Treasury's United States Mint Awards $229,638 for DC Comics Silver Medals
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,296,380 ($2.3M)
Contractor: Pubco Produits Internationals Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury
Start Date: 2025-05-28
End Date: 2027-05-26
Contract Duration: 728 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PACKAGING - DC COMICS PROGRAM - ONE OUNCE SILVER MEDAL
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Treasury obligated $2.3 million to PUBCO PRODUITS INTERNATIONALS INC for work described as: PACKAGING - DC COMICS PROGRAM - ONE OUNCE SILVER MEDAL Key points: 1. The contract is for packaging related to a DC Comics program, specifically one-ounce silver medals. 2. PUBCO PRODUITS INTERNATIONALS INC is the sole awardee for this specific contract. 3. The contract duration is 728 days, ending in May 2027. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 323111, indicating commercial printing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $229,638 for packaging services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product (silver medals) and the duration of the contract. Benchmarking against similar custom packaging contracts for collectible items would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely a limited competition. This method is used for smaller dollar value procurements and may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for the production and packaging of commemorative items. The value for money depends on the sales and perceived value of these medals to collectors.
Public Impact
This contract supports the production of collectible items, potentially generating revenue for the Mint through sales. The packaging is crucial for the presentation and protection of the silver medals, impacting their marketability. The use of a popular franchise like DC Comics aims to broaden appeal and potentially increase sales.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not have secured the best price.
- Reliance on a single vendor for specialized packaging could pose a risk if issues arise.
- The market demand and sales performance of these medals are key to recouping costs.
Positive Signals
- Potential for revenue generation through collectible sales.
- Leverages popular intellectual property (DC Comics) to drive interest.
- Supports the Mint's mission of producing coinage and medals.
Sector Analysis
The sector is commercial printing, specifically for packaging. Spending in this area can vary widely based on the volume and complexity of the items being packaged. The United States Mint operates within a niche market for numismatic products.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not awarded this contract, as the vendor is PUBCO PRODUITS INTERNATIONALS INC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or had the opportunity to bid.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve ensuring the packaging meets quality standards, is delivered on time, and that the contract terms are adhered to by both the Mint and the vendor. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined oversight process.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)
- Department of the Treasury Contracting
- United States Mint Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for low return on investment if medal sales underperform.
- Risk of packaging defects impacting product value and customer satisfaction.
- Dependence on the continued popularity and marketability of the DC Comics brand.
- Limited competition may have resulted in a suboptimal price.
Tags
commercial-printing-except-screen-and-bo, department-of-the-treasury, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Treasury awarded $2.3 million to PUBCO PRODUITS INTERNATIONALS INC. PACKAGING - DC COMICS PROGRAM - ONE OUNCE SILVER MEDAL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PUBCO PRODUITS INTERNATIONALS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (United States Mint).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-28. End: 2027-05-26.
What is the projected revenue from the sale of these DC Comics silver medals, and how does it compare to the total cost of production and packaging?
Projected revenue is a critical factor in assessing the overall value of this contract. If the sales significantly exceed the combined costs of minting and packaging, the contract represents a sound investment. Conversely, if sales are sluggish or prices are set too low, it could result in a net loss for the Mint, impacting taxpayer value.
What are the specific quality control measures in place for the packaging to ensure the silver medals are protected and presented professionally?
Robust quality control is essential for collectible items like silver medals. The packaging must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also provide adequate protection against scratches, tarnish, and damage during transit and storage. The contract should detail specific material requirements and inspection protocols to ensure the final product meets high standards.
How does the United States Mint plan to market and distribute these DC Comics silver medals to maximize sales and reach collectors?
Effective marketing and distribution strategies are key to the financial success of this initiative. The Mint needs to identify target collector demographics, utilize appropriate sales channels (online, retail partners), and create compelling promotional campaigns. The popularity of the DC Comics brand offers a strong foundation, but execution will determine the ultimate sales performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Printing and Related Support Activities › Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)
Product/Service Code: CONTAINERS/PACKAGING/PACKING SUPPL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 2031JG25R00010
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12705 RUE DU PARC, MIRABEL
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, International Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,442,770
Exercised Options: $2,296,380
Current Obligation: $2,296,380
Actual Outlays: $992,241
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-28
Current End Date: 2027-05-26
Potential End Date: 2027-05-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-10
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