Forest Service awards $614K contract for air transportation, highlighting nonscheduled passenger services in Arkansas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $614,031 ($614.0K)

Contractor: Brainerd Helicopters, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2029-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $336/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 CLARKSVILLE, AR N132BH

Place of Performance

Location: CLARKSVILLE, JOHNSON County, ARKANSAS, 72830

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $614,031.31 to BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 CLARKSVILLE, AR N132BH Key points: 1. Contract value appears moderate for specialized air transport services. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially favorable pricing environment. 3. Performance risk is mitigated by a fixed-price contract structure. 4. The contract duration aligns with typical operational needs for such services. 5. This award positions the contractor within the niche market of nonscheduled air charter. 6. Geographic focus on Arkansas indicates specific regional operational requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $614,031.31 for a 5-year period (1825 days) suggests a per diem rate of approximately $336. This rate appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar contracts for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, especially considering the operational complexities and potential for remote service delivery. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: $336

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 17 bids received. This high level of competition is a positive indicator, suggesting that the solicitation was widely disseminated and that multiple capable vendors were interested. A robust competitive landscape typically leads to better price discovery and more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, as the Forest Service likely secured competitive pricing due to the numerous bids submitted.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the US Forest Service personnel and potentially other government agencies requiring transport within Arkansas. Services delivered include nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, crucial for accessing remote areas or for time-sensitive missions. The geographic impact is concentrated in Arkansas (ST: AR, SN: ARKANSAS), supporting federal operations within the state. Workforce implications are indirect, supporting the operational capacity of the Forest Service rather than directly creating public sector jobs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if mission requirements change significantly during the contract period.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air transport could pose a risk if unforeseen issues arise with the provider.
Ensuring consistent adherence to safety and operational standards throughout the contract duration requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and likely competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
The contractor, Brainerd Helicopters, Inc., has a track record that can be reviewed for performance history.
The contract duration of five years allows for stable planning and execution of services.

Sector Analysis

The nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation sector is a niche but vital component of government operations, particularly for agencies like the Forest Service that operate in remote or expansive territories. This contract fits within the broader transportation and logistics services market. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar air charter services can vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and operational complexity, but the per-unit cost here appears competitive.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to Brainerd Helicopters, Inc., which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem, but based on the provided data, there is no explicit small business set-aside provision.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the US Forest Service's contracting officer and administrative contracting officer. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to meet performance requirements within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aviation Management
Department of Agriculture Air Operations
Federal Air Charter Services
Nonscheduled Air Carrier Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor lacks sufficient operational capacity.
Risk of safety incidents due to the nature of aviation services.
Dependence on weather conditions impacting service delivery.
Need for diligent oversight to ensure compliance with contract terms and safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $614,031.31 to BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 CLARKSVILLE, AR N132BH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $614,031.31.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2029-12-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the US Forest Service?

Analyzing historical spending for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the US Forest Service requires access to detailed procurement databases. Generally, such spending fluctuates based on agency needs, fire seasons, land management activities, and the availability of government-owned aircraft. Contracts in this category often support critical functions like transporting personnel to remote fire sites, conducting aerial surveys, or accessing difficult terrain for research and monitoring. The Forest Service typically utilizes a mix of contract types, including fixed-price and time-and-materials, depending on the predictability of the service required. Spending can also be influenced by regional operational demands and specific project requirements across different national forests and ranger districts. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but it's reasonable to assume consistent, albeit variable, annual expenditures to support these essential aerial operations.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar air charter services for government agencies?

The per-unit cost benchmarked at $336 per day for this contract appears competitive within the realm of nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. Government agencies often procure these services for specialized missions, which can include transporting personnel to remote locations, supporting scientific research, or facilitating emergency response. The pricing for such services is highly variable, influenced by factors like aircraft type (e.g., helicopter vs. fixed-wing), passenger capacity, flight duration, geographic location, and required operational support (e.g., pilot, fuel, maintenance). When compared to publicly available contract data for similar services, a daily rate in the mid-hundreds for specialized charter flights, particularly helicopters, is often within a reasonable range, especially when considering the overhead and operational costs borne by the contractor. The firm fixed-price nature of this award further strengthens the value proposition by providing cost certainty.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of air transportation contract?

The primary risks associated with this air transportation contract include operational safety and reliability, potential cost overruns if not managed tightly (though mitigated by FFP), and contractor performance issues. Safety is paramount in aviation; any incident or accident could have severe consequences. Reliability is also critical, as delays or cancellations due to mechanical issues or weather can disrupt Forest Service operations, potentially impacting mission success, especially during time-sensitive activities like wildfire suppression or emergency response. While the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type limits direct cost overrun risk for the government, there's still a risk of the contractor cutting corners on maintenance or safety to maintain profitability, which requires robust oversight. Contractor performance, including adherence to schedules, quality of service, and responsiveness, is another key risk area. Finally, dependence on a single provider for a specific region or mission type can create vulnerabilities if the contractor faces financial difficulties or operational challenges.

What is the track record of Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. with federal contracts?

To assess the track record of Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. with federal contracts, a review of federal procurement databases such as SAM.gov (System for Award Management) and FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System) would be necessary. These databases typically contain information on contract awards, performance history (if reported), and any past performance issues or disputes. A thorough analysis would involve examining the number and types of contracts awarded to the company, their value, the agencies they've served, and the duration of those contracts. Additionally, searching for any reported contract terminations, claims, or negative past performance reviews would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and performance history. Without direct access to this detailed historical data, a definitive assessment of their track record cannot be made, but such a review is a standard part of evaluating contractor suitability.

How does the geographic focus on Arkansas influence the contract's value and operational considerations?

The geographic focus on Arkansas (ST: AR, SN: ARKANSAS) for this nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation contract significantly influences its value and operational considerations. Arkansas presents unique logistical challenges and opportunities for air services. The terrain, including mountainous regions and extensive forests, often necessitates air transport for efficient access to remote areas for Forest Service activities like fire management, trail maintenance, or ecological surveys. The value of the contract is shaped by the specific demand within Arkansas for these services, the availability of local infrastructure (airports, helipads), and the competitive landscape of air charter providers operating within or near the state. Operational considerations include navigating state-specific regulations, understanding local weather patterns, and potentially establishing bases of operation within the state to minimize transit times and costs. The concentration of services within Arkansas suggests a need for consistent, localized aerial support for federal land management activities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger 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: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8850 AIRPORT BLVD, LEESBURG, FL, 34788

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $614,031

Exercised Options: $614,031

Current Obligation: $614,031

Actual Outlays: $289,881

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9312

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline