Department of Commerce Awarded a Contract to PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATES, INC. for $72,549.48

Summary of Award

The referenced JSON object from usaspending.gov details a federal contract awarded to Professional and Scientific Associates, Inc. by the Department of Commerce, specifically under the Office of the Secretary. This contract, identified by the award ID "1331L525F13OS0060," is categorized as a "BPA CALL," indicating it is an order placed against a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).

### Award Overview

The total financial obligation under this contract is $72,549.48, as mentioned in the "total_obligation" field. This amount reflects both the "base exercised options" and "base and all options," emphasizing the fixed nature of the contract without unspecified contingencies or extensions. Notably, the total account obligation matches the contract's financial cap, confirming that all funds allocated are intended for immediate use under this agreement, with no subaward amounts or account outlays. The contract, signed on November 22, 2024, is effective until April 1, 2025. Its main aim rings clear in the description—"PSA CALL 0931 - PARIS FRANCHISE EXPO MAR25"—suggesting logistical support for an event or series of events, possibly involving travel or participation in a franchise expo in Paris. ### Awarding and Funding Agency Both the awarding and funding agency for this contract is the Department of Commerce, under the code "013," with operations specifically through the "Office of the Secretary" (sub-agency code "1301"). This alignment of agencies streamlining the awarding and funding processes underscores the intended cohesive execution of government operations in support of trade and collaboration activities internationally. ### Contract Details The legal framework of the contract, described as "FIRM FIXED PRICE," ensures a clear budget and scope of work, indicative of the simplicity and straightforwardness of services procured—logistics support under the PSC (Product Service Code) R706. This support ties into the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code 561920, targeted at "Convention and Trade Show Organizers." Within the procurement framework, it states "FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION" as the extent competed, meaning that the contract was open for competitive bidding to ensure fairness and transparency in selection. The accompanying "commercial products/services" note reinforces the standardization of the services procured, aligning with market availability and cost structures. ### Recipient Details Professional and Scientific Associates, Inc., based in Arlington, Virginia, is noted as a "U.S.-Owned Business" that falls under multiple business categories. It is a "Hispanic American Owned Business" and a "Woman Owned Small Business," among other designations which might provide the entity with a more favorable standing under certain government contracting programs. This company appears to operate as a Subchapter S Corporation, which could offer taxation benefits that might reflect on pricing or financial offerings leveraged in federal contracts. ### Executive and Performance Location Details Key executive officers are disclosed, with substantial compensations, indicating the company's established operations and a potentially broad management structure. The place of performance for this contract is outlined in Washington, D.C., suggesting that while the activities might relate to international trade involvement such as the Paris Expo, the coordination or preparatory activities are based domestically. ### Transactions Overview Two transactions are critical in the contract timeline: 1. **Transaction on November 22, 2024**: This initial transaction aligns with the contract signing date. It records the starting transaction amount of $72,549.48, corresponding to the full amount obligated under the contract. This suggests upfront allocation for planned services or comprehensive initial expenditures related to the project’s scope. 2. **Transaction on April 10, 2025**: A second transaction appears as a negative entry or de-obligation of funds amounting to $-58,251.94. This could reflect several scenarios such as cost savings achieved, adjustments based on early project completion, or reconciled expenses coming in under the projected budget. This financial adjustment is significant, highlighting fiscal management aspects in real-time application of contract funds. ### Conclusion This award represents a strategic allocation by the Department of Commerce aimed at facilitating logistical support through a clearly defined BPA Call structure. The contract’s administration through Professional and Scientific Associates, Inc. places emphasis on controlled, fixed-price engagement paradigms conducive to predictable budgeting and accounting. With transactions denoting effective fund management, this award provides a case study in government procurement processes targeting efficiency and support enhancement on international economic platforms. Through clear agency oversight and adherence to competition principles, the award underlines the balanced approach in government spending towards economic engagement activities.