Leveraging No-Cost Contracts for Government Event Planning

A Strategic Guide Executive Summary

By Sharla Warren

No-cost contracts are legal, binding procurement vehicles that allow federal agencies to acquire professional conference, meeting, and trade show planning services at zero net cost to the government. By permitting contractors to generate revenue through non-federal sources—such as exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees—agencies can execute mission-critical training without obligating appropriated funds.

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The Legal Framework

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has ruled in landmark decisions, such as GAO B-308968, that properly structured no-cost contracts do not violate the Antideficiency Act's prohibition on accepting voluntary services. These contracts provide a "safe harbor" for agencies because they explicitly state the government has no financial liability and the contractor has no expectation of payment from the agency.

When utilized correctly, no-cost contracts offer significant benefits to the hosting agency.


Direct Marketing Productions 
(DBA: eventPower)

About Us

Established in 1996, eventPower, a small business set-aside, has been involved in over 2,500 conferences and events of various sizes and scopes. These programs have been as large as 30,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors and 6,000 presenters speaking throughout 42 simultaneous breakout sessions. eventPower pioneered the no-cost government contract for conferences and expositions.

Corporate Data

Tax ID: 54-1813925
DUNS: 020630617
NAICS: 561920 - Conference and Trade Show Organizers
Cage Code: 3P8A5
SAM.gov Unique Entity ID: CZNFR4BA4JM3
GSA Schedule Number: 47QRAA21D009G