Agriculture's $47M Helicopter Services Contract Awarded to Brainerd Helicopters Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,091,693 ($47.1M)

Contractor: Brainerd Helicopters, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2016-04-10

End Date: 2019-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,115 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS - LARGE FIRE SUPPORT EU HELICOPTER SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LEESBURG, LAKE County, FLORIDA, 34788

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $47.1 million to BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS - LARGE FIRE SUPPORT EU HELICOPTER SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract for critical fire support helicopter services represents a significant investment in aerial firefighting capabilities. 2. Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. secured this large award, indicating strong competitive positioning within the air transportation sector. 3. The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process, aiming for optimal value. 4. Potential risks include operational disruptions, weather impacts, and the need for continuous performance monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $47 million over its period of performance appears reasonable given the specialized nature of large helicopter services for critical functions like firefighting. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerial support contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

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,' indicating a competitive bidding process that aimed to maximize participation and achieve the best possible pricing. This method generally leads to more favorable price discovery for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield cost efficiencies, ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively for essential services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aerial support for wildfire suppression and other emergency operations. Supports the Forest Service's mission to protect natural resources and public safety. Provides essential infrastructure for rapid response during natural disasters. Contributes to the operational readiness of firefighting agencies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if operational demands exceed initial projections.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical services.
Risk of service disruption due to equipment failure or pilot availability.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.
Clear performance standards likely in place for critical functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation sector, specifically for critical functions like large fire support. Spending in this area is vital for national resource management and emergency response, with benchmarks varying based on aircraft type, mission duration, and geographic operational needs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. The award to Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. suggests a focus on established providers capable of meeting the demanding requirements of large-scale aerial support.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and value necessitate robust oversight from the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to ensure compliance with terms, performance standards, and financial accountability. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial for effective management.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Contract duration and value may lead to potential cost escalations.
Reliance on a single provider for critical services poses a risk.
Operational effectiveness is highly dependent on weather conditions.
Need for continuous monitoring of contractor performance and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $47.1 million to BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC. IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS - LARGE FIRE SUPPORT EU HELICOPTER SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $47.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-04-10. End: 2019-04-30.

What is the specific breakdown of services provided under this contract, and how do they align with the Forest Service's critical fire support needs?

The contract covers nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, specifically for large fire support using helicopters. This likely includes services such as personnel transport, equipment delivery, water/retardant drops, and aerial reconnaissance during wildfire suppression efforts. The alignment with critical needs is evident in the focus on rapid deployment and sustained aerial operations essential for combating large-scale fires effectively.

How does the pricing structure compare to industry standards for similar helicopter services, considering the specialized nature of fire support?

While a precise per-unit cost benchmark is not provided, the contract's firm fixed price structure suggests an attempt to control costs. However, the $47 million value over approximately three years for specialized helicopter services indicates a significant investment. A detailed comparison would require access to specific service rates and operational hours compared to other large-scale aerial firefighting contracts.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of Brainerd Helicopters' services, particularly during high-risk fire seasons?

Effectiveness and reliability are typically ensured through stringent contract performance clauses, including requirements for aircraft maintenance, pilot qualifications, response times, and operational safety. The Forest Service likely conducts regular performance evaluations and may have contingency plans for service disruptions. Adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and specific firefighting protocols is 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-15-9007

Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8850 AIRPORT BLVD, LEESBURG, FL, 34788

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,091,693

Exercised Options: $47,091,693

Current Obligation: $47,091,693

Actual Outlays: $2,203,030

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline