Forest Service awards $2.8M contract for helicopter transport services in Montana

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,808,964 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Helicopter Express LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-02-01

End Date: 2029-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,794 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/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 HELENA, MT N44HX

Place of Performance

Location: HELENA, LEWIS AND CLARK County, MONTANA, 59601

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.8 million to HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 HELENA, MT N44HX Key points: 1. Contract provides essential air transport for remote operations. 2. Fixed-price structure offers cost predictability. 3. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding environment. 4. Long duration indicates a sustained need for these services. 5. Geographic focus on Montana highlights regional operational requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed-price nature provides a predictable cost structure for the Forest Service. While specific cost comparisons are difficult without detailed service level agreements, the price appears reasonable given the specialized nature of helicopter charter services and the contract's duration. Benchmarking against similar aviation support contracts would provide further insight into value for money.

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 offers. The presence of 17 bids suggests a robust level of competition for this requirement, which typically leads to more favorable pricing and better service options for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging high-quality service delivery.

Public Impact

Provides critical air transportation for Forest Service personnel and potentially equipment in remote areas of Montana. Supports wildfire suppression, resource management, and other land management activities. Benefits residents and visitors of Montana by enabling effective management of national forests. May indirectly support local economies through contractor operations and personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation if fuel costs rise significantly over the contract's long term.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air transport could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Extensive competition (17 bidders) suggests a healthy market and potential for strong performance.
Long contract duration allows for stable planning and operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the air transportation services sector, specifically nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. The market for such services is often specialized, with a limited number of providers capable of meeting stringent government requirements, especially for remote or demanding operational environments like those found in national forests. Spending in this category supports essential government functions requiring aerial mobility.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation, including set-asides or subcontracting plans, was not explicitly provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement in fulfilling this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service is responsible for contract oversight. Accountability is maintained through performance standards outlined in the contract and the firm fixed-price structure. Transparency is generally supported by federal procurement data, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Aviation Management
Department of Agriculture Air Operations
Wildland Firefighting Support Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may expose the government to price volatility if market conditions change significantly.
Dependence on specialized aviation services requires careful monitoring of contractor performance and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.8 million to HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 HELENA, MT N44HX

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-01. End: 2029-12-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for helicopter charter services by the Forest Service in Montana?

Analyzing historical spending for similar helicopter charter services by the Forest Service in Montana would provide valuable context for the current $2.8 million award. This would involve examining past contracts for air transportation, noting the duration, scope of services, number of bidders, and final award amounts. A trend of increasing or decreasing spending in this category could indicate market shifts, changes in operational needs, or evolving procurement strategies. Understanding past pricing and competition levels can help assess whether the current contract represents a fair value and if the number of bidders (17) is typical for this region and service type. Without specific historical data, it's challenging to definitively benchmark the current contract's value against previous investments.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar aviation contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of this helicopter charter contract against similar aviation contracts awarded by other federal agencies is crucial for assessing value for money. However, 'per-unit cost' is difficult to define precisely for charter services without knowing the specific metrics used (e.g., cost per flight hour, cost per passenger mile, cost per mission). If the contract specifies rates for different types of flights or operational scenarios, these could be compared. Generally, specialized aviation services for government operations, especially in remote areas, can command higher prices due to safety requirements, operational complexity, and limited provider availability. A comparison would ideally involve contracts with similar aircraft types, mission profiles, and geographic operating areas to ensure a fair assessment of pricing efficiency.

What are the specific performance metrics and service level agreements associated with this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) for this helicopter charter contract. Typically, such contracts would include requirements related to aircraft availability, response times for call-outs, safety standards, maintenance schedules, and pilot qualifications. The Forest Service would monitor adherence to these metrics throughout the contract's duration. Failure to meet agreed-upon SLAs could result in penalties or contract termination. Understanding these performance expectations is vital for assessing the contractor's ability to deliver reliable and effective air support, which is critical for the agency's operational success in managing forest resources and responding to emergencies.

What is the track record of HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

Assessing the track record of HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC is essential for understanding the potential risks and reliability associated with this $2.8 million contract. Information on past performance, including contract history with the Forest Service or other federal agencies, would be reviewed. Key factors include on-time delivery, quality of service, adherence to safety regulations, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. A positive performance history suggests a lower risk of issues, while past problems might indicate potential challenges. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews (if available) are typically consulted during the award process to evaluate a contractor's reliability and capability.

What is the potential impact of this contract on wildfire suppression capabilities in Montana?

This contract for helicopter charter services is likely to have a significant positive impact on wildfire suppression capabilities in Montana. Helicopters are indispensable tools for aerial firefighting, providing rapid deployment of crews and equipment to remote fire locations, conducting reconnaissance and mapping of fire perimeters, and delivering water or retardant. The sustained availability of these services over a nearly five-year period ensures that the Forest Service has the necessary aerial support for effective fire management throughout the fire season. This contract directly enhances the agency's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to wildfires, potentially minimizing their spread and impact on natural resources and communities.

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: 2025 FLIGHTWAY DR, ATLANTA, GA, 30341

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,808,964

Exercised Options: $2,808,964

Current Obligation: $2,808,964

Actual Outlays: $1,299,992

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9316

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline