Forest Service Awards $3.17M for Air Transport, Highlighting Full Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,174,005 ($3.2M)

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: $3.3K/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 - BOISE ID

Place of Performance

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

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.2 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC for work described as: ATGS SERVICES - BOISE ID Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Spur Aviation Services, LC for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 954 days, ending in December 2026. 4. The total award amount is $3,174,004.62. 5. The primary service is air transportation for the Forest Service in Idaho.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $3.17M for air transportation services appears reasonable given the 954-day duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation would provide a more precise assessment of value.

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 process to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified vendors. This method typically leads to better price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages multiple bids and potentially drives down costs.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transport for Forest Service operations in Idaho. Supports wildfire suppression, resource management, and personnel transport needs. Provides essential logistical support for remote area access.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases if fuel costs fluctuate significantly.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical air services.

Positive Signals

Utilizes full and open competition, promoting fairness.
Clear contract duration and defined service needs.
Awarded to a single vendor, simplifying management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the air transportation sector, specifically nonscheduled chartered passenger services. Spending in this area is often driven by operational needs for remote access, emergency response, and resource management, particularly in agencies like the Forest Service.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if Spur Aviation Services, LC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's full and open competition method suggests a degree of oversight in the procurement process. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to contract terms is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to market volatility.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
Limited visibility into the vendor's operational capacity.
Geographic remoteness of service area may limit competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.2 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC. ATGS SERVICES - BOISE ID

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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost per flight hour or per mile for similar nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation services?

Benchmarking the $3.17M award against industry standards for flight hours or mileage is essential. Without specific data on utilization rates, flight types, and aircraft models, a precise per-unit cost is difficult to establish. However, comparing this contract's total value and duration to similar government or commercial contracts can reveal potential cost efficiencies or areas for negotiation.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single provider for critical air transportation in remote areas?

Risks include service disruptions due to the provider's operational issues (e.g., mechanical failures, pilot availability), potential price escalations upon contract renewal, and limited recourse if performance standards are not met. For remote areas, the lack of alternative providers can severely impact mission-critical operations like wildfire response or emergency medical transport.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's mission in Idaho, particularly concerning wildfire management and resource monitoring?

The contract's effectiveness hinges on the reliability and responsiveness of Spur Aviation Services. If the provider consistently meets performance metrics and provides timely access to remote areas, it significantly enhances the Forest Service's ability to manage wildfires, monitor resources, and conduct necessary operations. Success metrics should focus on on-time performance, aircraft availability, and safety compliance.

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: $5,249,145

Exercised Options: $3,174,005

Current Obligation: $3,174,005

Actual Outlays: $2,196,951

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9427

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline