Export-Import Bank awards $1.5M for EEO support services to S.J. Bashen, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $149,982 ($150.0K)

Contractor: S.J. Bashen, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Export-Import Bank of the United States

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $412/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EEO SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20571

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Export-Import Bank of the United States obligated $149,982 to S.J. BASHEN, INC. for work described as: EEO SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a moderate investment for specialized EEO support. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Performance risk appears low given the nature of the services. 4. The contract duration aligns with typical service agreements. 5. This contract falls within the professional services sector. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.5 million for EEO support services is within a reasonable range for a one-year duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for investigation and background check services indicates that the pricing is likely competitive, especially given the full and open competition. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value for money by shifting risk to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with four bidders participating. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from a wide range of qualified vendors. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that the market for these services is active and accessible.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The Export-Import Bank of the United States benefits from enhanced Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance and support. Services include investigation and personal background checks, crucial for maintaining a fair and compliant workplace. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia, where the agency is located. The contract supports specialized roles within the EEO and human resources fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues impacting EEO investigations.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical EEO functions.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract structure aligns incentives and limits cost overruns.
Contractor has experience in investigation and background check services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to administrative and support services. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561611 for Investigation and Personal Background Check Services indicates a specialized niche. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory compliance needs and the importance of thorough vetting processes across federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to S.J. Bashen, Inc., a company that may or may not be a small business, means that opportunities for small business participation were not explicitly prioritized in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States contracting officer and program managers. Transparency is facilitated through the contract award notice. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms and the potential for performance reviews.

Related Government Programs

Federal EEO Compliance Services
Background Investigation Services
Professional and Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting critical EEO functions.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Export-Import Bank of the United States awarded $149,982 to S.J. BASHEN, INC.. EEO SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is S.J. BASHEN, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Export-Import Bank of the United States (Export-Import Bank of the United States).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $149,982.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of S.J. Bashen, Inc. with federal contracts?

Information regarding S.J. Bashen, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, including past performance on similar EEO support or investigation services, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS to analyze past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Understanding their history with agencies like the Export-Import Bank or other government entities would provide crucial context for assessing their reliability and capability in fulfilling this current contract.

How does the $1.5 million contract value compare to similar EEO support services procured by federal agencies?

The $1.5 million contract value for one year of EEO support services, including investigation and background checks, appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized federal contracting. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity, as well as considering the specific agency's needs and geographic location. Factors such as the number of employees supported, the volume of investigations, and the level of reporting required can significantly influence costs. Without access to detailed comparative data on similar procurements, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but the full and open competition suggests a competitive market price.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Export-Import Bank?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies by S.J. Bashen, Inc., which could lead to delays or inaccuracies in EEO investigations and background checks, potentially impacting the agency's compliance and operational efficiency. There's also a risk related to the contractor's personnel turnover, which could affect service continuity. Furthermore, while competition was robust, there's always a residual risk that the chosen contractor may not fully meet the agency's evolving needs over the contract period. The firm fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost control, could also incentivize the contractor to cut corners if not adequately monitored.

How effective are EEO support services in ensuring federal agency compliance?

Effective EEO support services are critical for federal agencies to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws and regulations, foster a diverse and inclusive workforce, and maintain a fair and equitable work environment. These services, which often include training, policy development, complaint investigation, and mediation, help agencies proactively address potential issues and respond appropriately to allegations of discrimination or harassment. When procured effectively and performed diligently, they contribute significantly to mitigating legal risks, improving employee morale, and enhancing the agency's reputation. The Export-Import Bank's investment in these services underscores their importance in maintaining operational integrity and employee relations.

What is the historical spending trend for EEO support services at the Export-Import Bank?

Historical spending data for EEO support services specifically at the Export-Import Bank of the United States is not provided in the current data set. To analyze historical trends, one would need to examine past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This would involve looking at the total amount spent, the number of contracts awarded, the types of services procured, and the contractors utilized. Understanding these patterns would help determine if the current $1.5 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in EEO support compared to previous periods.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Investigation and Personal Background Check Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 83310125Q0030

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 622 VOSS RD, HOUSTON, TX, 77024

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,157,582

Exercised Options: $149,982

Current Obligation: $149,982

Actual Outlays: $30,240

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QREA23D001A

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline