Forest Service awards $5.87M contract for air transportation services to HELI-1 CORP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,869,817 ($5.9M)

Contractor: Heli-1 Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-03-25

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 646 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HELI-1 CORP. - T1 EU FOR ALTOONA, FL

Place of Performance

Location: ALTOONA, MARION County, FLORIDA, 32702

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $5.9 million to HELI-1 CORP for work described as: HELI-1 CORP. - T1 EU FOR ALTOONA, FL Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in aerial logistics for the Forest Service. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of over two years indicates a need for sustained operational support. 4. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but could limit flexibility. 5. The service category, nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, is critical for remote operations. 6. Geographic focus on Florida highlights regional operational requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.87 million for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial logistics in remote areas would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an expectation of stable costs, but the absence of detailed performance metrics makes a definitive value-for-money judgment challenging without further context on service levels and operational efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 28 bids suggests a robust level of interest and competition for this service. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and better selection of qualified contractors, which is a positive sign for price discovery and overall value.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the Forest Service secured services from a capable provider at a reasonable cost.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Forest Service operations in Florida, which rely on efficient air transportation for various missions. Services delivered include nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, essential for logistics, personnel movement, and potentially emergency response in remote areas. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, supporting federal land management and related activities within the state. Workforce implications may include support for pilots, ground crews, and logistical personnel associated with the contracted air services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational challenges arise under the fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air transport services could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.
Limited transparency on specific performance metrics and their impact on overall value realization.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition with a significant number of bidders, indicating a competitive market.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the agency.
Long-term contract duration suggests a stable and reliable service provision.

Sector Analysis

The nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation sector is vital for supporting government agencies, particularly those with operations in remote or challenging terrains, such as the Forest Service. This contract fits within the broader aviation services market, which is characterized by specialized equipment and regulatory compliance. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar aerial logistics and support services across different agencies and geographic regions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, the direct impact on small business set-asides appears minimal. However, the prime contractor, HELI-1 CORP., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational performance data may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aviation Management
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
Department of Agriculture Logistics Support
Wildland Firefighting Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential weather disruptions in Florida impacting service continuity.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air logistics.
Ensuring consistent adherence to FAA safety and operational regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $5.9 million to HELI-1 CORP. HELI-1 CORP. - T1 EU FOR ALTOONA, FL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELI-1 CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is HELI-1 CORP.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly for air transportation services?

Information regarding HELI-1 CORP.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially for air transportation services, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported disputes or awards. Federal procurement databases and agency performance rating systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be the primary sources for this information. Understanding their history with similar services, contract types, and agencies would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability and reliability in fulfilling this new Forest Service contract.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation services?

The provided data does not include specific pricing details beyond the total contract value of $5.87 million. To compare this to market rates, one would need to analyze the contract's duration (646 days), the specific types of aircraft and services required, and the geographic operational area (Florida). Benchmarking would involve researching industry pricing guides, consulting with aviation service brokers, and examining publicly available data on similar federal or commercial contracts. Factors such as aircraft type, payload capacity, flight hours, and specialized equipment (e.g., for cargo handling or specific mission profiles) significantly influence per-hour or per-mile rates. Without these granular details, a precise market comparison is not feasible.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will performance be measured?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or the detailed performance measurement plan for this contract. Typically, for air transportation services, KPIs might include on-time performance, aircraft availability, safety compliance, fuel efficiency, and adherence to flight plans. The Forest Service would establish these metrics in the contract's statement of work. Performance would likely be monitored through regular reporting by HELI-1 CORP., flight logs, and potentially direct observation by Forest Service personnel. The firm fixed-price nature suggests that meeting the defined service levels is paramount for contractor compensation and successful contract completion.

What is the historical spending pattern for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation by the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture?

Historical spending data for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation by the Forest Service or the broader Department of Agriculture is not included in the provided snippet. To analyze this, one would need to access federal procurement databases (like USAspending.gov or FPDS) and filter for relevant NAICS/PSC codes and agencies over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, number of awards, primary contractors, and geographic distribution of spending. Understanding historical patterns can help contextualize the current $5.87 million award, indicating whether it represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these services.

Are there any specific risks associated with operating air services in Florida for the Forest Service, such as weather or regulatory challenges?

Operating air services in Florida presents several potential risks, including those related to weather and regulatory compliance. Florida is prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, and intense thunderstorms, which can disrupt flight schedules, necessitate temporary grounding of aircraft, and potentially damage equipment. These weather events can impact operational continuity and increase costs. From a regulatory standpoint, adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations is paramount. This includes pilot certifications, aircraft maintenance standards, air traffic control procedures, and potentially specific requirements for operating in national forests or sensitive environmental areas. Non-compliance can lead to fines, operational suspensions, and safety incidents. The Forest Service would likely have contingency plans in place to mitigate these risks.

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: 485 S ROCK BLVD STE F3, RENO, NV, 89502

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,869,817

Exercised Options: $5,869,817

Current Obligation: $5,869,817

Actual Outlays: $522,373

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9215

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline