State Dept. Awards $30.4M Conference Support Contract to Freeman Decorating Co
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,390,854 ($30.4M)
Contractor: Freeman Decorating CO.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2024-02-21
End Date: 2025-02-20
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $83.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CONFERENCE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20004
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $30.4 million to FREEMAN DECORATING CO. for work described as: CONFERENCE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $30.4 million for conference support services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risk associated with reliance on a single vendor for a large event. 4. Services fall under the 'Convention and Trade Show Organizers' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $30.4 million for one year of conference support appears high. Benchmarking against similar large-scale event support contracts would be necessary to determine if this pricing is competitive.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are likely benefiting from competitive pricing due to the open competition, though the overall value of the contract warrants scrutiny.
Public Impact
Ensures smooth execution of government conferences and events. Supports the Department of State's mission by facilitating important gatherings. Potential for job creation within the event services industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High contract value for a single year.
- Potential vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract duration and defined services.
Sector Analysis
Conference support services are crucial for government agencies to host events, training, and public forums. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on agency priorities and event schedules. Benchmarks for similar large-scale event contracts are not readily available but typically involve significant logistical and vendor management costs.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of State. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against contract requirements and ensuring adherence to terms and conditions.
Related Government Programs
- Convention and Trade Show Organizers
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- High contract value.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Lack of detail on specific services provided.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
convention-and-trade-show-organizers, department-of-state, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $30.4 million to FREEMAN DECORATING CO.. CONFERENCE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FREEMAN DECORATING CO..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-02-21. End: 2025-02-20.
What specific services are included under 'Conference Support' to justify the $30.4 million cost?
The specific services would typically encompass venue management, exhibit design and setup, audiovisual equipment, registration services, staffing, catering coordination, and potentially marketing and communication support for the conferences. A detailed breakdown of these components is essential to validate the substantial cost and ensure it aligns with the scope and scale of the events supported.
What is the risk of vendor dependency for such a critical support function?
The primary risk of vendor dependency is the potential for service disruption if the vendor fails to perform or faces financial instability. It can also lead to reduced negotiating leverage for future contracts. Mitigating this involves robust performance monitoring, clear contract terms, and contingency planning for service continuity.
How effectively does this contract support the Department of State's overall mission objectives?
This contract effectively supports the Department of State's mission by enabling the successful execution of diplomatic events, international forums, and internal meetings. These gatherings are vital for diplomacy, policy dissemination, and stakeholder engagement. The quality of conference support directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of these crucial interactions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Other Support Services › Convention and Trade Show Organizers
Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14221 N DALLAS PARKWAY STE 200, DALLAS, TX, 75235
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,390,854
Exercised Options: $30,390,854
Current Obligation: $30,390,854
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-02-21
Current End Date: 2025-02-20
Potential End Date: 2025-02-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-02-26
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