State Department awards $219K for enterprise printers, highlighting a need for reliable office equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $218,895 ($218.9K)

Contractor: Panamerica Computers, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-09-17

End Date: 2025-01-09

Contract Duration: 114 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SELP HP COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE PRINTER 5700 - 220V

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $218,895.36 to PANAMERICA COMPUTERS, INC. for work described as: SELP HP COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE PRINTER 5700 - 220V Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for enterprise-grade printing solutions, considering the need for high-volume, reliable devices. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a healthy market for these types of office equipment. 3. The short performance period indicates a focused need, potentially for a specific project or upgrade. 4. This spending aligns with general government needs for essential office infrastructure. 5. The award to Panamerica Computers, Inc. suggests established relationships or competitive pricing in the IT hardware sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $218,895.36 for enterprise printers seems aligned with market rates for similar high-volume office equipment. Benchmarking against other federal contracts for printers of this class would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the quantity and specifications of the printers are key factors in determining true value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps manage cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering. The presence of four bidders suggests a reasonably competitive environment for this type of IT hardware.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive process is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for necessary equipment and receives the most advantageous terms.

Public Impact

Department of State personnel will benefit from upgraded printing capabilities, improving office efficiency. The contract delivers essential office technology, supporting daily administrative and operational functions. The geographic impact is primarily within the State Department's Virginia facilities. This contract supports the IT hardware supply chain and associated logistics workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if consumables or maintenance are not competitively priced.
Ensuring the chosen printers meet long-term security and compatibility requirements.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Short performance period limits long-term financial commitment.

Sector Analysis

The IT hardware sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a wide range of suppliers. Federal agencies are significant purchasers of IT equipment, including printers, to support their vast operational needs. This contract for enterprise-grade printers fits within the broader category of IT infrastructure spending, where agencies often procure devices capable of high-volume, secure printing. Comparable spending benchmarks for enterprise printers can vary widely based on features, volume, and service agreements.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. It is possible that small businesses participated in the competition, but they were not the sole focus. The prime contractor, Panamerica Computers, Inc., is not specified as a small business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, particularly in areas like installation, maintenance, or supply chain logistics, but are not detailed in the award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, likely subject to the oversight mechanisms of that vehicle. The fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases where such awards are recorded. The Department of State's internal procurement policies and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would provide oversight for disputes or performance issues.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts
IT Hardware Procurement
Office Equipment Purchases
Department of State IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for obsolescence given rapid IT hardware evolution.
Dependence on specific vendor for consumables and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $218,895.36 to PANAMERICA COMPUTERS, INC.. SELP HP COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE PRINTER 5700 - 220V

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PANAMERICA COMPUTERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $218,895.36.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-17. End: 2025-01-09.

What specific models and quantities of printers were procured under this delivery order?

The provided data does not specify the exact models or quantities of printers purchased. It only indicates the procurement is for 'SELP HP COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE PRINTER 5700 - 220V'. To understand the full scope, one would need to consult the detailed contract line item numbers (CLINs) or the statement of work associated with this delivery order. This information is crucial for a precise cost-per-unit analysis and to ensure the procured equipment aligns with the agency's operational requirements.

How does the price per printer compare to commercial market rates for the HP LaserJet Enterprise 5700?

Without the exact quantity of printers purchased, a direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible. However, the total award of $218,895.36 for an unspecified number of enterprise printers suggests a significant investment. A typical HP LaserJet Enterprise 5700 printer can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more depending on configuration, bundled services, and volume discounts. If, for example, 150 units were purchased, the average cost would be around $1,460 per unit, which appears competitive for enterprise-grade equipment. A thorough analysis would require knowing the precise number of units and any included support or warranty packages.

What is the track record of Panamerica Computers, Inc. in fulfilling federal government contracts, particularly for IT hardware?

Panamerica Computers, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, as indicated by its presence in federal procurement databases. Analyzing their past performance on similar IT hardware contracts, especially those involving enterprise printers or other office equipment for agencies like the Department of State, would be necessary to assess their reliability and capability. Key metrics to review would include on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and any past performance issues or disputes. Their ability to consistently meet government requirements on previous awards would be a strong positive signal.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this specific delivery order. Typically, for hardware procurements, KPIs would focus on timely delivery, correct configuration, functionality upon installation, and potentially warranty or service level agreements if included. The Department of State would have internal procedures for inspecting the delivered goods and verifying they meet the specifications outlined in the contract. Acceptance of the delivery order by the government would signify that these implicit or explicit KPIs have been met.

What is the historical spending pattern for enterprise printers by the Department of State over the last five years?

To determine historical spending patterns for enterprise printers by the Department of State, a comprehensive review of federal procurement data (e.g., FPDS-NG or USASpending.gov) over the past five years would be required. This analysis would involve filtering contracts by the Department of State as the issuing agency, and by relevant Product Service Codes (PSCs) or keywords related to enterprise printers. Examining trends in award values, contract types, and primary vendors would reveal patterns. This specific $218,895.36 award should be compared against this historical context to assess if it represents an increase, decrease, or typical level of spending for such equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1386 BIG OAK RD, LURAY, VA, 22835

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $218,895

Exercised Options: $218,895

Current Obligation: $218,895

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD02B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline