GSA awards $35K BPA Call for tool cabinets, highlighting hardware store procurement efficiency

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,225 ($35.2K)

Contractor: MSC Industrial Direct CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-10

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 36" 6-DRAWER BLK/ORG TOOL CABINET

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $35,225.49 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. for work described as: 36" 6-DRAWER BLK/ORG TOOL CABINET Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the item. 2. Procurement was conducted under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market. 3. Limited duration of the call (7 days) may indicate a need for immediate fulfillment. 4. The contract is a BPA Call, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract. 5. The item is a specific type of tool cabinet, indicating a niche requirement. 6. The award was made by the Federal Acquisition Service, a common channel for commodity purchases.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded price of $35,225.49 for 36-inch 6-drawer black/org tool cabinets seems within a reasonable range for specialized industrial hardware. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for tool storage solutions indicates that prices can vary significantly based on features, quantity, and brand. Without more specific details on the exact specifications and quantity, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.

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 specific mechanism used was a BPA Call, which is a task order placed against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive process was available, which generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from the most competitive pricing available in the market for these tool cabinets.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring tool storage solutions will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of specialized tool cabinets. The geographic impact is likely focused on the New York region where the contractor is located, though delivery could be nationwide depending on the BPA's scope. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the logistics and delivery of the cabinets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited contract duration could pose a risk if the need is urgent and the supplier cannot meet demand.
Lack of specific quantity details makes it difficult to assess the overall value and potential for bulk discounts.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and fair pricing.
Procurement through GSA's Federal Acquisition Service indicates adherence to established government purchasing procedures.
The use of a BPA Call suggests an existing framework for efficient procurement of common goods.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of hardware and tool cabinets falls under the broader industrial supplies sector. This sector is characterized by a wide range of manufacturers and distributors, with significant competition for government contracts. Spending on such items is typically driven by the operational needs of various federal agencies for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Comparable spending benchmarks for MRO supplies within the federal government are substantial, with agencies often leveraging GSA schedules and BPAs for efficient acquisition.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC., is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely limited, though MSC may engage small businesses as suppliers within its broader supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA has established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and accountability. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies
Industrial Hardware Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited contract duration
Lack of specific quantity details
Potential for supply chain disruptions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $35,225.49 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.. 36" 6-DRAWER BLK/ORG TOOL CABINET

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35,225.49.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-10.

What is the track record of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts?

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is a significant federal contractor with a history of awards across various agencies, primarily through GSA Schedules and other competitive vehicles. Their awards often span a wide range of industrial supplies, including tools, hardware, and maintenance equipment. Analysis of their federal contract history typically shows a pattern of consistent performance in delivering goods and services. However, like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary, and a detailed review of past performance ratings and any disputes or corrective actions would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Their extensive experience suggests a strong understanding of federal procurement requirements and logistics.

How does the pricing of this BPA Call compare to similar tool cabinet procurements?

Direct comparison of the $35,225.49 award for tool cabinets is challenging without knowing the exact quantity, specific model numbers, and detailed features (e.g., drawer capacity, material thickness, locking mechanisms). However, the fact that this was awarded under 'full and open competition' via a BPA Call suggests that the price achieved was likely competitive within the market for such items. Government pricing for specialized industrial equipment can fluctuate based on market demand, supplier volume discounts, and the specific terms negotiated within the parent BPA. Generally, GSA schedules and competitive BPA calls aim to secure prices at or below market rates, but a definitive benchmark would require access to detailed specifications and a broader dataset of comparable awards.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of procurement?

The primary risks associated with this BPA Call are related to the limited duration of the call itself (7 days), which could indicate a need for rapid fulfillment that might strain the supplier's capacity or lead to expedited shipping costs. Another risk is the lack of specific quantity information in the provided data, making it difficult to assess the overall value and whether the government secured optimal pricing through potential bulk purchasing. Furthermore, if the parent BPA has limitations or if the supplier's inventory is depleted, there could be a risk of delayed delivery. Finally, the specialized nature of the 'tool cabinet' could mean limited substitutability if performance issues arise.

How effective is the GSA's Federal Acquisition Service in procuring hardware like tool cabinets?

The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) is generally considered effective in procuring common and specialized hardware like tool cabinets. FAS leverages large-scale purchasing power, established contract vehicles (like GSA Schedules and BPAs), and competitive bidding processes to achieve value for money and ensure compliance. Their expertise in market research and contract management helps agencies acquire necessary goods efficiently. For items like tool cabinets, FAS often uses pre-competed BPAs or Schedules that streamline the ordering process, reducing administrative burden for agencies. While individual contract performance can vary, the overall framework provided by FAS is designed for efficient and compliant acquisition of a wide range of federal needs.

What are the historical spending patterns for tool cabinets or similar hardware by the General Services Administration?

Historical spending patterns for tool cabinets and similar hardware by the General Services Administration (GSA) indicate a consistent demand driven by the operational needs of various federal agencies. GSA, through its Federal Acquisition Service, procures these items regularly, often utilizing Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS). Spending can fluctuate year-to-year based on agency requirements, budget allocations, and the lifecycle of existing equipment. While specific aggregate data for 'tool cabinets' alone is not readily available without deep dives into FPDS, GSA's overall spending on industrial supplies and equipment runs into hundreds of millions of dollars annually, reflecting the broad range of MRO needs it supports across the government.

Does the 'Hardware Stores' NAICS code accurately reflect the nature of this procurement?

The NAICS code '444130 - Hardware Stores' is a reasonable, though broad, classification for this procurement. While MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. operates as a major distributor of industrial supplies, which includes hardware, their scope often extends beyond typical retail hardware stores. They provide a vast array of tools, safety equipment, and maintenance supplies tailored for industrial and commercial use. The 'Hardware Stores' classification captures the core product category but might not fully encompass the specialized industrial distribution services and product breadth that a company like MSC offers to government entities. For federal procurement purposes, it serves as a functional identifier for the type of goods being acquired.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Building Material and Supplies Dealers › Hardware Stores

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 515 BROADHOLLOW RD STE 1000, MELVILLE, NY, 11747

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,225

Exercised Options: $35,225

Current Obligation: $35,225

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline