provides some cost certainty. However, the per-unit cost for air transportation can vary significantly based on aircraft type, distance, and demand. Without more detailed service specifications or comparable delivery orders from the same MATOC, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 44 bids suggests a robust level of competition for this particular delivery order. A high number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and can result in more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this delivery order is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs and ensured the government received competitive pricing for essential air transportation services.

Public Impact

The Forest Service benefits from this contract by securing necessary air transportation for its operations. This contract supports the delivery of nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation services. The primary geographic impact is likely within Mississippi, where the contractor is registered. The contract may indirectly support jobs in the aviation and related support industries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on contractor's past performance and financial stability.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational challenges arise, despite fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single delivery order award for a significant portion of revenue for the contractor.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Multiple bids received (44), suggesting a healthy competitive environment.
Contract duration supports long-term operational planning for the agency.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector is diverse, encompassing scheduled airlines, charter services, and specialized air transport. Federal agencies, particularly those with remote operational needs like the Forest Service, often rely on charter services for personnel and equipment transport. The market for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation is competitive, with pricing influenced by aircraft availability, fuel costs, and regulatory requirements. This contract fits within the broader category of government support services, where agencies procure specialized transportation to fulfill their missions.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The high number of bids suggests that larger, established aviation companies may have been the primary participants. The absence of a small business focus means direct benefits to the small business ecosystem from this specific award are unlikely, though larger prime contractors may engage small businesses in their broader operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed operational specifics may remain internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aviation Management
Department of Agriculture Air Operations
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules (if applicable)

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance Risk
Operational Dependency Risk
Safety and Regulatory Compliance Risk
Cost Volatility Risk (Fuel Prices)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $888,797.36 to MOUNTAIN BLADE RUNNER LLC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 FOREST N614HH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOUNTAIN BLADE RUNNER LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $888,797.36.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific nature of the 'Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation' services required by the Forest Service under this contract?

The contract specifies 'Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation,' which implies on-demand air travel services rather than regular, scheduled flights. This typically involves chartering aircraft and crews for specific missions, such as transporting personnel to remote fire-fighting locations, conducting aerial surveys, or moving equipment. The Forest Service, operating across vast and often inaccessible terrains, relies on such flexible air support for its operational effectiveness, particularly during emergencies like wildfires or for land management activities. The exact routes, aircraft types, and frequency of flights would be detailed in task orders issued under this delivery order, based on the agency's immediate operational needs.

How does the $888,797 award amount compare to typical spending for similar air transportation services by federal agencies?

Comparing this specific $888,797 delivery order requires context. It's a portion of a larger MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract), meaning the total value of the underlying contract could be significantly higher. For individual delivery orders of chartered air services, this amount is substantial but not extraordinary, especially if it covers a significant period or multiple aircraft. Federal agencies often spend millions annually on aviation support, particularly for agencies like the Forest Service, BLM, or military branches. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing per-flight hour costs or per-mile rates against similar federal contracts for comparable aircraft types and mission profiles. Without that granular data, this award appears to be a moderate-sized commitment for specialized, on-demand air transport.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Forest Service?

Key risks include potential cost escalation if fuel prices surge unexpectedly, despite the firm fixed-price structure (though contract clauses might address this). Operational risks involve aircraft availability, maintenance issues, and pilot shortages, which could disrupt Forest Service operations. Safety is a paramount concern; any incident involving the chartered aircraft could have severe consequences. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical air support could pose a risk if the contractor faces financial instability or operational failures. Ensuring compliance with all FAA regulations and agency-specific safety protocols is an ongoing risk management task.

What is Mountain Blade Runner LLC's track record in federal contracting, particularly for air transportation?

Based on the provided data abbreviation, Mountain Blade Runner LLC is the contractor. Information regarding their specific track record, years in business, or past performance on similar federal contracts is limited in the abbreviation. Federal procurement databases would need to be consulted for a comprehensive history. Typically, agencies assess past performance through contractor performance evaluation reports (CPARs). Without access to these reports or more detailed contract history, it's difficult to definitively assess their experience and reliability specifically for large-scale federal air transportation contracts. The award of this delivery order suggests they met the minimum requirements during the competitive bidding process.

How does the 'full and open competition' for this contract impact price discovery and potential savings for taxpayers?

Awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' is a positive indicator for taxpayers. It means the Forest Service solicited bids from all responsible sources, fostering a competitive environment. With 44 bids received, the agency had a wide range of options to evaluate, likely driving down prices as contractors vied for the award. This broad competition enhances price discovery by revealing the market rate for these services. Consequently, taxpayers benefit from potentially lower costs compared to sole-source or limited-competition awards, as the government is more likely to secure services at a price reflecting true market value and efficiency.

What is the historical spending pattern for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture?

Historical spending data for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the Forest Service and the broader Department of Agriculture would reveal trends in demand and cost. Agencies like the Forest Service often increase spending on aviation services during peak seasons, such as wildfire suppression. Analyzing past years' spending can indicate whether this $888,797 delivery order represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in such services. It also helps in understanding the typical contract vehicles used (e.g., MATOCs, IDIQs) and the average duration and value of awards. Without specific historical data, it's presumed this award aligns with the agency's ongoing need for flexible air support.

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: 16387 6030 RD, MONTROSE, CO, 81403

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $888,797

Exercised Options: $888,797

Current Obligation: $888,797

Actual Outlays: $568,697

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9329

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline