DOI awards $7.97M for exclusive fixed-wing scooper services in Alaska, highlighting a critical need for wildfire suppression
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,974,292 ($8.0M)
Contractor: Aero Spray Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-05-06
End Date: 2025-12-08
Contract Duration: 216 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Other
Official Description: EXCLUSIVE USE FIXED WING SINGLE ENGINE SCOOPER SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WAINWRIGHT, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR County, ALASKA, 99703
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $8.0 million to AERO SPRAY INC for work described as: EXCLUSIVE USE FIXED WING SINGLE ENGINE SCOOPER SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract addresses a vital need for aerial firefighting capabilities in Alaska. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces some cost variability. 4. Spending is concentrated in the 'Support Activities for Forestry' category.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $7.97M for approximately 7 months of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of fixed-wing scooper aircraft for firefighting. Benchmarking against similar exclusive-use contracts for aerial firefighting assets is necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows all responsible sources to submit offers. This method is expected to yield fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential wildfire suppression services, a critical public safety and environmental protection expenditure.
Public Impact
Ensures critical aerial firefighting resources are available for the upcoming fire season in Alaska. Supports the Department of the Interior's mission to protect natural resources and communities from wildfires. Potential for rapid response to wildfires, minimizing damage and suppression costs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Economic price adjustment could lead to costs exceeding initial projections.
- Dependence on a single provider for exclusive use raises concerns about continuity if issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition aims for best value.
- Contract duration aligns with typical fire season needs.
- Addresses a critical operational requirement for the agency.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Support Activities for Forestry' sector, specifically focusing on aerial support for wildfire management. Spending benchmarks for such specialized services can vary significantly based on aircraft type, duration, and geographic region.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities for small business subcontracting exist within the performance of this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The award process under full and open competition suggests a degree of oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to contract terms by the Department of the Interior is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Support Activities for Forestry
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to economic price adjustment.
- Sole reliance on one contractor for exclusive use.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Geographic concentration of service in Alaska.
Tags
support-activities-for-forestry, department-of-the-interior, ak, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $8.0 million to AERO SPRAY INC. EXCLUSIVE USE FIXED WING SINGLE ENGINE SCOOPER SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AERO SPRAY INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-06. End: 2025-12-08.
What is the typical cost per flight hour for similar exclusive-use fixed-wing scooper services in comparable regions?
Benchmarking the cost per flight hour against similar exclusive-use fixed-wing scooper services in comparable regions is essential. Factors like aircraft model, operational range, payload capacity, and specific mission requirements influence these costs. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the $7.97M award represents optimal value, though the full and open competition suggests a competitive process was employed.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single provider for exclusive-use aerial firefighting assets?
Relying on a single provider for exclusive-use aerial firefighting assets carries risks such as potential service disruptions due to equipment failure, pilot availability issues, or contractor financial instability. The agency should have contingency plans in place, including pre-identified backup providers or alternative suppression strategies, to mitigate the impact of any unforeseen issues with the primary contractor.
How effectively does this contract support the Department of the Interior's overall wildfire management strategy?
This contract directly supports the Department of the Interior's wildfire management strategy by providing essential aerial suppression capabilities. The exclusive use of a fixed-wing scooper ensures dedicated resources are available during critical periods, enabling rapid response and potentially reducing the overall cost and impact of wildfires. Its effectiveness hinges on timely deployment and operational efficiency.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 50 W SORENSON AVE, APPLETON, MN, 56208
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,974,292
Exercised Options: $7,974,292
Current Obligation: $7,974,292
Actual Outlays: $7,974,292
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140D0425D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-06
Current End Date: 2025-12-08
Potential End Date: 2025-12-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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