Agriculture awards $15.5M for helicopter transport services in California
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,547,521 ($15.5M)
Contractor: Helicopter Transport Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2025-05-07
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 603 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.8K/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 LANCASTER, CA #3
Place of Performance
Location: LANCASTER, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 93534
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $15.5 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: HTS - T1 EU FOR LANCASTER, CA #3 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC for aerial logistics. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 603 days, ending in December 2026. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 481212 (Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $15.5M for 603 days of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of helicopter transport. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial firefighting or remote cargo delivery would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential aerial transport services, with competition aiming to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures critical transportation for Forest Service operations in California. Supports logistical needs in potentially remote or difficult-to-access areas. Provides a vital service for wildfire management and other environmental missions.
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 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.
- Clear contract end date provides a defined period for service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the transportation sector, specifically air charter services. Spending benchmarks for similar aerial logistics contracts, particularly those supporting government agencies like the Forest Service, would be relevant for comparison.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for oversight. Standard contract management practices and performance monitoring should be in place to ensure 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.
- Operational risks inherent in helicopter aviation.
- Dependence on a single awardee for critical services.
- Need for robust performance monitoring by the Forest Service.
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-freight-air-trans, department-of-agriculture, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $15.5 million to HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC. HTS - T1 EU FOR LANCASTER, CA #3
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 $15.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-07. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the historical cost performance of HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC on similar government contracts?
Analyzing the company's past performance on contracts with the Forest Service or other federal agencies can reveal trends in cost management and adherence to budget. This includes examining any documented cost overruns, change orders, or disputes on previous agreements to assess their reliability and efficiency in delivering services within the allocated funds.
What are the specific risks associated with helicopter transport in the operational environment of California?
Risks include weather-related disruptions, terrain challenges, potential for mechanical failures, and the need for specialized pilot expertise. Environmental factors like wildfire seasons can increase demand and operational tempo, potentially leading to increased wear and tear or the need for emergency services, impacting availability and cost.
How effectively does this contract support the Forest Service's mission objectives in California?
This contract is crucial for enabling the Forest Service to conduct its operations, which include wildfire suppression, resource management, and public safety in often remote or inaccessible areas of California. The reliable provision of helicopter transport directly impacts the agency's ability to respond to emergencies and fulfill its environmental stewardship duties.
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: $15,547,521
Exercised Options: $15,547,521
Current Obligation: $15,547,521
Actual Outlays: $8,921,334
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9217
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-07
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2029-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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