Justice Department awards $41,256 for toilet paper, highlighting stationery procurement needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,256 ($41.3K)

Contractor: Great Falls Paper Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 10 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GREAT FALLS PAPER COMPANY TOILET PAPER ORDER FY26 APR IAW T&C: GS-02F-0197V

Place of Performance

Location: GREAT FALLS, CASCADE County, MONTANA, 59401

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $41,256 to GREAT FALLS PAPER COMPANY for work described as: GREAT FALLS PAPER COMPANY TOILET PAPER ORDER FY26 APR IAW T&C: GS-02F-0197V Key points: 1. The contract value represents a small portion of the Federal Prison System's overall supply budget. 2. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 3. The short duration suggests a need for immediate or recurring supply of essential items. 4. The award to a single vendor indicates a focused procurement strategy for this specific item. 5. The geographic location of the vendor in Montana may influence delivery logistics and costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $41,256 for toilet paper over a 10-day period appears reasonable for the quantity likely required by the Federal Prison System. Benchmarking against similar government stationery orders suggests that pricing for bulk paper products is generally competitive. The firm fixed-price structure further mitigates risk for the government, ensuring costs do not escalate beyond the agreed-upon amount. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the overall award amount is modest in the context of federal procurement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of three bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this stationery supply requirement. This competitive process is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure the government receives good value for its expenditure on essential supplies.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that typically leads to lower prices and better quality goods.

Public Impact

Inmates and staff within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the availability of essential hygiene supplies. The contract ensures the continuous provision of stationery and office supplies, supporting daily operations. The primary geographic impact is within the facilities served by the Federal Prison System. The contract supports the wholesale merchant industry for stationery and office supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in future procurements if competition decreases.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical supply item could pose a risk if the vendor faces disruptions.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a competitive marketplace.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Modest contract value suggests efficient procurement for essential items.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the broader category of office supplies and equipment, a mature and competitive market. Federal agencies regularly procure such items through various contract vehicles, including GSA schedules. The market for janitorial and sanitation supplies, including paper products, is characterized by numerous manufacturers and distributors, ensuring a competitive landscape. This specific contract represents a small, routine purchase within this sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. The award to Great Falls Paper Company, a merchant wholesaler, suggests it may source products from various manufacturers, potentially including small businesses, but this is not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight, including review by the agency's contracting officers and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if disputes arise. The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General may also have jurisdiction for audits and investigations related to procurement integrity. Transparency is maintained through contract databases like FPDS.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Bureau of Prisons Supply Chain Management
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Stationery and Office Supplies Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption if vendor faces issues.
Limited immediate alternatives if vendor performance declines.
Lack of ongoing competition may impact future pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $41,256 to GREAT FALLS PAPER COMPANY. GREAT FALLS PAPER COMPANY TOILET PAPER ORDER FY26 APR IAW T&C: GS-02F-0197V

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREAT FALLS PAPER COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $41,256.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the typical lead time for delivery orders of stationery supplies under GSA contracts?

Lead times for delivery orders of stationery supplies under GSA contracts can vary significantly based on the specific item, vendor stock levels, and the terms negotiated in the contract. For routine items like toilet paper, especially when ordered under a firm fixed-price delivery order with a short duration (like the 10 days specified here), lead times are often quite short, typically ranging from a few days to two weeks. The contract specifies a delivery window of April 7, 2026, to April 17, 2026, indicating an expected delivery within this 10-day period. Factors such as the vendor's logistical capabilities and the proximity of their distribution centers to the delivery location also play a crucial role in determining the actual lead time.

How does the price of this toilet paper order compare to commercial market rates?

Directly comparing the price of this specific government contract to commercial market rates for toilet paper is challenging without knowing the exact quantity, quality (ply, roll size, etc.), and specific brand purchased. Government contracts often benefit from bulk purchasing power, which can lead to lower per-unit costs than retail. However, commercial entities may also negotiate favorable rates with suppliers. The contract value of $41,256 for a 10-day period suggests a significant quantity, and given it was awarded under full and open competition, it is likely competitive. To perform a precise benchmark, one would need to know the number of rolls or cases purchased and compare that to wholesale prices available to large commercial buyers or other government agencies procuring similar items.

What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for essential supplies like toilet paper?

Relying on a single vendor for essential supplies like toilet paper introduces several risks. Firstly, there's a risk of supply chain disruption if the vendor experiences production issues, transportation problems, or financial instability. This could lead to shortages impacting facility operations. Secondly, a lack of ongoing competition might reduce the incentive for the vendor to offer the most competitive pricing in future renewals or similar contracts. Thirdly, if the vendor's performance degrades (e.g., quality issues, late deliveries), the government has limited immediate alternatives without initiating a new, potentially lengthy, procurement process. Mitigating these risks often involves building strong vendor relationships, monitoring performance closely, and ensuring contingency plans are in place.

What is the historical spending pattern for toilet paper by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for toilet paper by the Federal Prison System requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Without that specific data, it's difficult to provide a precise historical context. However, it is reasonable to assume that the Federal Prison System, responsible for housing a large inmate population, has consistent and substantial requirements for hygiene supplies like toilet paper. Spending would likely fluctuate based on inmate population levels, procurement strategies, and prevailing market prices. The current award of $41,256 for a short duration in FY26 suggests a recurring need that is managed through periodic delivery orders rather than a single large, long-term contract, which is a common approach for managing consumable supplies.

How does the Federal Prison System ensure the quality of janitorial and office supplies procured?

The Federal Prison System ensures the quality of janitorial and office supplies through several mechanisms. Firstly, contract specifications typically include detailed quality requirements, standards, and performance metrics that vendors must meet. For items like toilet paper, this could involve specifying basis weight, absorbency, roll count, and material composition. Secondly, upon delivery, supplies are subject to inspection and acceptance procedures by government personnel to verify they meet the contract's quality standards. If delivered goods do not meet specifications, the government has the right to reject them and require replacement or a credit. Furthermore, the contract type (e.g., firm fixed-price) incentivizes the vendor to deliver conforming goods to avoid non-payment or contract disputes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers › Stationery and Office Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: TOILETRIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 710 CENTRAL AVE, GREAT FALLS, MT, 59401

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,256

Exercised Options: $41,256

Current Obligation: $41,256

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02F0197V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline