USDA Forest Service Awards $3.07M Contract for Air Transportation Services to Spur Aviation Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,069,458 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Spur Aviation Services, LC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-05-21

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 954 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: ATGS SERVICES - BROOMFIELD 3, CO

Place of Performance

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

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.1 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC for work described as: ATGS SERVICES - BROOMFIELD 3, CO Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 2. Firm fixed price contract for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 3. Spur Aviation Services, LC is the sole awardee. 4. Contract duration is 954 days, ending December 31, 2026. 5. The contract is a delivery order under an IDIQ vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.07 million for nearly three years of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of nonscheduled chartered air transportation. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial 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, indicating a competitive process was utilized. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transportation for USDA Forest Service operations, likely supporting wildfire management or remote access. Supports the agency's mission by providing flexible and on-demand aerial capabilities. The contract's duration provides stability for service provision and agency planning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation if fuel costs rise significantly.
Dependence on a single provider for critical air services.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Firm fixed price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Long-term duration provides service continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation and logistics sector, specifically focusing on specialized air charter services. Spending benchmarks for such niche services can vary widely based on aircraft type, mission requirements, and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific award or the preceding IDIQ contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under an IDIQ, suggesting a framework for oversight is already in place. The Forest Service's contracting office is responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Service disruption risk
Price volatility risk (fuel)
Limited alternative provider availability
Contractor performance risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.1 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC. ATGS SERVICES - BROOMFIELD 3, 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 $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-21. End: 2026-12-31.

What specific operational needs does this air transportation service fulfill for the Forest Service?

This service likely supports critical Forest Service missions such as wildfire suppression, aerial reconnaissance, personnel transport to remote areas, or equipment delivery. The nonscheduled nature implies flexibility is key, allowing the agency to deploy resources as needed for dynamic operational requirements across various terrains and conditions.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single provider for nonscheduled chartered air transportation?

The primary risks include service disruption due to the provider's operational issues (e.g., mechanical failures, pilot availability), limited leverage for price negotiation if needs arise outside the original scope, and potential challenges in finding alternative providers quickly during peak demand or emergencies. This could impact mission continuity and response times.

How does the firm fixed price structure impact the overall effectiveness and value of this contract?

The firm fixed price structure enhances effectiveness by providing cost certainty for the Forest Service, allowing for predictable budgeting and reducing the risk of cost overruns. It incentivizes the contractor to manage their own costs efficiently. This structure is effective for services with well-defined requirements, ensuring value by locking in the price.

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: 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: $5,185,538

Exercised Options: $3,069,458

Current Obligation: $3,069,458

Actual Outlays: $1,788,589

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9427

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline