USDA awards $381,818 contract for trade mission support to IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $381,819 ($381.8K)

Contractor: Imex Management, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-04-15

End Date: 2025-12-14

Contract Duration: 243 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), FOREIGN AGRICULTURE SERVICE (FAS), GLOBAL PROGRAMS (GP), TRADE MISSIONS AND SHOWS (TMS) DIVISION COORDINATES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USDA TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAMS DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. EACH YEAR F

Place of Performance

Location: MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33101

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $381,818.6 to IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC. for work described as: THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), FOREIGN AGRICULTURE SERVICE (FAS), GLOBAL PROGRAMS (GP), TRADE MISSIONS AND SHOWS (TMS) DIVISION COORDINATES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USDA TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAMS DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. EACH YEAR F Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of convention and trade show organization services. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process, though details are limited. 3. Performance risk appears moderate given the fixed-price contract type and defined duration. 4. This contract supports USDA's mission to promote agricultural exports and expand market access. 5. The services provided are crucial for facilitating international trade opportunities for U.S. producers.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $381,818 for approximately 8 months of service appears to be within a reasonable range for organizing trade missions and shows. Benchmarking against similar contracts for convention and trade show organizers would provide a more precise assessment, but the amount does not immediately suggest overpricing for the described services. The firm fixed-price structure incentivizes cost control by the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically indicates a less extensive competition than full and open competition. While the number of bidders is not specified, SAP procedures are designed for smaller value procurements and may involve fewer than three bidders. The level of competition under SAP can vary, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing compared to larger, more widely competed contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices than if the contract were broadly advertised, but it also allows for faster procurement of necessary services.

Public Impact

U.S. agricultural producers and exporters benefit from expanded international market access and trade opportunities. The contract facilitates the organization of trade missions and shows, crucial for promoting U.S. agricultural products abroad. Geographic impact is international, focusing on regions where trade missions and shows are conducted. Workforce implications include support for event planning, logistics, and international trade expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited transparency on the specific number of bidders under SAP.
Potential for less aggressive pricing due to simplified acquisition procedures.
Scope definition for 'Convention and Trade Show Organizers' could be broad, requiring clear deliverables.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Defined contract period (approx. 8 months) allows for focused execution.
Contract supports a core USDA mission of trade promotion.

Sector Analysis

The market for convention and trade show organizers is diverse, encompassing firms that specialize in event planning, logistics, marketing, and international outreach. This contract falls within the professional services sector supporting government trade promotion activities. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the scale and complexity of the specific trade missions and shows organized, but government spending on such services is common to facilitate international business development.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not provided in the data. As the contract was competed under SAP, it is possible that small businesses were encouraged to bid, but without specific details, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were mandated or encouraged.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and its Global Programs (GP) division. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is moderate, as details of the bidding process under SAP are not fully public. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USDA Trade Missions
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Programs
Global Agricultural Trade Support
Export Promotion Programs

Risk Flags

Competition level under SAP may limit price discovery.
Contractor's past performance details are not readily available.
Scope clarity for 'Convention and Trade Show Organizers' is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $381,818.6 to IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC.. THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), FOREIGN AGRICULTURE SERVICE (FAS), GLOBAL PROGRAMS (GP), TRADE MISSIONS AND SHOWS (TMS) DIVISION COORDINATES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USDA TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAMS DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. EACH YEAR F

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Office of the Chief Financial Officer).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $381,818.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-15. End: 2025-12-14.

What is the track record of IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC. with federal contracts, particularly with the USDA?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC. has received multiple federal contracts. While specific details on their track record with the USDA or the success of past contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their award suggests they meet the basic qualifications for this type of service. Further investigation into their past performance ratings, contract completion history, and any past issues or commendations would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their reliability and capability in delivering services for trade missions and shows.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar trade mission and convention organizing contracts?

The awarded amount of $381,818 for approximately eight months of service for convention and trade show organization is difficult to benchmark precisely without more granular data on the scope and scale of the specific events. However, for government-facilitated trade missions and international shows, this figure appears to be within a reasonable range. Contracts for similar services can vary significantly based on the number of events, geographic locations, duration, and specific logistical requirements. A detailed comparison would require analyzing contracts with similar objectives, durations, and service complexities awarded by agencies like the Department of Commerce or other USDA divisions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues (e.g., logistical failures, poor event execution), cost overruns if the fixed-price structure is not managed effectively by the contractor, and reputational risk for the USDA if events are unsuccessful. Mitigation strategies are primarily embedded in the contract type: the firm fixed-price nature incentivizes IMEX MANAGEMENT, INC. to manage costs efficiently. The defined contract period and scope of work provide clear expectations. The USDA's oversight and potential for contract termination for non-performance also serve as risk mitigators. However, the limited information on the contractor's past performance introduces some uncertainty.

How effective are USDA trade missions and shows in achieving their stated goals of expanding market access?

USDA trade missions and shows are a key component of the department's strategy to promote U.S. agricultural exports and expand market access for American producers. Their effectiveness is generally considered high, as they provide direct engagement opportunities with foreign buyers, distributors, and government officials. These events facilitate relationship building, product showcasing, and market intelligence gathering. Success is often measured by the reported value of deals initiated or closed, increased export sales to targeted markets, and the number of U.S. companies participating. While direct attribution can be complex, these programs are a vital tool for supporting the competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural sector globally.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar convention and trade show organizing services by the USDA?

Analyzing historical spending trends for convention and trade show organizing services by the USDA would require a comprehensive review of past contract awards within the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and other relevant divisions. Without access to that specific historical data, it's challenging to provide a precise trend. However, government agencies, including the USDA, consistently utilize such services to promote trade and economic development. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on budget allocations, strategic priorities, and the number of international trade initiatives undertaken in a given fiscal year. It is reasonable to assume that spending on these services is a recurring necessity for the FAS.

What is the significance of the contract being competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Competing this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) signifies that its estimated value falls below the threshold for full and open competition (typically $250,000, though this can be adjusted). SAP is designed to streamline the procurement process for smaller purchases, making it faster and less administratively burdensome. This often means fewer formal requirements for proposals and potentially a smaller pool of bidders compared to larger contracts. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may offer less opportunity for broad market participation and potentially less aggressive price competition than larger, more widely advertised procurements. The choice of SAP suggests the USDA assessed this requirement as suitable for a streamlined approach.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Other Support Services › Convention and Trade Show Organizers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12314425Q0051

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1041 ALF HOOVER RD, VALE, NC, 28168

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $381,819

Exercised Options: $381,819

Current Obligation: $381,819

Actual Outlays: $381,819

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline