Eventstar Structures Corp Awarded $187M Contract for Convention and Trade Show Organization Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $186,994 ($187.0K)

Contractor: Eventstar Structures Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-02-26

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 216 days

Daily Burn Rate: $866/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TENT

Place of Performance

Location: DORAL, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33178

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $186,993.96 to EVENTSTAR STRUCTURES CORP for work described as: TENT Key points: 1. Contract value appears high for convention and trade show organization, warranting a closer look at scope and deliverables. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a potentially streamlined process but possibly limiting broader market engagement. 3. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty but may reduce flexibility for unforeseen event changes. 4. The relatively short performance period (less than a year) indicates a focus on specific, near-term events. 5. Contractor's primary location in Florida may offer logistical advantages for events in that region. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags requires verification of subcontracting opportunities for smaller firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $187 million for convention and trade show organization is substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale event management contracts is crucial to assess value for money. Without detailed scope of work, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing fairness. However, the fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs, but the overall price point necessitates scrutiny regarding the scale and complexity of the events to be managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a streamlined process for smaller purchases. While this indicates some level of competition, it may not represent the full breadth of market engagement possible under full and open competition. The number of bidders is not specified, but SAP competition can sometimes lead to fewer offers than larger, more publicized solicitations.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP can be efficient but might not always yield the most aggressive pricing compared to broader solicitations, potentially impacting taxpayer savings.

Public Impact

The Department of State benefits from professional organization of its conventions and trade shows, enhancing its outreach and engagement capabilities. Services delivered will likely include event planning, logistics management, vendor coordination, and on-site support for various departmental events. The geographic impact is primarily focused on Florida, where the contractor is located, suggesting potential for events to be held in this state. Workforce implications could include temporary event staff and specialized support roles, potentially benefiting local economies where events are held.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the large contract value and the nature of event planning.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical event organization could pose risks if performance issues arise.
Limited transparency on the specific events and their strategic importance may obscure true value.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Competition under SAP, while potentially limited, still introduces market forces.
Contractor's specialization in convention and trade show organization suggests relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

The convention and trade show industry is a significant service sector, encompassing event planning, logistics, venue management, and marketing. This contract falls within the professional services segment, where government agencies frequently procure support for large-scale events, conferences, and exhibitions. The market is characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller, specialized providers. Benchmarking this contract's value against industry standards for similar event scopes is essential for assessing its financial appropriateness.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was open to all eligible offerors, including large businesses. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities are mandated or encouraged, and what impact this has on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Department of State. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency can be enhanced through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific event details might remain internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Event Planning and Management
Department of Defense (DoD) Conference and Event Support Contracts
Department of Commerce Trade Show and Exhibition Services
National Science Foundation (NSF) Meeting and Event Support

Risk Flags

High contract value for service type requires justification.
Competition under SAP may limit optimal price discovery.
Lack of explicit small business subcontracting details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $186,993.96 to EVENTSTAR STRUCTURES CORP. TENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EVENTSTAR STRUCTURES CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $186,993.96.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-26. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific scope of services expected under this $187 million contract, and how does it justify the high value?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of services. However, a contract of this magnitude for convention and trade show organization typically encompasses comprehensive event management. This could include strategic planning, venue selection and negotiation, logistical coordination (transportation, accommodation, catering), exhibitor and attendee management, marketing and promotion, audiovisual and technical support, on-site staffing, security, and post-event analysis. The high value suggests the contract may cover multiple large-scale, complex events over its duration, potentially involving international participation or requiring significant infrastructure and specialized services. Without a detailed Statement of Work (SOW), a precise justification of the value is challenging, but it implies a substantial and multifaceted event portfolio for the Department of State.

How does the 'Competed Under SAP' designation impact the potential for competitive pricing and value for taxpayers?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) means the contract was likely awarded through a streamlined process, often used for purchases below certain dollar thresholds (currently $250,000, though specific agency rules can vary). While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always attract the same level of broad market participation as full and open competition. This can potentially lead to fewer bids and less aggressive price negotiation compared to larger, more widely advertised solicitations. For taxpayers, this could mean a less optimized price, although the efficiency gains of SAP might offset some costs. The specific number of bidders and the nature of the solicitation under SAP would provide further insight into the competitive dynamics and potential value realized.

What are the primary risks associated with a fixed-price contract of this size for event organization?

A fixed-price contract, while offering cost certainty, carries risks, especially for complex services like event organization. The primary risk is that the contractor may underestimate the true costs or encounter unforeseen challenges (e.g., venue issues, vendor price increases, changes in event scope). If the actual costs exceed the fixed price, the contractor might cut corners on quality or service delivery to maintain profitability, potentially impacting the success of the events. Conversely, if the contractor significantly overestimates costs, taxpayers may end up paying a premium. For event organization, scope creep is a common risk; if the government requests additional services or changes event parameters not covered by the original agreement, managing these changes within a fixed price can lead to disputes or compromised outcomes. Robust change order processes and clear initial scope definition are critical mitigation strategies.

Given the contractor's location in Florida, what are the potential implications for event execution and cost?

The contractor, Eventstar Structures Corp, being based in Florida (st: FL, sn: FLORIDA) could have several implications. If the Department of State plans to hold a significant number of events in Florida, this proximity could lead to logistical efficiencies and potentially lower travel and accommodation costs for the contractor's core team. It may also facilitate easier site visits, vendor management, and on-site supervision. However, if events are planned outside of Florida, the contractor will incur travel and logistical costs, which are factored into the fixed price. The concentration of events in Florida might also suggest a focus on regional outreach or specific departmental functions located within the state. It's important to ensure that the pricing reflects fair market value regardless of the contractor's home base, especially if events are held elsewhere.

What does the absence of small business set-aside information suggest about opportunities for smaller firms in this contract?

The data indicates 'ss: false' and 'sb: false', meaning this contract was not formally set aside for small businesses. This implies that the procurement was open to all eligible offerors, including large businesses. While not a set-aside, large prime contractors are often encouraged or required to subcontract portions of their work to small businesses. However, without specific subcontracting goals or plans detailed in the contract award documentation, it's uncertain how much, if any, of this $187 million will flow down to the small business sector. Further investigation into the contract's subcontracting clauses and the contractor's past performance in utilizing small business partners would be necessary to assess the true impact on small businesses.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8100 NW 90TH ST, MEDLEY, FL, 33166

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $186,994

Exercised Options: $186,994

Current Obligation: $186,994

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline