Forest Service awards $3.9M contract for air tactical services to Spur Aviation Services, highlighting a competitive bidding process

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,942,214 ($3.9M)

Contractor: Spur Aviation Services, LC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-03-07

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,029 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXCLUSIVE USE (EU) PILOT AND AIRCRAFT FOR AIR TACTICAL GROUP SUPERVISOR (ATGS) SERVICES, BROOMFIELD, CO

Place of Performance

Location: TWIN FALLS, TWIN FALLS County, IDAHO, 83301

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.9 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC for work described as: EXCLUSIVE USE (EU) PILOT AND AIRCRAFT FOR AIR TACTICAL GROUP SUPERVISOR (ATGS) SERVICES, BROOMFIELD, CO Key points: 1. The contract value of $3.9 million over approximately 3.5 years suggests a moderate investment in specialized aviation support. 2. The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' indicates a deliberate effort to ensure broad market participation while addressing specific needs. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the Forest Service, transferring some cost risk to the contractor. 4. The duration of over 1000 days points to a long-term operational requirement for these air tactical services. 5. The service is categorized under Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation, suggesting flexibility in flight operations. 6. The contract's focus on Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) services implies a critical role in coordinating aerial firefighting or other tactical operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.9 million for ATGS services over 1029 days appears reasonable when considering the specialized nature of aerial support and the fixed-price structure. Benchmarking against similar contracts for tactical aviation support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the competitive nature of the award suggests that pricing was scrutinized against market alternatives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broad, certain specific requirements or pre-qualifications may have been applied. The presence of multiple bidders (implied by 'full and open') generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to offer their best pricing and service, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives good value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Forest Service personnel who rely on ATGS for effective coordination of aerial resources during critical operations, likely including wildfire suppression. The services delivered are essential for tactical air support, ensuring efficient and safe management of aircraft in complex operational environments. The contract is geographically focused on Broomfield, Colorado, indicating a regional operational need for these services. The contract supports specialized aviation roles, potentially impacting a niche segment of the aviation workforce skilled in tactical coordination and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational complexities arise that were not fully captured in the fixed-price agreement.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical tactical air support could pose a risk if performance issues or equipment failures occur.
The 'exclusion of sources' aspect, while potentially necessary, warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust selection process that likely favored the most capable and cost-effective provider.
The fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the Forest Service, mitigating the risk of unexpected cost increases.
The long contract duration indicates a stable, ongoing need and allows for the development of a strong working relationship with the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector is highly specialized, with significant barriers to entry due to regulatory requirements, equipment costs, and operational expertise. Contracts for tactical air support, particularly for government agencies like the Forest Service, often involve unique aircraft modifications and highly trained personnel. Spending in this area is critical for supporting missions such as firefighting, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other agencies utilizing similar aerial support for emergency response or land management.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, if Spur Aviation Services, LC chooses to engage small businesses for any part of the service delivery. Without specific subcontracting plans detailed, the direct benefit to small businesses from this particular award is likely limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services by a set deadline. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Suppression Support Services
Aerial Firefighting Contracts
Government Aviation Services
Department of Agriculture Procurement
Forest Service Operational Support

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Dependence on contractor's specialized equipment
Unforeseen operational complexities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.9 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC. EXCLUSIVE USE (EU) PILOT AND AIRCRAFT FOR AIR TACTICAL GROUP SUPERVISOR (ATGS) SERVICES, BROOMFIELD, CO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-07. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of Spur Aviation Services, LC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Agriculture or Forest Service?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Spur Aviation Services, LC has received federal contracts. To provide a comprehensive assessment of their track record, a detailed analysis of their past performance ratings, any contract modifications, and the types of services previously rendered to the Forest Service or other federal agencies would be necessary. Specific details on their history with similar air tactical support contracts would be particularly relevant for evaluating their suitability and reliability for this current award. Without access to detailed past performance reviews and historical contract data beyond basic award information, it is difficult to definitively assess their track record.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar air tactical group supervisor services?

Benchmarking the awarded price of approximately $3.9 million for 1029 days of ATGS services against market rates requires access to detailed pricing data for comparable contracts. Factors such as aircraft type, crew qualifications, operational tempo, and geographic location significantly influence pricing. Given the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type, it suggests that the Forest Service received competitive bids. However, without specific comparable contract data or industry cost models for specialized aviation services, a precise comparison to market rates is challenging. The fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor has factored in their costs and profit margins, and the competitive process should have driven this towards a reasonable market outcome.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential performance failures by the contractor, unforeseen operational challenges impacting service delivery, and the possibility of cost increases if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for all contingencies. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous performance monitoring by the Forest Service, clear contract terms and conditions, and potentially performance bonds. The competitive award process itself serves as a risk mitigation tool by selecting a contractor deemed capable and offering a competitive price. Furthermore, the long-term nature of the contract allows for relationship building, which can help in proactively addressing and resolving issues.

How effective is the Forest Service in utilizing air tactical group supervisor services for its missions?

The effectiveness of ATGS services is crucial for the Forest Service, particularly in wildfire management, where they provide critical real-time coordination of air assets. The decision to award a multi-year, fixed-price contract indicates a recognized and ongoing need for these services. While this specific contract award doesn't directly measure effectiveness, the Forest Service's continued investment in such capabilities suggests they are deemed essential for operational success. Evaluating effectiveness would typically involve analyzing mission outcomes, incident reports, and feedback from operational personnel who directly utilize the ATGS support.

What are the historical spending patterns for air tactical group supervisor services by the Forest Service?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for ATGS services by the Forest Service would involve examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, the number of contracts awarded, the types of services procured (e.g., specific aircraft, duration), and the primary contractors. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing whether the current $3.9 million award is consistent with past investments, represents an increase or decrease in spending, and indicates any shifts in the agency's reliance on or procurement strategies for these critical aviation services.

What specific exclusion criteria were applied in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' for this contract?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, but certain pre-defined criteria were used to exclude some potential offerors from the competition. These exclusions are typically based on specific technical capabilities, certifications, past performance requirements, or security clearances necessary for the unique nature of the service. For ATGS services, these exclusions might relate to specific types of aircraft, pilot certifications, experience in tactical coordination, or adherence to stringent safety protocols. The exact exclusion criteria would be detailed in the original solicitation documents, which are not provided here but are crucial for understanding the scope of the competition.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 2023-02

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 203 JOSLIN WAY, TWIN FALLS, ID, 83301

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,453,214

Exercised Options: $3,942,214

Current Obligation: $3,942,214

Actual Outlays: $2,756,914

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9427

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline