DOI awards $3.08M for SEAT Flight Services to Western Pilot Service Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,075,680 ($3.1M)
Contractor: Western Pilot Service Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-05-09
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 356 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES - WESTERN PILOT
Place of Performance
Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85007
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $3.1 million to WESTERN PILOT SERVICE INC for work described as: ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES - WESTERN PILOT Key points: 1. Contract value is $3.08M for 356 days of service. 2. Western Pilot Service Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Full and open competition was used, but sources were excluded. 4. The contract supports forestry activities in Arizona.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.08M for 356 days of service appears reasonable for specialized aerial firefighting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for SEAT services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: $8640
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process was intended. However, the exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to understand its impact on price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential wildfire suppression services, aiming for cost-effectiveness through competition.
Public Impact
Ensures critical aerial firefighting capabilities are available for wildfire season. Supports the Department of the Interior's land management and public safety missions. Provides essential services for protecting natural resources and communities in Arizona.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reason for excluding sources in full and open competition needs clarification.
- Potential for price escalation if competition is artificially limited.
Positive Signals
- Contract supports critical public safety function.
- Utilizes a competitive bidding process.
- Clear performance period and delivery location.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under support activities for forestry, specifically aerial firefighting. Spending in this sector is highly seasonal and dependent on environmental conditions, with costs varying based on aircraft type, duration, and operational complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific contract award or if they are subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's oversight mechanisms should ensure Western Pilot Service Inc. meets all performance requirements and adheres to the contract terms. Regular performance reviews are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Support Activities for Forestry
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Need to verify if the per-unit cost is competitive.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical services.
- Performance risks associated with aerial operations.
Tags
support-activities-for-forestry, department-of-the-interior, az, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $3.1 million to WESTERN PILOT SERVICE INC. ON-CALL SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER (SEAT) FLIGHT SERVICES - WESTERN PILOT
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 $3.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-09. End: 2026-04-30.
What was the justification for excluding specific sources under the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method?
The justification for excluding sources requires detailed review of the solicitation documents and award justification. Typically, such exclusions are based on specific technical requirements, unique capabilities, or prior performance that only a limited number of vendors can meet. Understanding this rationale is key to assessing whether the competition was truly maximized or if it inadvertently restricted the pool of qualified bidders, potentially impacting the final price.
How does the per-unit cost of $8640 compare to industry benchmarks for similar SEAT flight services?
The per-unit cost of $8640 for SEAT flight services needs to be benchmarked against recent contracts for similar services, considering factors like aircraft type, operational hours, and geographic location. If this rate is significantly higher than comparable contracts, it could indicate potential overpricing or unique service requirements. Conversely, if it aligns with or is below market rates, it suggests a fair and reasonable price was negotiated.
What is the potential impact on wildfire suppression effectiveness if Western Pilot Service Inc. fails to meet performance standards?
Failure by Western Pilot Service Inc. to meet performance standards could significantly impact wildfire suppression effectiveness. This could lead to delayed response times, reduced aerial support, and potentially larger, more destructive fires. The Department of the Interior's contract management and performance monitoring are critical to mitigate these risks and ensure timely, effective aerial firefighting support is consistently available.
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
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: $3,075,680
Exercised Options: $3,075,680
Current Obligation: $3,075,680
Actual Outlays: $1,664,901
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140D0424D0068
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-09
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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