Forest Service Awards $2.6M Contract for Air Transportation to Spur Aviation Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,630,793 ($2.6M)

Contractor: Spur Aviation Services, LC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-05-22

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 953 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/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 - GRASS VALLEY

Place of Performance

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

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.6 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC for work described as: ATGS SERVICES - GRASS VALLEY Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.6M for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Potential risk associated with firm fixed-price contracts in dynamic service environments. 4. Spending falls within the broader transportation and logistics sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.6M for 953 days of service appears reasonable given the nature of specialized air transportation. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nonscheduled flights is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but may limit flexibility if service needs change.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process, which generally leads to better pricing. However, the fixed-price nature could lead to overpayment if actual service needs are less than anticipated.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transportation services for the Forest Service's operations. Supports the agency's ability to conduct missions in remote or difficult-to-access areas. Provides a platform for potential future contracts in aviation support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if service needs fluctuate significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical transportation.
Limited flexibility in contract scope due to fixed-price nature.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Clear contract duration and delivery order structure.
Supports essential government operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, a niche within the broader transportation and logistics sector. Spending benchmarks for such specialized services are highly variable and depend on aircraft type, duration, and operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

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

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, implying some level of pre-qualification and oversight. The Forest Service's procurement processes should ensure accountability for service delivery and cost management.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if service needs fluctuate significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical transportation.
Limited flexibility in contract scope due to fixed-price nature.
Lack of specific detail on performance metrics and oversight mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.6 million to SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC. ATGS SERVICES - GRASS VALLEY

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 $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-22. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific operational need driving this air transportation contract, and how does it align with the Forest Service's mission objectives?

This contract likely supports critical Forest Service operations such as wildfire suppression, remote site access, personnel transport, and equipment delivery in areas inaccessible by conventional means. The alignment with mission objectives is high, as aviation support is often indispensable for effective land management, conservation efforts, and emergency response.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness and value of Spur Aviation Services' performance under this contract?

Key performance indicators would likely include on-time performance, adherence to safety regulations, aircraft availability, fuel efficiency, and successful completion of mission objectives. The Forest Service would track these metrics to ensure the contractor is meeting contractual obligations and providing value for the taxpayer dollars invested.

How does the firm fixed-price structure mitigate or exacerbate risks related to fluctuating fuel costs or unforeseen operational challenges for this air transportation service?

A firm fixed-price contract places the risk of fluctuating costs, such as fuel prices, primarily on the contractor. This can incentivize efficiency but may also lead to higher initial bids to account for potential cost increases. Unforeseen operational challenges could strain the contractor, potentially impacting service reliability if not managed proactively.

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: $5,102,683

Exercised Options: $2,630,793

Current Obligation: $2,630,793

Actual Outlays: $1,463,758

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9427

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline