Treasury's $100M PPE glove contract awarded to Argent Associates Inc. for manufacturing supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $100,119 ($100.1K)

Contractor: Argent Associates Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2027-04-02

Contract Duration: 360 days

Daily Burn Rate: $278/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PPE GLOVES FOR MANUFACTURING

Place of Performance

Location: PLANO, COLLIN County, TEXAS, 75074

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $100,118.8 to ARGENT ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: PPE GLOVES FOR MANUFACTURING Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the firm fixed-price structure and 3-year duration. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed contract, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long performance period and reliance on a single supplier. 4. Performance context is tied to manufacturing needs for specialized PPE. 5. Sector positioning is within the medical supplies manufacturing industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $100.1 million over approximately three years for PPE gloves requires careful benchmarking. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparisons to similar large-scale procurements for manufacturing-grade PPE, a definitive value assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government, which is a positive indicator. The duration suggests a significant volume of goods will be procured.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely a broad solicitation within the small business or standard acquisition thresholds. The number of bidders (15) indicates a reasonable level of competition for this type of procurement. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery, as multiple offers allow for comparison and negotiation.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving a competitive price, as multiple vendors vied for the contract. The use of SAP may streamline the acquisition process, potentially reducing administrative costs.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing benefits from a reliable supply of essential PPE. Manufacturing operations requiring specialized gloves will be supported. The geographic impact is primarily in Texas, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include potential job creation or maintenance at Argent Associates Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (3 years) could lead to price escalation if market conditions change.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical supply chain item presents a potential disruption risk.
SAP competition, while efficient, may not always yield the absolute lowest price compared to full-scale competitive bidding for very large contracts.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
Awarded under a competed process, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.
Contractor is based in Texas, potentially supporting regional economic activity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader medical supplies and personal protective equipment manufacturing sector. This sector has seen significant fluctuations in demand and pricing, particularly since 2020. Benchmarking this contract's value would ideally involve comparing the per-unit cost of similar manufacturing-grade gloves against other government or large commercial contracts awarded during similar market conditions. The total value of $100 million positions this as a substantial procurement within its niche.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While Argent Associates Inc. might be a small business, the procurement method (SAP) and the contract value suggest it could also be awarded to larger entities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are included or likely.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's contracting officers and potentially the Department of the Treasury's Inspector General. Standard contract management processes, performance reviews, and payment audits would be the key accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Medical Supplies Procurement
Personal Protective Equipment Contracts
Manufacturing Support Services
Department of the Treasury Contracts
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Procurements

Risk Flags

Potential supply chain vulnerability
Long-term reliance on a single supplier
Market volatility in PPE pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $100,118.8 to ARGENT ASSOCIATES INC. PPE GLOVES FOR MANUFACTURING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARGENT ASSOCIATES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Bureau of Engraving and Printing).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $100,118.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2027-04-02.

What is the historical spending pattern for PPE gloves by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing?

Analyzing historical spending for PPE gloves by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is crucial for context. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain if this $100 million contract represents a significant increase or decrease in spending. Typically, agencies procure such supplies based on operational needs and risk assessments. A surge in spending might indicate a response to a specific event or a change in manufacturing processes. Conversely, consistent spending suggests a stable, ongoing requirement. Understanding past contract values, durations, and awarded vendors would help determine if Argent Associates Inc.'s award is within historical norms or represents a new trend for the BEP.

How does the per-unit cost of these PPE gloves compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

A key aspect of assessing value for money is comparing the per-unit cost of the PPE gloves procured under this contract to prevailing market rates and similar government contracts. The provided data does not include the per-unit cost or the total quantity of gloves, making a direct comparison impossible. To perform this analysis, one would need to know the specific type and grade of glove, the quantity ordered, and the total contract value. This information could then be used to calculate a unit price and benchmark it against data from other federal agencies (e.g., GSA schedules, other defense or health contracts) or commercial industry reports. Without this data, the assessment of whether the $100 million represents a good or fair price remains speculative.

What are the specific risks associated with Argent Associates Inc. as a contractor for this PPE supply?

Assessing the risks associated with Argent Associates Inc. requires examining their track record, financial stability, and capacity to fulfill a contract of this magnitude. Information on past performance, any history of contract disputes, or quality control issues would be pertinent. Given this is a definitive contract for manufacturing supplies, risks could include supply chain disruptions, quality control failures, delivery delays, or the contractor's financial viability over the contract's 3-year term. The fact that the contract was competed under SAP suggests it may not have undergone the same level of scrutiny as a large-scale FAR Part 15 negotiation, potentially introducing different risk profiles. A review of past federal contract awards and performance evaluations for Argent Associates Inc. would be necessary to identify specific concerns.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in ensuring a stable supply of PPE for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring a stable supply of PPE hinges on several factors. The 3-year duration and firm fixed-price nature suggest a commitment to securing supply over a defined period at a predictable cost. However, effectiveness also depends on Argent Associates Inc.'s manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and adherence to quality standards. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's own internal processes for demand forecasting and inventory management will also play a role. While the contract structure aims for stability, unforeseen global supply chain shocks or issues specific to the glove manufacturing industry could still impact the consistent delivery of these essential supplies.

How does this contract align with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's overall procurement strategy for manufacturing supplies?

This $100 million contract for PPE gloves likely aligns with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's (BEP) broader strategy to ensure operational continuity and safety for its manufacturing workforce. The BEP's core mission involves currency production, which requires a secure and uninterrupted supply chain for all necessary materials, including protective equipment. Procuring such a significant quantity of PPE suggests a strategic decision to consolidate or secure a major portion of their glove requirements through a single, long-term contract. This approach can offer efficiencies in acquisition and potentially better pricing compared to numerous smaller, ad-hoc purchases. The choice of a firm fixed-price, competed contract under SAP indicates a balance between cost control, competition, and procurement efficiency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 2031ZA26Q00032

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2800 E PLANO PKWY STE 400, PLANO, TX, 75074

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $300,356

Exercised Options: $100,119

Current Obligation: $100,119

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline