USDA Forest Service awards $8.6M for pilot services, contract 1202SA22T9701 to 9LINE LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,606,100 ($8.6M)

Contractor: 9line LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-01-11

End Date: 2027-01-10

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FUNDING FOR PILOT SERVICES FOR FY 26 CONTRACT 1202SA22T9701 CO MATT OLSON

Place of Performance

Location: BOISE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83705

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $8.6 million to 9LINE LLC for work described as: FUNDING FOR PILOT SERVICES FOR FY 26 CONTRACT 1202SA22T9701 CO MATT OLSON Key points: 1. Contract value of $8.6M for pilot services. 2. Awarded to 9LINE LLC. 3. Competition method: Competed under SAP. 4. Sector: Other Support Activities for Air Transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.6M for a 1-year duration appears reasonable for specialized pilot services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aerial support in remote areas would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition environment. While this can expedite the process, it may not always yield the lowest price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential pilot services, with the price determined through a limited competitive process.

Public Impact

Ensures critical pilot services for the Forest Service's operations. Supports air transportation activities, potentially for firefighting or resource management. Award to a specific vendor, 9LINE LLC, indicates a focused service provider.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may impact price optimization.
Contract duration is 1 year, requiring future procurement efforts.

Positive Signals

Awarded for essential pilot services.
Competed, indicating some level of market engagement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation,' a sector crucial for government operations requiring specialized aerial capabilities. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on agency needs and geographic scope.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether 9LINE LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a streamlined oversight process. Standard contract monitoring by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is expected.

Related Government Programs

Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher costs due to SAP
Need for performance monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $8.6 million to 9LINE LLC. FUNDING FOR PILOT SERVICES FOR FY 26 CONTRACT 1202SA22T9701 CO MATT OLSON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is 9LINE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-11. End: 2027-01-10.

What is the specific nature of the pilot services required by the Forest Service, and how do they contribute to the agency's mission?

The pilot services are likely for supporting aerial operations such as wildfire suppression, aerial surveys, resource management, or transport of personnel and equipment in remote areas. These services are critical for the Forest Service's ability to manage and protect national forests and grasslands, ensuring effective response to environmental challenges and operational needs.

What are the potential risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract, particularly regarding cost-effectiveness?

Using SAP can limit the pool of potential bidders compared to full and open competition, potentially leading to higher prices if competition is not robust. There's also a risk that innovative solutions or better value propositions from a wider range of vendors might be missed. Ensuring adequate market research was conducted prior to using SAP is crucial for mitigating these risks.

How will the effectiveness of 9LINE LLC's pilot services be measured and evaluated throughout the contract period?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as on-time performance, adherence to flight plans, safety records, and successful completion of assigned missions. Regular performance reviews and feedback from operational units utilizing the services will be key to assessing and ensuring the contractor's effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6472 WILLOW CREEK RD, MORGAN, UT, 84050

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,606,100

Exercised Options: $8,606,100

Current Obligation: $8,606,100

Actual Outlays: $214,891

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SA22T9701

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline