USDA Forest Service awards $31.3M for critical function amphibious water scoopers to AERO-FLITE, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,314,005 ($31.3M)

Contractor: Aero-Flite, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2013-10-29

End Date: 2018-10-28

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTION AMPHIBIOUS WATER SCOOPER AIRCRAFT

Place of Performance

Location: KINGMAN, MOHAVE County, ARIZONA, 86401

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $31.3 million to AERO-FLITE, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTION AMPHIBIOUS WATER SCOOPER AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. The contract value of $31.3M over 5 years for specialized aircraft highlights a significant investment in aerial firefighting capabilities. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a structured procurement process. 3. The firm fixed price contract type aims to control costs for this essential service. 4. This spending supports critical infrastructure for wildfire suppression in Arizona.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.3M for 2 aircraft over 5 years averages to approximately $3.13M per aircraft per year. This appears reasonable given the specialized nature and operational demands of amphibious water scoopers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement utilized 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while initial sources might have been limited, the final award was based on a competitive process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential wildfire suppression equipment, directly contributing to public safety and resource protection.

Public Impact

Enhances aerial firefighting capabilities for critical wildfire response. Supports the US Forest Service's mission to protect natural resources and communities. Provides specialized aircraft crucial for combating large-scale wildfires. Ensures operational readiness for fire seasons in high-risk areas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for sole-source if competition is limited in future
Dependence on a single contractor for critical assets
Long-term maintenance and operational costs not fully detailed

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract helps manage costs
Full and open competition ensures market access
Supports critical national infrastructure
Long-term contract provides stability

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation, specifically for specialized aerial firefighting aircraft. Spending benchmarks for such niche services are difficult to establish due to unique operational requirements and limited providers.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to AERO-FLITE, INC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor is a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded through a competitive process, suggesting oversight in source selection. Ongoing oversight would focus on performance, delivery, and adherence to contract terms by the Forest Service.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Dependence on a single supplier for critical assets
Potential for cost overruns if maintenance is underestimated
Limited number of qualified providers for specialized aircraft
Long-term operational costs not fully detailed in summary data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $31.3 million to AERO-FLITE, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTION AMPHIBIOUS WATER SCOOPER AIRCRAFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AERO-FLITE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-10-29. End: 2018-10-28.

What is the expected operational readiness and maintenance schedule for these aircraft to ensure maximum availability during fire seasons?

The contract specifies a duration of 1825 days (5 years), implying a need for sustained operational readiness. A detailed maintenance schedule, likely outlined in the contract's statement of work, would be crucial. The Forest Service would oversee adherence to this schedule to ensure the aircraft are available when needed for firefighting missions, minimizing downtime and maximizing their effectiveness during critical periods.

How does the pricing of these specialized aircraft compare to similar assets or services in the broader aviation market?

Direct comparisons are challenging due to the highly specialized nature of amphibious water scoopers. Unlike standard cargo planes, these require unique engineering for water collection and aerial dispersal. Benchmarking would likely involve analyzing costs of similar government contracts for specialized aerial firefighting assets or leasing costs for comparable, albeit less specialized, heavy-lift aircraft, adjusted for unique capabilities.

What are the contingency plans if AERO-FLITE, INC. is unable to fulfill its contractual obligations due to unforeseen circumstances?

Contingency plans would typically involve clauses within the contract addressing contractor default or failure to perform. The Forest Service would likely have procedures to assess the situation, potentially seeking alternative sources for immediate needs or invoking contract termination clauses. The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition type might suggest a limited pool of qualified alternatives, making proactive risk mitigation and contractor performance monitoring paramount.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

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: AG-024B-S-13-9024

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4530 FLIGHTLINE DR, KINGMAN, AZ, 86401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,314,005

Exercised Options: $31,314,005

Current Obligation: $31,314,005

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline