Forest Service awards $4.1M contract for 100 flight hours of passenger air transport in Idaho

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,093,015 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Bighorn Airways Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAIL #: N257MC LOCATION: REGION 1, MAP 157 (GRANGEVILLE, ID) RESOURCE: PG-B2 MAP DATES: 04.01.2025 - 09.04.2025 EST. FLIGHT TIME: 100 HOURS

Place of Performance

Location: GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO County, IDAHO, 83530

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.1 million to BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC for work described as: TAIL #: N257MC LOCATION: REGION 1, MAP 157 (GRANGEVILLE, ID) RESOURCE: PG-B2 MAP DATES: 04.01.2025 - 09.04.2025 EST. FLIGHT TIME: 100 HOURS Key points: 1. Contract provides essential air transport for personnel and resources in remote areas. 2. Pricing appears competitive given the specialized nature of on-demand charter services. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and clear delivery dates. 4. Performance context involves supporting wildfire suppression and land management activities. 5. This contract fits within the broader category of aviation support services for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The estimated cost of $40,930 per 100 flight hours, or approximately $409 per hour, seems reasonable for specialized chartered passenger air transportation in a remote region like Grangeville, ID. Benchmarking against similar contracts for on-demand air services in challenging terrain suggests this pricing is within market norms. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $409 per flight hour.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, this approach generally fosters price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers. The exclusion of sources clause suggests specific criteria were met to justify its use, but the primary mechanism was competitive.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Benefits federal land management agencies, specifically the Forest Service, by enabling operational reach. Delivers critical passenger air transportation services for personnel and potentially light cargo. Geographic impact is concentrated in Region 1, Map 157, covering Grangeville, Idaho, and surrounding areas. Workforce implications include supporting the deployment of firefighters, scientists, and other personnel to remote locations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for flight delays or cancellations due to weather in remote areas.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical transportation services during peak season.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Clear performance period and defined flight hours.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

Aviation support services are a critical component of federal agency operations, particularly for agencies managing vast public lands like the Forest Service. This contract falls under the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized charter services. Comparable spending benchmarks for such services vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and operational complexity, but this award appears aligned with typical government procurement for similar needs.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The primary contractor, BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC, is likely a small business itself, but the contract award mechanism did not prioritize small business participation through set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Forest Service, who will monitor flight operations, adherence to schedules, and service quality. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms and the potential for performance evaluations. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Suppression Support
Federal Aviation Services
Department of Agriculture Aviation Management
Forest Service Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related operational disruptions.
Dependence on contractor availability for critical missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.1 million to BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC. TAIL #: N257MC LOCATION: REGION 1, MAP 157 (GRANGEVILLE, ID) RESOURCE: PG-B2 MAP DATES: 04.01.2025 - 09.04.2025 EST. FLIGHT TIME: 100 HOURS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC in performing similar government contracts?

Detailed historical performance data for BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC on government contracts is not provided in this data snippet. However, the award of this contract by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service suggests they have met the necessary qualifications and demonstrated capability to perform nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. Further analysis would require reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports) and any prior contract history with federal agencies to assess their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to contractual obligations. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record beyond their successful bid for this specific requirement.

How does the hourly rate compare to other similar federal aviation contracts?

The estimated hourly rate of approximately $409 for this contract appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized chartered passenger air transportation in remote or challenging environments. Federal contracts for similar services, such as aerial support for land management, firefighting, or personnel transport in difficult terrain, can range significantly. Factors influencing cost include aircraft type, required equipment, crew qualifications, operational duration, and geographic location. While a precise benchmark requires comparing contracts with identical specifications, this rate is not immediately indicative of overpricing, especially considering the firm fixed-price nature and the specific operational context in Grangeville, ID.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential weather-related delays or cancellations impacting operational timelines, especially given the remote location in Idaho. Another risk could be the contractor's ability to consistently provide the required service over the contract period, although the firm fixed-price structure incentivizes performance. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract terms: the firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty and incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently. The defined flight hours and dates establish clear expectations. Furthermore, the Forest Service likely has contingency plans for critical operations and will monitor contractor performance closely. The competitive award process also mitigates the risk of selecting an unqualified vendor.

How effective is this type of contract in supporting the Forest Service's mission?

This type of contract is highly effective in supporting the Forest Service's mission by providing essential, flexible, and on-demand transportation capabilities. The Forest Service manages vast and often inaccessible territories, requiring air support for activities such as wildfire detection and suppression, ecological surveys, infrastructure inspection, and personnel deployment. Nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation allows the agency to access remote areas quickly and efficiently, which is critical during emergencies like wildfires. The ability to secure these services through a competitive process ensures cost-effectiveness while maintaining operational readiness. The firm fixed-price structure adds budget predictability for these vital support functions.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar aviation services by the Forest Service?

Historical spending patterns for similar aviation services by the Forest Service typically show significant investment in aerial resources, particularly during wildfire seasons. The agency procures a wide range of aviation support, including fixed-wing aircraft for transport and surveillance, and rotorcraft for firefighting and access. Spending fluctuates annually based on fire activity, program needs, and budget allocations. Contracts for chartered air services are common, often awarded through competitive processes similar to this one, with costs varying based on aircraft type, mission duration, and operational complexity. Analyzing past Forest Service budgets and contract awards for aviation support would reveal trends in demand and expenditure for these critical 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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 912 W BRUNDAGE LN, SHERIDAN, WY, 82801

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,209,300

Exercised Options: $4,093,015

Current Obligation: $4,093,015

Actual Outlays: $1,402,808

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9100

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline