USDA Forest Service Awards $19.4M for Helicopter Transport Services in Arizona

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,409,350 ($19.4M)

Contractor: Helicopter Transport Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-03-25

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 646 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: HTS - T1 EU FOR SIERRA VISTA, AZ

Place of Performance

Location: SIERRA VISTA, COCHISE County, ARIZONA, 85635

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $19.4 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: HTS - T1 EU FOR SIERRA VISTA, AZ Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Helicopter Transport Services, LLC for aerial transport. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is over 2 years, indicating a significant operational need. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 481212 points to nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $19.4M over approximately two years for helicopter transport services appears reasonable given the nature of the service and the duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized aerial logistics would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract structure suggests a pre-established framework for procurement.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a fair market price for essential helicopter transport services.

Public Impact

Supports critical wildfire suppression and resource management efforts in Arizona. Ensures timely and efficient movement of personnel and equipment in remote areas. Contributes to the operational readiness of the Forest Service in a high-risk fire season.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if fuel prices or operational demands increase significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for cost savings.
Long-term contract provides stability for essential service delivery.
Supports a vital government function (wildfire management).

Sector Analysis

The Forest Service frequently procures aerial services for firefighting and land management. Spending in this sector is highly dependent on environmental conditions and agency priorities, with significant fluctuations year-to-year.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific delivery order, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a delivery order under a broader contract framework implies that initial oversight and vetting of the contractor occurred. Ongoing performance monitoring by the Forest Service will be crucial for ensuring accountability and value.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for price volatility due to fuel costs.
Contractor performance risk.
Geographic concentration of service delivery.
Dependence on weather conditions for operational effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $19.4 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. HTS - T1 EU FOR SIERRA VISTA, AZ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-25. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the benchmark cost per flight hour for similar helicopter transport services in the region?

Determining the benchmark cost per flight hour requires access to specialized databases and market analysis reports for aviation services. Factors like helicopter type, mission profile (e.g., cargo, personnel, firefighting), and operational duration significantly influence pricing. Without specific comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the current contract's per-unit cost is optimal.

What are the specific performance metrics and penalties outlined in the contract to mitigate risks associated with service delivery?

The contract likely includes performance standards related to aircraft availability, response times, safety protocols, and mission completion. Penalties for non-performance or delays may be stipulated, potentially including financial deductions or termination clauses. A thorough review of the contract's Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and associated remedies is necessary to understand the risk mitigation strategies in place.

How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's primary mission objectives, particularly in wildfire response?

This contract directly supports the Forest Service's mission by providing essential aerial logistical capabilities crucial for wildfire suppression and resource management in challenging terrain. The timely deployment of personnel and equipment via helicopter transport can significantly enhance response effectiveness and potentially reduce the impact of wildfires, thereby contributing directly to the agency's core objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 701 WILSON POINT RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21220

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,409,350

Exercised Options: $19,409,350

Current Obligation: $19,409,350

Actual Outlays: $7,887,274

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9217

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline