Federal Capture Intelligence

Top USDA nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation contractors (NAICS 481211)

Contract actions: October 1, 2021 – September 10, 2026 Updated September 11, 2026 Department of Agriculture agency guide NAICS 481211 · Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
Latest 12 months
$163.0M
Net obligations · Down $17.4M vs. $180.3M preceding
Prime contractors
68
With positive obligations in the latest 12 months

Research the USDA federal contracting market for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation under NAICS 481211. Compare top federal contractors and market share, reported contract obligations and spending trends, funding-office attribution, recent award activity, contract types, competition, and procurement methods, and observed contract vehicle usage.

Contract obligation trends for Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation at the Department of Agriculture

Federal records show $598.8M in net obligations across 1,712 awards in Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation at the Department of Agriculture from Oct 1, 2021 through Sep 10, 2026. This market accounts for 1.1% of $52.2B in agency-wide net prime contract obligations over the period shown. Latest 12-month net obligations decreased 9.6% from $180.3M to $163.0M. 24 prime contractors accounted for at least 80% of positive obligations in that latest period.

Fiscal-year activity

FY26 is year-to-date through Sep 10, 2026; earlier years show complete fiscal-year totals.

FY26 year-to-date: $151.1M versus $165.8M through the same date in FY25 (−8.9%).
Net obligations · complete fiscal yearNet obligations · FY26 YTDContract actions
View fiscal-year data table
Fiscal yearNet obligationsContract actionsCoverage
FY2022$68.7M767Complete
FY2023$71.9M1,183Complete
FY2024$129.4M1,458Complete
FY2025$177.6M1,639Complete
FY2026$151.1M1,610YTD through Sep 10, 2026

Market at a glance

All reported prime contract awards
All-period net obligations
$598.8M
1,712 awards · 131 prime contractors
Latest 12-month movement
−9.6%
$163.0M vs. $180.3M
Leading eight prime share
51.6%
Share held by the eight leading prime contractors in the latest 12 months
View agency share, denominators, and set-aside reporting
Agency context
1.1% of $52.2B in agency-wide net obligations.
Set-aside share when reported
17.8% of 354 awards with reported set-aside status.
Set-aside reporting
63 set aside · 291 no set-aside · 1,358 not reported

What changed in the last 12 months?

Sep 11, 2025–Sep 10, 2026, compared with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025.

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through USDA FOREST SERVICE decreased
$179.7M→$157.3M−$22.5M
Latest-period activity spans 452 awards across 63 prime contractors.

Competitive shifts

TRANS AERO LLC climbed the most in the contractor rankings
#39→#20Up 19 places
The contractor accounts for 1.4% of positive obligations across 27 reported actions.
SAFFORD AVIATION SERVICE INC fell the most in the contractor rankings
#17→#61Down 44 places
The contractor accounts for 0.030% of positive obligations across 1 reported action.
BODE AVIATION, INC. gained the most market share
3.8%→7.8%+4.0 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #4 by positive obligations, based on 61 reported actions.
7 contractors were first observed in this market during the latest 12 months
$5.2MLatest 12-month obligations
Contractor-level obligations and first-observed dates appear below. “First observed” applies only to this market and the period shown.
View 7 contractors
ContractorLatest 12 months
HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC had the largest decline in reported obligations
$19.0M→$14.0M−$4.9M
The contractor now ranks #2 by positive obligations and accounts for 8.6% of positive obligations, based on 184 reported actions.
View 2 additional material changes

Competitive shifts

CAPITOL HELICOPTERS, INC. lost the most market share
4.5%→2.2%−2.3 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #12 by positive obligations, based on 29 reported actions.
VAN ARSDALE AIR SERVICE, L.L.C. was the largest newly observed contractor
$2.2MLatest 12-month obligations
First observed in this market on Feb 24, 2026, the contractor now ranks #23 by positive obligations across 12 reported actions.
How these findings are calculated

Findings are selected from matched-period changes in obligations, share, rank, funding offices, concentration, reported set-asides, material award actions, and agency-peer outliers. Related signals are combined, and only material evidence-backed changes are shown. Review the full methodology.

Federal contract obligations by funding office

See how positive obligations were attributed across funding offices in the 12 months ending Sep 10, 2026.

96.5% of positive obligations were attributed to USDA FOREST SERVICE. That represents $157.3M, down $22.5M from the preceding 12 months.

Latest 12-month share of positive obligations; the gray segment represents all other reported offices.

  1. USDA FOREST SERVICE96.5% · $157.3M · down $22.5M
  2. USDA ARS AFM APD3.1% · $5.0M · up $5.0M
  3. NRCS-MT STATE OFFICE0.23% · $377K · up $929
  4. USDA,OFF OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER0.11% · $185K · up $13K
  5. NRCS-WA STATE OFFICE0.070% · $114K · up $51K
  6. All other reported offices0.010% of positive obligations
View reported office rankings, comparisons, and evidence

USAspending assigns each award to a funding office. That office may differ from the requiring activity, program office, contracting office, individual buyer, or actual customer.

  1. Reported funding office

    USDA FOREST SERVICE

    #1Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $157.3M

    96.5% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$22.5M

    63 active prime contractors · 452 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 12.5% from $179.7M to $157.3M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 99.6% to 96.5%, a change of −3.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 1,702 actions across 452 awards and 8 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 60 active prime contractors and 478 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  2. Reported funding office

    USDA ARS AFM APD

    #2New to the positive-obligation ranking

    Latest 12 months

    $5.0M

    3.1% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$5.0M

    1 active prime contractor · 1 award

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations rose from $0 to $5.0M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 3.1%, a change of +3.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 0 active prime contractors and 0 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  3. Reported funding office

    NRCS-MT STATE OFFICE

    #3Down 1 from #2

    Latest 12 months

    $377K

    0.23% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$929

    5 active prime contractors · 5 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 0.2% from $376K to $377K. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.21% to 0.23%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 6 actions across 5 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 5 active prime contractors and 6 awards.

  4. Reported funding office

    USDA,OFF OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    #4Down 1 from #3

    Latest 12 months

    $185K

    0.11% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$13K

    10 active prime contractors · 23 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 7.7% from $172K to $185K. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.10% to 0.11%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 26 actions across 23 awards and 3 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 7 active prime contractors and 13 awards.

  5. Reported funding office

    NRCS-WA STATE OFFICE

    #5Down 1 from #4

    Latest 12 months

    $114K

    0.070% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$51K

    1 active prime contractor · 4 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 80.6% from $63K to $114K. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.040% to 0.070%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 6 actions across 4 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 3 awards.

  6. Reported funding office

    NRCS-AK STATE OFFICE

    #6New to the positive-obligation ranking

    Latest 12 months

    $4K

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$54K

    3 active prime contractors · 4 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $50K in net deobligations to $4K in net obligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 0%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 4 actions across 4 awards. The preceding period contained 11 active prime contractors and 19 awards.

  7. Reported funding office

    NRCS-UT STATE OFFICE

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    $0

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$51K

    0 active prime contractors · 0 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 100.0% from $51K to $0. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.030% to 0%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 0 actions across 0 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 2 awards.

Contract types, competition, and procurement methods

From Sep 11, 2025 through Sep 10, 2026, 460 awards had positive obligations totaling $165.1M. Mafo was the leading reported procedure, accounting for 62.0% of positive obligations. Awards with a reported parent IDV accounted for 100.0%. Reported awards used contract vehicles such as HSS MATOC Type 3.

Leading award type
100.0%
Delivery Order
Leading reported procedure
62.0%
Mafo
Reported parent IDV
100.0%
of positive obligations had a reported parent IDV
Median reported offers
1
416 of 460 awards reported offers

Observed contract vehicles

Only exact reported parent-PIID matches are shown; missing parent IDs are not inferred.

Buying method changes

Compared with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025. Based on 460 current awards and 476 preceding awards with positive net obligations.

Leading reported procedure
Mafo
Previously Subject to Multiple Award Fair Opportunity · 84.5% preceding vs 62.0% current
How to read these changes

Directional color and the Up or Down labels show historical movement only. Green does not mean favorable and red does not mean unfavorable; neither predicts a future procurement method.

Same-NAICS comparison

Compared with the NAICS 481211 peer median, parent-IDV obligation share is 17.3 percentage points higher, reported full-and-open obligation share is 7.4 percentage points lower, delivery-order obligation share is 17.6 percentage points higher, and median positive award obligations are 9.6% lower.

MeasureThis marketPeer medianDifference
Parent-IDV obligation share100.0%82.8%+17.3 pts
Reported full-and-open obligation share10.1%17.4%-7.4 pts
Delivery-order obligation share100.0%82.4%+17.6 pts
Median positive award obligations$126K$139K-9.6%
Peer cohort and comparison limits

The peer median gives each of the 4 eligible agency markets equal weight. The included agency markets are:

Agency mission, scale, and acquisition context can differ. Peer position does not establish market attractiveness or predict a future procurement method.

View buying-method details and data coverage

Award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Delivery Order(C)460$165.1M100.0%

Reported parent-award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
IDC(B)455$165.1M100.0%
BOA(D)5$14K0.010%

Single- or multiple-award parent structure

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Multiple Award(M)416$137.4M83.2%
Single Award(S)44$27.7M16.8%

Solicitation procedures

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Mafo(SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY)140$102.3M62.0%
Subject to Multiple Award Fair Opportunity(MAFO)271$35.0M21.2%
Np(NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE)25$23.7M14.4%
Negotiated Proposal/Quote(NP)24$4.0M2.4%

Extent competed

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
D(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES)93$80.0M48.5%
A(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION)72$46.1M27.9%
Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources(D)172$22.4M13.6%
Full and Open Competition(A)123$16.6M10.1%

Fair-opportunity and limited-source reporting

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Fair Opportunity Given(FAIR)411$137.4M83.2%
Not reported49$27.7M16.8%

Other-than-full-and-open reasons

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Not reported460$165.1M100.0%

Contract pricing types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
J(FIRM FIXED PRICE)104$104.2M63.1%
Firm Fixed Price(J)155$22.1M13.4%
K(FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT)61$21.9M13.3%
Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment(K)140$16.9M10.2%

Product or Service Codes

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Natural Resources/Conservation- Forest-Range Fire Suppression/Presuppression(F003)438$158.9M96.2%
Maintenance of Office Buildings(Z1AA)1$5.0M3.0%
Transportation/Travel/Relocation- Travel/Lodging/Recruitment: Passenger Air Charter(V221)20$869K0.53%
Natural Resources/Conservation- Other Forest/Range Improvements (Non-Construction)(F018)1$355K0.22%

Awarding subagencies

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Forest Service(12C2)439$159.2M96.4%
Agricultural Research Service(12H2)1$5.0M3.0%
Departmental Offices(1406)20$869K0.53%

Awarding offices

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Incident Procurement Aviation Branch(1202SA)439$159.2M96.4%
Usda Ars Afm Apd(1232SA)1$5.0M3.0%
Ibc Acq Svcs Directorate (00004)(140D04)20$869K0.53%

Reported parent IDVs

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
1202SA25T9100(12C2)18$16.3M9.8%
1202SA23T9316(12C2)18$14.0M8.5%
1202SA23T9427(12C2)30$13.0M7.9%
1202SA23T9403(12C2)30$12.8M7.8%
1202SA23T9405(12C2)8$10.3M6.3%
1202SA23T9424(12C2)19$5.4M3.3%
47QRCA24DH017(4732)1$5.0M3.0%
1202SA23T9312(12C2)9$4.3M2.6%
Other reported values327$83.9M50.8%

Exact vehicle-match evidence

Reported award data linked 190 awards to a specific catalog vehicle.

Offers, award size, and timing

Median reported offers
1 median
416 reported · 44 not reported
Positive award obligations
$126K median
$60K–$357K middle 50%
Reported performance period
318 days (~10 months) median
460 reported · 0 not reported

Calculations group latest-period actions by award, retain awards with positive net obligations for share denominators, and use each award's latest reported USAspending procurement fields as of Sep 10, 2026. Blank competition, pricing, PSC, or parent-IDV values remain not reported; they are not inferred. Offer counts must be positive and below the FPDS 999 placeholder. Awarding organizations can differ from the funding agency that defines this page.

Top federal contractors

Latest 12-month market share, concentration, and complete prime contractor rankings across the period shown.

Prime contractor concentration
24 of 68prime contractors account for at least 80% of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Largest prime contractor
9.9%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading four prime contractors
34.2%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading eight prime contractors
51.6%of positive obligations in the last 12 months

Based on $164.2M in positive obligations during the 12 months ending Sep 10, 2026. Individual shares and movement appear in the searchable rankings below. Movement compares with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025.

Last 12mo obligation volume: Highest positive obligations first; net deobligations follow by magnitude; contractors with no activity in the last 12 months follow by all-period obligations. Ranks use the complete contractor list and remain fixed when search narrows the results.

15 leading contractors
  1. #1

    Last 12mo obligations

    $16.3M

    9.9%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.4M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    18 awards

    74 actions

    Historical and award details for BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $14.8M → $16.3M
    +9.5%
    Share: prior → latest
    8.2% → 9.9%
    +1.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $51.0M
    8.5% of all-period positive obligations · 119 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Apr 14, 2022
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported1822
    Reported small business1822
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  2. #2

    Last 12mo obligations

    $14.0M

    8.6%

    Dollar movement

    −$4.9M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    19 awards

    184 actions

    Historical and award details for HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $19.0M → $14.0M
    −26.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    10.4% → 8.6%
    −1.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $51.5M
    8.6% of all-period positive obligations · 76 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jun 15, 2023
    through Sep 9, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported1933
    Reported small business1933
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  3. #3

    Last 12mo obligations

    $13.0M

    7.9%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.2M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    30 awards

    155 actions

    Historical and award details for SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $11.8M → $13.0M
    +10.2%
    Share: prior → latest
    6.5% → 7.9%
    +1.4 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $34.3M
    5.7% of all-period positive obligations · 45 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 22, 2022
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported3020
    Reported small business3020
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  4. #4

    Last 12mo obligations

    $12.8M

    7.8%

    Dollar movement

    +$5.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    30 awards

    61 actions

    Historical and award details for BODE AVIATION, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $7.0M → $12.8M
    +83.9%
    Share: prior → latest
    3.8% → 7.8%
    +4.0 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $24.3M
    4.1% of all-period positive obligations · 47 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Mar 3, 2024
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported3015
    Reported small business3015
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  5. #5

    Last 12mo obligations

    $10.3M

    6.3%

    Dollar movement

    −$3.2M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    8 awards

    58 actions

    Historical and award details for C.C. CALZONE, LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $13.5M → $10.3M
    −23.5%
    Share: prior → latest
    7.4% → 6.3%
    −1.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $29.6M
    4.9% of all-period positive obligations · 20 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Apr 8, 2024
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported814
    Reported small business814
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  6. #6

    Last 12mo obligations

    $8.9M

    5.4%

    Dollar movement

    −$495K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    24 awards

    163 actions

    Historical and award details for PONDEROSA AVIATION INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $9.4M → $8.9M
    −5.3%
    Share: prior → latest
    5.1% → 5.4%
    +0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $37.7M
    6.3% of all-period positive obligations · 35 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Apr 12, 2022
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported2412
    Reported small business2412
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  7. #7

    Last 12mo obligations

    $5.0M

    3.0%

    Dollar movement

    +$5.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    1 action

    Historical and award details for INNOVATIVE CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $5.0M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 3.0%
    +3.0 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $5.0M
    0.83% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Sep 8, 2026
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported10
    Reported small business10
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  8. #8

    Last 12mo obligations

    $4.4M

    2.7%

    Dollar movement

    −$2.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    3 awards

    29 actions

    Historical and award details for GOLD AERO INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $7.2M → $4.4M
    −39.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    4.0% → 2.7%
    −1.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $20.2M
    3.4% of all-period positive obligations · 30 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Apr 12, 2022
    through Sep 3, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported322
    Reported small business322
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  9. #9

    Last 12mo obligations

    $4.3M

    2.6%

    Dollar movement

    +$165K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    9 awards

    85 actions

    Historical and award details for BRAINERD HELICOPTERS, INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $4.2M → $4.3M
    +4.0%
    Share: prior → latest
    2.3% → 2.6%
    +0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $14.3M
    2.4% of all-period positive obligations · 17 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Mar 1, 2022
    through Sep 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported98
    Reported small business98
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  10. #10

    Last 12mo obligations

    $4.1M

    2.5%

    Dollar movement

    −$2.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    11 awards

    11 actions

    Historical and award details for COURTNEY AVIATION INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $6.2M → $4.1M
    −34.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    3.4% → 2.5%
    −0.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $12.7M
    2.1% of all-period positive obligations · 44 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jul 3, 2024
    through Aug 16, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported1127
    Reported small business1127
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  11. #11

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.8M

    2.3%

    Dollar movement

    +$144K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    11 awards

    59 actions

    Historical and award details for FLYING A FLIGHT SERVICE INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $3.6M → $3.8M
    +4.0%
    Share: prior → latest
    2.0% → 2.3%
    +0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $12.5M
    2.1% of all-period positive obligations · 13 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Apr 27, 2022
    through Sep 3, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported115
    Reported small business115
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  12. #12

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.7M

    2.2%

    Dollar movement

    −$4.6M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    5 awards

    29 actions

    Historical and award details for CAPITOL HELICOPTERS, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $8.2M → $3.7M
    −55.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    4.5% → 2.2%
    −2.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $11.9M
    2.0% of all-period positive obligations · 12 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jan 8, 2024
    through Jul 21, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported510
    Reported small business510
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  13. #13

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.5M

    2.1%

    Dollar movement

    +$637K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    15 awards

    57 actions

    Historical and award details for HILLCREST AIRCRAFT COMPANY
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.8M → $3.5M
    +22.6%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.6% → 2.1%
    +0.6 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $9.3M
    1.6% of all-period positive obligations · 29 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jan 12, 2022
    through Sep 9, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported156
    Reported small business156
    All-period set-aside types
    • 3 · Total small business
  14. #14

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.2M

    2.0%

    Dollar movement

    −$2.6M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    12 awards

    12 actions

    Historical and award details for MINDWINDER INCORPORATED
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $5.8M → $3.2M
    −44.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    3.2% → 2.0%
    −1.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $13.0M
    2.2% of all-period positive obligations · 60 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jun 8, 2024
    through Aug 16, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported1227
    Reported small business1227
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  15. #15

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.2M

    2.0%

    Dollar movement

    −$472K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    29 awards

    29 actions

    Historical and award details for KENTUCKY AIRMOTIVE, INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $3.7M → $3.2M
    −12.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    2.0% → 2.0%
    −0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $8.0M
    1.3% of all-period positive obligations · 78 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Feb 26, 2024
    through Aug 19, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported2936
    Reported small business2936
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

Recent federal contract award activity

Recent contract actions with unusually large obligation changes or meaningful shifts in contractor and funding-office activity.

Base award

This action

+$5.0M

INNOVATIVE CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC

USDA ARS AFM APD

CONTRACT LABOR TO SUPPORT BARC FACILITIES STAFF

Why it stands out

No activity for this contractor was reported in this market during the preceding 12 months.

The base action placed the contractor #7 in this market by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$5.0M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
3.0%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#7 · 3.0% share
Newly active in this market; no actions were reported in the preceding 12 months
Funding office
#2 · 3.1% attributed share
+3.1 percentage points · $5.0M net increase; action accounted for 100.0%
PIID 1232SA26F0572
Modification

This action

+$2.9M

BODE AVIATION, INC.

USDA FOREST SERVICE

NATIONAL LIGHT FIXED WING SERVICES - MULTIPLE AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT (IDIQ)

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $2.9M while office-attributed obligations fell $22.5M overall.

Award net obligations
$11.4M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
1.8%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#4 · 7.8% share
up 4 ranks · +4.0 percentage points · $5.8M net increase; action accounted for 49.0%
Funding office
#1 · 96.5% attributed share
$22.5M net decline despite this positive action
Related:Largest share gain
PIID 1202SA24K9412 · Mod P00029
Deobligation

This action

−$1.8M

HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC

USDA FOREST SERVICE

HSS MATOC TYPE 3 OCALA FL N52HX

Why it stands out

This award recorded a material contraction.

The action removed $1.8M. A deobligation does not by itself show lower requirement demand.

Award net obligations
$10.7M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
1.1%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#2 · 8.6% share
down 1 rank · −1.9 percentage points · $4.9M net decline; action accounted for 37.3%
Funding office
#1 · 96.5% attributed share
−3.1 percentage points · $22.5M net decline; action accounted for 8.2%
Related:Funding office declineLargest contractor decline
PIID 1202SA24K9305 · Mod P00052
Modification

This action

+$3.8M

C.C. CALZONE, LLC

USDA FOREST SERVICE

PROVIDE AIRCRAFT AND PILOT SERVICES FOR ATGS MISSION, FIRE

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $3.8M while office-attributed obligations fell $22.5M overall.

Award net obligations
$13.0M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
2.3%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#5 · 6.3% share
$3.2M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#1 · 96.5% attributed share
$22.5M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 1202SA24K9404 · Mod P00039
Deobligation

This action

−$1.4M

CAPITOL HELICOPTERS, INC.

USDA FOREST SERVICE

HSS MATOC TYPE 3 CORNELIA N493NC

Why it stands out

This award recorded a material contraction.

The action removed $1.4M. A deobligation does not by itself show lower requirement demand.

Award net obligations
$4.1M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
0.87%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#12 · 2.2% share
down 6 ranks · −2.3 percentage points · $4.6M net decline; action accounted for 31.3%
Related:Largest share loss
PIID 1202SA24K9324 · Mod P00016
Modification

This action

+$1.6M

SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC

USDA FOREST SERVICE

IAA-BOISE-SPUR

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $1.6M while office-attributed obligations fell $22.5M overall.

Award net obligations
$10.9M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
0.95%
Supporting data
Funding office
#1 · 96.5% attributed share
$22.5M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 1202SA24K9419 · Mod P00029
View recent award activity by date (10)
  1. INNOVATIVE CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLCBase award · PIID 1232SA26F0572
    Action+$5.0M
    Award net obligations$5.0M
  2. HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLCModification · PIID 1202SA25K9308
    Action+$386K
    Award net obligations$4.6M
  3. HILLSBORO AVIATION, INC.Modification · PIID 1202SA24K9330
    Action+$169K
    Award net obligations$4.1M
  4. REDDING AIR SERVICE, INC.Modification · PIID 1202SA25K9315
    Action+$132K
    Award net obligations$1.7M
  5. C.C. CALZONE, LLCModification · PIID 1202SA24K9404
    Action+$388K
    Award net obligations$13.0M
  6. SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LCModification · PIID 1202SA24K9419
    Action+$1.6M
    Award net obligations$10.9M
  7. OWYHEE AIR RESEARCH LLCModification · PIID 1202SA24K9425
    Action+$860K
    Award net obligations$7.6M
  8. BODE AVIATION, INC.Modification · PIID 1202SA24K9412
    Action+$700K
    Award net obligations$11.4M
  9. MINUTEMAN AVIATION INCModification · PIID 1202SA24K9313
    Action+$100K
    Award net obligations$2.5M
  10. PONDEROSA AVIATION INCModification · PIID 1202SA24K9402
    Action+$200K
    Award net obligations$3.6M

USDA nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation market FAQs

Answers based on reported federal contract data.

Who are the top USDA nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation contractors?

In the 12 months through September 10, 2026, BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC, HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC, and SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC were the leading USDA nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation prime contractors by positive obligations.

  1. #1

    BIGHORN AIRWAYS INC

    $16,254,920 in positive obligations

  2. #2

    HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC

    $14,044,176 in positive obligations

  3. #3

    SPUR AVIATION SERVICES, LC

    $13,029,420 in positive obligations

Rankings use reported USAspending award data.

Did USDA contract obligations decrease in the nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation market?

Yes. Measured by net prime contract obligations, reported USDA activity in the nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation market decreased 9.6% from $180,341,592 in the preceding 12 months to $162,955,824 in the 12 months through September 10, 2026.

Latest 12 months
$162,955,824
Net prime contract obligations
Preceding 12 months
$180,341,592
Net prime contract obligations
Change
−9.6%
Between matched 12-month periods

Reported contract actions, not outlays or a forecast.

What recent USDA contract award activity was reported in the nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation market?

Recent USDA contract award activity reported in the nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation market included actions for INNOVATIVE CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC, BODE AVIATION, INC., and HELICOPTER EXPRESS LLC during the 12 months through September 10, 2026.

Action obligations are transaction-level amounts, not current award-level obligations.

Which procurement methods were reported for USDA contracts under NAICS 481211?

From September 11, 2025 through September 10, 2026, USDA reported 460 positive-obligation awards for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation under NAICS 481211. The leading award type was delivery order. The leading reported procedure was mafo.

Positive-obligation awards
460
Leading reported procedure
Mafo
62% of positive obligations
Leading award type
Delivery Order
100% of positive obligations
Full and open
10.1%
of positive obligations
Reported parent IDV
100%
of positive obligations
Observed vehicles
HSS MATOC Type 3
Exact matches from reported parent PIIDs

Percentages use positive obligations as the denominator.

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Related market research

Complete market indexes:

Same NAICS at other agencies:

Nearby NAICS at this agency:

Markets sharing leading prime records:

Leading-prime vehicle memberships:

Company memberships do not establish award-channel use.

Reported obligations include contract actions from October 1, 2021 through September 10, 2026. Set-aside and business-size fields reflect award records, not a contractor's current eligibility.

Review data methodology