Forest Service Awards $1.01M for Helicopter Operations to Kit Helicopter Operations LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,013,117 ($1.0M)

Contractor: KIT Helicopter Operations LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-01-29

End Date: 2029-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,797 days

Daily Burn Rate: $564/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 MENA, AR #2 N47KT

Place of Performance

Location: MENA, POLK County, ARKANSAS, 71953

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $1.0 million to KIT HELICOPTER OPERATIONS LLC for work described as: HSS MATOC TYPE 3 MENA, AR #2 N47KT Key points: 1. The contract is for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 2. The award was made under full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is approximately 5 years. 4. The primary service area is Arkansas.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is $1.01 million over nearly 5 years. Without specific benchmarks for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation in Arkansas, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests a defined cost expectation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, with pricing determined by market forces rather than sole-source negotiation.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transportation services for the Forest Service's operations in Arkansas. Supports the agency's ability to conduct aerial surveys, transport personnel, or respond to emergencies. The contract's duration provides stability for service provision over several years.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 56 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for price fluctuations in fuel costs impacting long-term service delivery.
Geographic limitations of service area.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type.
Long contract duration provides service continuity.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, a niche service often utilized by government agencies for specific operational needs. Benchmarks for this sector can vary significantly based on aircraft type, duration, and geographic region.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a delivery order under a MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) structure, which implies a pre-existing oversight framework. The firm fixed-price type also aids in cost control and accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited detail on performance metrics.
Potential for unaddressed cost escalation factors (e.g., fuel).
Geographic service area may not cover all agency needs.
Unknown small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $1.0 million to KIT HELICOPTER OPERATIONS LLC. HSS MATOC TYPE 3 MENA, AR #2 N47KT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KIT HELICOPTER OPERATIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-29. End: 2029-12-31.

What is the typical cost per flight hour for similar nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation services in the specified region?

Determining the typical cost per flight hour requires access to specialized industry data or comparative contract awards. Factors like aircraft size, range, crew requirements, and specific operational demands heavily influence pricing. Without this granular data, a precise benchmark is unavailable, but the firm fixed-price nature of this award suggests the government has negotiated a specific rate for the duration.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure service effectiveness?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Effective oversight would require clearly defined metrics related to on-time performance, safety compliance, aircraft availability, and responsiveness to mission requirements. The Forest Service should have a robust system for monitoring these KPIs to ensure the contractor meets all contractual obligations and delivers effective air transportation services.

Are there any potential risks associated with the contractor's past performance or financial stability that could impact service delivery?

Information regarding the contractor's past performance and financial stability is not included in the provided data. A comprehensive risk assessment would involve reviewing their track record on previous government contracts, client references, and financial health. Any concerns in these areas could pose a risk to the consistent and reliable delivery of essential air transportation services throughout the contract period.

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: 1092 E 1500 N, TERRETON, ID, 83450

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,013,117

Exercised Options: $1,013,117

Current Obligation: $1,013,117

Actual Outlays: $245,707

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA23T9324

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline