From the beginning, purpose was the end.

When Contrast & Co. was conceived, we always knew we wanted to work with brands we believed in. We wanted to create experiences for organizations that excited us; brands for the platforms, products, and people that inspired us.  

So far, we’ve been able to do just that. Sometimes, that sense of purpose is abundantly clear. Like when we were able to launch a brand from the other side of the world to help a nonprofit research institution improve the lives of millions in Nepal. That one was pretty clear. 

But often, our work with purpose is quieter. It’s more indirect. Sometimes, purpose looks like a platform designed to keep an organization’s cybersecurity, well, secure. Or, purpose looks like a tool to help patients navigate the countless obstacles and frictions that get in the way of scheduling basic healthcare appointments. These are also about purpose.

Ultimately, when it comes to real impact, it’s hard to beat the Federal space.

As citizens, our daily lives are continually influenced by the underlying actions of Federal agencies. From the oft-ridiculed experiences of the MVA, to the nuances of communicating recycling guidelines, to platforms and services that help feed the hungry, the role of our Federal government is vast—and the opportunity to impact people positively here is absolutely unparalleled. 

We decided we wanted more of this work. 

So we’re thrilled to announce our 8(a) status and listing on the GSA schedule.

This small-business designation helps us make our mark and compete more effectively in the Federal space. And more importantly, it gives us the opportunity to leverage our strikingly different creative solutions to help make the communications and digital experiences of our Federal government partners more efficient, effective, and enjoyable. 

It was a long, arduous road to get here. Three years of back-and-forth emails. Towering mountains of paperwork. Countless forms submitted, then resubmitted, then submitted once again. Finding numbers. Receipts. Interviews. Everything. The 8(a) process wasn’t an easy one, but it was critical for where we are going. 

Armed with our 8(a) status and GSA schedule, we’re looking for two types of key partners:

First, we’re looking to work alongside Federal agencies by providing them with creative, campaign, marketing, and communications support. We’ve seen firsthand the power of what effective communications strategies can do for an organization in the commercial space. Now, we’re bringing it to Federal.

We're looking for Federal agencies that are aiming high and thinking big. We want to align ourselves with programs that speak to the most pressing issues of our time. Climate challenges. Gun violence. Health and wellness issues. Inequity. These are the areas where our passions lie and communications are often most critical. These are the opportunities we seek.

And beyond Federal agency clients, we’re looking for other creative organizations to partner with on the kind of work that moves the needle. We specialize in the design, digital, marketing, and communications space—but we’re not territorial. We’ve worked seamlessly alongside PR agencies, digital shops, research organizations, and communication strategy consultancies. Whoever we work alongside, the goal is the same: to produce brilliant solutions for our clients and to do it in a way where everybody wins.

We’re just getting started in this space, and we’re still figuring out our path forward. As we continue to explore specific agencies and programs, we’ll continue to write about our experiences, what we’ve learned, and what we’re seeking. We’re more than happy to share our insights and what we’ve learned so far. But for now, we’re simply excited to start.

Being in this industry is a gift, and we’re determined to make the most of it.

Okay, enough talk. We’re ready to listen. Just as importantly, we’re ready to help create some contrast. If you’re looking to partner in the Federal space, shoot us a note to see how we can create some real impact together. 

‍