SSA Awards $5.1M Print Services Contract to Chase, Carson & White, LLC for Baltimore Facility
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,143,450 ($5.1M)
Contractor: Chase, Carson & White, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2021-01-01
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,006 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ACQUIRE PRINT SERVICES FOR THE SSA PRINT MAIL FACILITY IN BALTIMORE, MD.
Place of Performance
Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21235
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $5.1 million to CHASE, CARSON & WHITE, L.L.C. for work described as: ACQUIRE PRINT SERVICES FOR THE SSA PRINT MAIL FACILITY IN BALTIMORE, MD. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential print and mail services at the SSA's Baltimore facility. 2. Limited competition due to contract type, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk of cost overruns exists with a firm fixed-price contract over a long duration. 4. The Commercial Printing sector is mature, with established players and pricing benchmarks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The firm fixed-price contract is for a significant duration (5 years). While this provides budget certainty, it may not reflect the most competitive pricing achievable through shorter-term or more frequent re-competition.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a sole-source or limited competition award. This limits the government's ability to solicit bids from a wider pool of vendors, potentially leading to higher prices than if full and open competition were pursued.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed to a single vendor for essential services, with limited opportunity for competitive bidding to ensure the best value.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical print and mail services for the Social Security Administration. Supports a specific business in Maryland's commercial printing sector. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competitive pressure over the contract's lifespan.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Long contract duration
- Firm fixed-price risk
Positive Signals
- Essential service provision
- Established vendor relationship
Sector Analysis
The commercial printing sector (NAICS 323111) is a mature industry. Spending benchmarks for similar print services can vary widely based on volume, complexity, and geographic location. This contract's value appears moderate within the context of large federal agency needs.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Chase, Carson & White, LLC. Further analysis is needed to determine if this is a small business and if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are included.
Oversight & Accountability
The Social Security Administration is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should be in place to ensure performance and value.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for above-market pricing
- Long-term commitment without re-evaluation
- Uncertainty regarding small business participation
Tags
commercial-printing-except-screen-and-bo, social-security-administration, md, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $5.1 million to CHASE, CARSON & WHITE, L.L.C.. ACQUIRE PRINT SERVICES FOR THE SSA PRINT MAIL FACILITY IN BALTIMORE, MD.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHASE, CARSON & WHITE, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $5.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-01-01. End: 2026-06-30.
What was the justification for limiting competition on this print services contract?
The justification for limiting competition is crucial for understanding the value proposition. If there were specific technical requirements, past performance issues with other vendors, or urgent needs that only this vendor could meet, it might explain the decision. However, without this information, the lack of competition raises concerns about potentially paying a premium for these services.
How does the firm fixed-price structure mitigate or exacerbate risk over the 5-year term?
A firm fixed-price contract shifts most of the risk to the contractor, protecting the government from cost overruns. However, over a long 5-year period, if market prices for printing decrease, the SSA might be locked into paying a higher rate than currently available. Conversely, if input costs rise significantly, the contractor bears the risk, which could lead to performance issues if they cannot absorb the increased expenses.
What is the benchmark cost for similar print and mail services within the federal government?
Benchmarking similar print and mail services is challenging without detailed specifications. However, general industry data suggests that large-volume, long-term contracts can achieve economies of scale. The absence of competitive bids makes it difficult to assess if this $5.1 million contract over five years represents a competitive market rate or a potential overpayment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Printing and Related Support Activities › Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 28321321Q00000024
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 16831 S COLEMAN ST, PHOENIX, AZ, 85045
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,143,450
Exercised Options: $5,143,450
Current Obligation: $5,143,450
Actual Outlays: $4,706,444
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-01-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-13
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