USDA Forest Service awards $3.59M contract for ATGS pilot and aircraft services to Bode Aviation, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,587,076 ($3.6M)

Contractor: Bode Aviation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-03-29

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,007 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/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: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87120

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.6 million to BODE 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 services. 2. Bode Aviation, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is over two years, indicating a need for sustained services. 4. The service falls under nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.59M for a 1007-day duration appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aerial firefighting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aircraft charter and pilot services would provide a more precise assessment.

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, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method aims to ensure the government receives competitive pricing by allowing all eligible sources to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield fair market value, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expenditure for essential aerial support.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial support for ATGS missions, including firefighting. Supports national efforts in wildfire suppression and prevention. Provides essential aviation services for remote and challenging terrain operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if operational demands exceed initial estimates.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract ensures service continuity.
Supports vital environmental protection missions.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector, particularly for specialized aerial support like firefighting, is critical for government agencies managing natural resources. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and operational complexity.

Small Business Impact

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

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting it has undergone initial review. Ongoing oversight will be crucial to ensure performance and adherence to terms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep impacting budget.
Reliance on specialized aviation services.
Geographic limitations of service delivery.
Weather-dependent operational capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.6 million to BODE AVIATION, INC.. PROVIDE PILOT AND AIRCRAFT SERVICES FOR ATGS MISSION, FIRE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BODE AVIATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-29. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific type of aircraft and pilot qualifications required for these ATGS missions?

The provided data does not specify the exact aircraft type or pilot qualifications. However, ATGS (Aerial Tactical Ground Support) missions, especially those involving firefighting, typically require specialized aircraft capable of operating in demanding conditions and pilots with extensive experience in low-level flight, precision maneuvering, and potentially night operations.

How does the pricing compare to historical contracts for similar aerial firefighting services?

Without historical data or specific benchmarks for comparable aerial firefighting contracts, a direct price comparison is difficult. The $3.59M value over approximately 33 months suggests a significant investment, and its competitiveness hinges on factors like aircraft capabilities, operational tempo, and geographic service area.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure mission effectiveness?

Key performance indicators would likely include aircraft availability, response times to mission requests, successful completion of flight hours, adherence to safety protocols, and overall mission success rates in supporting ATGS operations and firefighting efforts. Specific metrics would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

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: 7401 ATRISCO VISTA BLVD NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87120

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,286,779

Exercised Options: $3,603,389

Current Obligation: $3,587,076

Actual Outlays: $2,397,719

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9403

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline