DOI Awards $7M for Single Engine Air Tanker Services to Western Pilot Service Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,053,791 ($7.1M)

Contractor: Western Pilot Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-05-02

End Date: 2027-05-11

Contract Duration: 1,104 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES - ROSWELL, NM

Place of Performance

Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85007

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $7.1 million to WESTERN PILOT SERVICE INC for work described as: SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES - ROSWELL, NM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Western Pilot Service Inc. for $7.05M. 2. Service involves Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) flight operations. 3. Competition method: Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources. 4. Contract duration is approximately 3 years, ending May 2027. 5. The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.05M over approximately 3 years appears reasonable for specialized aerial firefighting services. Benchmarking against similar SEAT contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the pricing seems within expected ranges for this type of critical support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources'. This indicates a competitive process was used, but specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. The price discovery mechanism is likely influenced by the competitive bidding process, aiming for fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential wildfire suppression services, contributing to public safety and resource protection. The competitive award aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial firefighting capabilities are available to combat wildfires. Supports the Department of the Interior's land and resource management missions. Provides essential services for protecting communities and natural resources from fire damage. Contributes to the operational readiness of firefighting agencies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of SEAT services.
Geographic concentration of services (Roswell, NM) may limit broader reach.
Dependence on a single provider for specific aerial support.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process utilized.
Clear contract duration and delivery order structure.
Supports critical public safety mission.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under support activities for forestry, specifically aerial firefighting. Spending in this sector is highly dependent on seasonal needs and wildfire activity. Benchmarks for SEAT services vary significantly based on aircraft type, operational tempo, and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Interior's oversight mechanisms would typically include contract performance monitoring, financial reviews, and adherence to safety and operational standards. The use of a delivery order under a larger agreement suggests an existing framework for oversight.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for reduced competition due to source exclusion.
Dependence on a single provider for critical services.
Geographic limitations of service delivery.
Contract value is substantial, requiring diligent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $7.1 million to WESTERN PILOT SERVICE INC. SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES - ROSWELL, NM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTERN PILOT SERVICE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-02. End: 2027-05-11.

What is the specific justification for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique operational requirements are necessary, and only a limited number of contractors can meet them. This exclusion can potentially reduce the number of bidders, which might influence price competition. A thorough review of the contract's Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) or equivalent documentation would clarify the reasons for exclusion and its pricing implications.

How does the cost per flight hour or per mission for this SEAT contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar services in the region?

Comparing the cost per flight hour or mission against industry benchmarks is crucial for assessing value. Factors like aircraft age, performance capabilities, required equipment, and operational overhead influence these costs. Without specific cost breakdown data (e.g., hourly rates, daily standby rates), a precise benchmark comparison is difficult. However, the overall contract value suggests a significant operational tempo.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is Western Pilot Service Inc.'s performance being measured to ensure effectiveness and accountability?

Key performance indicators for aerial firefighting contracts typically include response times, aircraft availability, mission completion rates, safety adherence, and operational efficiency. The Department of the Interior likely has established metrics and reporting requirements to monitor Western Pilot Service Inc.'s performance. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contractual obligations are essential for ensuring the effectiveness of these critical services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140D0424D0068

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2803 N 7TH AVE STE 14, PHOENIX, AZ, 85007

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,366,991

Exercised Options: $7,053,791

Current Obligation: $7,053,791

Actual Outlays: $4,763,216

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0424D0068

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline