USDA Forest Service Awards $3M for ATGS Pilot and Aircraft Services to Ponderosa Aviation Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,011,779 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Ponderosa Aviation Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-03-25

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,011 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE PILOT AND AIRCRAFT SERVICES FOR ATGS MISSION, FIRE

Place of Performance

Location: SAFFORD, GRAHAM County, ARIZONA, 85546

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.0 million to PONDEROSA AVIATION INC for work described as: PROVIDE PILOT AND AIRCRAFT SERVICES FOR ATGS MISSION, FIRE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical aerial firefighting support. 2. Ponderosa Aviation Inc. secured the delivery order. 3. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources was used. 4. Spending is within the typical range for specialized aviation services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.01M for a 1011-day duration appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ATGS mission support and aircraft services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial firefighting and surveillance would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract utilized full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process aimed at achieving fair market prices. This method allows for a broad range of potential bidders, fostering price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential aerial support services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial support for ATGS missions, likely including wildfire detection and suppression. Supports operational readiness for the Forest Service in Arizona. Provides specialized aviation services vital for environmental monitoring and public safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if mission scope expands beyond initial projections.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services during the contract period.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital national security and environmental mission.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Long-term contract provides service stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the specialized aviation services sector, specifically supporting government missions like aerial firefighting and surveillance. Spending benchmarks for similar government aviation contracts vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and mission complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific delivery order. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure service delivery meets mission requirements and contractual obligations. Standard oversight mechanisms for delivery orders would apply.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep impacting cost.
Reliance on specific vendor capabilities.
Limited visibility into specific aircraft performance metrics.
Complexity of 'exclusion of sources' competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.0 million to PONDEROSA AVIATION INC. PROVIDE PILOT AND AIRCRAFT SERVICES FOR ATGS MISSION, FIRE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PONDEROSA AVIATION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-25. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific type of aircraft and its capabilities being provided under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact aircraft type or its capabilities. Understanding the specific platform is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of its suitability for ATGS missions and for accurate cost benchmarking against similar specialized aerial assets.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method impact price discovery compared to traditional full and open competition?

This method allows for competition but may limit the pool of potential bidders if the exclusion criteria are narrow. While it can still lead to competitive pricing, it might not achieve the same level of price discovery as a truly unrestricted full and open competition, potentially impacting the best value for taxpayers.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the ATGS mission support and how will contract success be measured?

The data does not detail the specific KPIs or performance metrics for the ATGS mission. Effective oversight requires clearly defined performance standards, such as response times, operational availability, and mission completion rates, to ensure the government receives the expected value and effectiveness from the contracted services.

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

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4500 E AVIATION WAY, SAFFORD, AZ, 85546

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,446,461

Exercised Options: $3,011,779

Current Obligation: $3,011,779

Actual Outlays: $2,023,429

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9424

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline