SEC awards $2.27M for communications support to BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,273,957 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Bixal Solutions Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Securities and Exchange Commission

Start Date: 2024-12-18

End Date: 2026-06-17

Contract Duration: 546 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MEDIA, GRAPHIC, EDITORIAL, DIGITAL AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Securities and Exchange Commission obligated $2.3 million to BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED for work described as: MEDIA, GRAPHIC, EDITORIAL, DIGITAL AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for marketing consulting services, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 3. The duration of the contract is 546 days, providing a medium-term engagement. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The award is a BPA Call, a type of task order under an existing agreement. 6. The contractor, BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED, has secured this award from the SEC. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541613, for Marketing Consulting Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.27 million for a period of 546 days appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized communications support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for marketing and digital support services awarded by federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific deliverables and performance metrics, a definitive assessment of cost-effectiveness is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offering. The open nature of the competition suggests that the SEC sought a broad range of potential contractors, likely leading to a more competitive pricing environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential communications support services, preventing potential overpayment that could occur with less competitive award methods.

Public Impact

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will benefit from enhanced media, graphic, editorial, and digital communications support. This contract aims to improve the SEC's ability to communicate its mission and regulatory information to the public. The services delivered will likely support public outreach, investor education, and the dissemination of official SEC materials. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting the SEC's federal mandate, with potential for localized outreach efforts. Workforce implications may include the utilization of specialized communication professionals by the contractor, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in the communications and marketing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the services.
The 'BPA Call' award type suggests this is a task order under a larger agreement, the details of which are not fully visible here.
The specific deliverables and scope of work are not detailed, limiting the ability to fully evaluate the contract's necessity and efficiency.
No information is provided on the contractor's past performance specifically with the SEC or similar agencies for this type of service.
The absence of small business subcontracting goals (sb: false) might indicate limited opportunities for small businesses on this specific award.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust and fair bidding process.
The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The contract duration of 546 days allows for sustained support over a significant period.
The contractor, BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED, is selected to provide specialized marketing consulting services.
The NAICS code 541613 clearly defines the service category, ensuring clarity on the contract's purpose.

Sector Analysis

The federal government frequently procures marketing and communications support services to enhance public outreach, disseminate information, and manage its public image. This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically marketing consulting. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise in digital media, graphic design, public relations, and strategic communications. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on scope, duration, and the specific agency's needs, but multi-million dollar contracts for comprehensive support are common.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false). While the primary awardee is BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED, the extent of small business subcontracting is not detailed. Without explicit subcontracting goals or reporting requirements visible in this data, it is difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award. Agencies often have broader small business utilization goals that may be met through other contracts or prime awards to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a firm fixed-price contract, the focus of oversight would be on ensuring the contractor meets the defined scope of work and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance reports are not always publicly accessible. The SEC may also have an Office of Inspector General (OIG) that could conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or potential fraud arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Communications Services
Marketing and Advertising Services
Public Relations and Media Support
Digital Content Creation
Government Information Dissemination

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Contractor performance risk
Effectiveness of delivered communications
Adequacy of competition details (number of bidders)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Securities and Exchange Commission awarded $2.3 million to BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED. MEDIA, GRAPHIC, EDITORIAL, DIGITAL AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Securities and Exchange Commission (Securities and Exchange Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-18. End: 2026-06-17.

What is the track record of BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED in performing similar communications support services for federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of BIXAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED requires a deeper dive into their contract history, past performance evaluations, and any reported issues or successes on similar federal contracts. While this award indicates they were selected for this specific task, their broader experience with agencies like the SEC, particularly in media, graphic, editorial, and digital communications, is crucial for understanding their capability. Publicly available data, such as contract award databases and potentially past performance questionnaires (if accessible), would provide insights into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets on previous engagements. Without this specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their proven expertise in this domain.

How does the awarded amount of $2.27 million compare to similar federal contracts for communications support services?

The $2.27 million contract value for 546 days of communications support is a significant investment. To benchmark its value, one would compare it to contracts awarded by other federal agencies for similar services, considering factors like the scope of work, duration, and the specific types of media and digital support required. For instance, contracts for comprehensive public affairs campaigns, large-scale digital media production, or extensive editorial services can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. The SEC's specific needs, such as regulatory communication complexity or investor outreach initiatives, will influence the appropriate cost. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing the price per day or per deliverable against a basket of comparable federal awards.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the contractor's ability to deliver high-quality, effective communications that meet the SEC's objectives, especially given the sensitive nature of regulatory information. Performance risk, where the contractor fails to meet deadlines or quality standards, is also present. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract type, which places cost risk on the contractor, and the clear definition of deliverables and performance standards within the contract's statement of work. The SEC's oversight and regular performance reviews are critical for identifying and addressing issues proactively.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified vendors to compete. This competition drives down prices and encourages innovation as contractors vie for the award. For this SEC contract, the open competition suggests that the agency sought the best possible combination of price and technical approach. The effectiveness in practice depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the number and quality of bids received. If multiple strong proposals were submitted, it is highly likely that the SEC secured a competitive price and a capable contractor.

What is the historical spending pattern of the SEC on communications support services, and how does this contract fit within that pattern?

Analyzing the SEC's historical spending on communications support services would reveal trends in their investment in this area. This includes understanding the typical contract values, durations, and the types of services procured over time. This $2.27 million contract, awarded for a period of 546 days, needs to be viewed in the context of past expenditures. If the SEC has consistently awarded similar-sized contracts for comparable services, it suggests this is in line with their established needs and budget. Conversely, if this represents a significant increase or decrease, it might indicate a shift in strategy, an expansion of services, or a change in procurement approach. Understanding this pattern helps assess the contract's proportionality and strategic alignment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Marketing Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3050 CHAIN BRIDGE RD STE 305, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,273,957

Exercised Options: $2,273,957

Current Obligation: $2,273,957

Actual Outlays: $1,758,142

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 50310224A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline