USDA Forest Service awards $11.9M contract for air transport to Siller Helicopters, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,927,406 ($11.9M)

Contractor: Siller Helicopters, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-05-12

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 598 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: SILLER - T1 EU FOR HAMILTON, MT #2

Place of Performance

Location: GRANTSDALE, RAVALLI County, MONTANA, 59835

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $11.9 million to SILLER HELICOPTERS, LLC for work described as: SILLER - T1 EU FOR HAMILTON, MT #2 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Siller Helicopters, LLC for air transportation services. 2. The contract has a duration of 598 days. 3. The award was made under full and open competition. 4. The total value of the contract is $11,927,406. 5. The service is categorized as Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.9M for air transportation over approximately two years appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerial logistics contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential air transport services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transport for Forest Service operations in Montana. Supports wildfire suppression and other aerial logistics needs. Provides essential services for remote area access and resource management. Impacts regional economic activity through service provision.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation if fuel costs rise significantly.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear contract duration and delivery period.
Firm fixed price contract type.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation and logistics sector, specifically air charter services. Spending benchmarks for similar government contracts vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and operational complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, and there is no specific indication that small businesses were primary awardees or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for delivery orders under larger contracts would apply, focusing on performance and compliance.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Contract duration is substantial, requiring sustained performance.
Potential for unforeseen operational challenges in remote Montana.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical air transport.
Fuel price volatility could impact cost-effectiveness over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $11.9 million to SILLER HELICOPTERS, LLC. SILLER - T1 EU FOR HAMILTON, MT #2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SILLER HELICOPTERS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-12. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific type of aircraft and its capacity being utilized under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact aircraft type or capacity. This information is crucial for a detailed cost-benefit analysis and for comparing the per-unit cost against industry standards for similar aerial freight services.

Are there any performance metrics or service level agreements tied to this delivery order?

While the contract has a firm fixed price and defined duration, specific performance metrics and service level agreements are not detailed in the provided summary. These are typically outlined in the full contract documentation and are essential for ensuring service quality and accountability.

What is the historical performance record of Siller Helicopters, LLC with the Department of Agriculture or similar agencies?

Information on Siller Helicopters, LLC's past performance is not included in this data. A review of their contract history, past performance evaluations, and any reported issues would provide insight into their reliability and capability to fulfill this significant contract.

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: 1250 SMITH RD, YUBA CITY, CA, 95991

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,927,406

Exercised Options: $11,927,406

Current Obligation: $11,927,406

Actual Outlays: $6,846,492

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA25T9234

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline