Forest Service Awards $14.1M for Helicopter Transport Services in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,131,629 ($14.1M)

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: $21.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HTS - T1 EU FOR SAN BERNARDINO, CA

Place of Performance

Location: SAN BERNARDINO, SAN BERNARDINO County, CALIFORNIA, 92401

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $14.1 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: HTS - T1 EU FOR SAN BERNARDINO, CA Key points: 1. The contract is for helicopter transport services, a critical component for wildfire suppression and land management. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. The award value of $14.1M over approximately two years indicates significant operational needs. 4. The sector is primarily focused on essential government services, with potential for high impact during emergencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar helicopter transport contracts would be beneficial to fully assess value, but the competitive award process suggests a reasonable price was achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors were eligible to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The $14.1M expenditure supports essential government operations, particularly wildfire management, which has significant long-term economic and environmental benefits for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Supports critical wildfire suppression efforts, protecting lives, property, and natural resources. Ensures timely transportation of personnel and equipment to remote or difficult-to-access areas. Contributes to the operational readiness of the Forest Service for land management and conservation activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation in future contract renewals due to fuel costs and demand.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm fixed price contract provides budget predictability.
Long-term contract duration allows for stable service provision.

Sector Analysis

Helicopter transport services are vital for agencies like the Forest Service, particularly in regions prone to wildfires. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on environmental conditions and agency priorities, but consistent funding is necessary for operational effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it is unclear if small businesses were prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition for this significant award, suggests adherence to standard oversight procedures. Monitoring performance and delivery against the contract terms will be key for accountability.

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.
Dependence on specialized equipment and skilled personnel.
Geographic concentration of services may not cover all agency needs.
Contract performance is subject to weather and environmental conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $14.1 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. HTS - T1 EU FOR SAN BERNARDINO, CA

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 $14.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical cost trend for similar helicopter transport services in California?

Analyzing historical cost trends for similar helicopter transport services in California is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment. This would involve comparing the current contract's per-unit costs against previous awards, factoring in inflation, service scope changes, and market dynamics. Without this data, it's challenging to definitively state if the $14.1M represents an optimal price point over the contract's duration.

What are the specific performance metrics and service level agreements tied to this contract?

Specific performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) are essential for evaluating the effectiveness and risk associated with this helicopter transport contract. These would typically include response times, availability of aircraft, pilot qualifications, safety records, and mission completion rates. Robust SLAs ensure the Forest Service receives the required level of service and allow for objective performance monitoring and potential remedies for deficiencies.

How does the geographic scope of this contract align with the Forest Service's operational needs in California?

The geographic scope of this contract is critical for ensuring efficient and effective Forest Service operations in California. The contract specifies San Bernardino, CA, suggesting a focus on a particular region. Understanding if this aligns with the agency's primary operational areas, especially during peak wildfire seasons or for specific land management projects, is key to assessing the contract's strategic value and potential need for broader or more localized coverage.

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: $14,131,629

Exercised Options: $14,131,629

Current Obligation: $14,131,629

Actual Outlays: $6,488,239

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9217

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline