GSA awards $3.88M contract for container assembly and shipping, raising questions about competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,878 ($3.9K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-09

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, SAMPLE AND SPECIMEN SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,878.28 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, SAMPLE AND SPECIMEN SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. The contract's value appears moderate for specialized logistics services. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayers. 3. The short duration suggests a tactical or short-term need rather than a strategic program. 4. The specific nature of 'container assembly' requires further clarification to assess its complexity. 5. The absence of a small business set-aside warrants examination of subcontracting opportunities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.88 million for a 3-month period is difficult to benchmark without more detail on the specific services. Given the limited competition, it's challenging to definitively assess if this represents good value for money. Comparisons to similar GSA schedules or other agency contracts for warehousing and logistics would be necessary to establish a robust pricing benchmark. The firm-fixed-price structure offers some cost certainty, but the lack of competitive pressure could inflate the per-unit cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC, was solicited. This significantly limits the opportunity for price discovery and innovation that typically arises from a competitive bidding process. Without multiple offers, it is impossible to determine if the government received the best possible pricing or terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government may not benefit from competitive pricing. This also reduces transparency and the potential for broader market engagement.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized container assembly and sample shipping services will benefit from this contract. The contract supports the logistical operations of the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Geographic impact is likely national, depending on where the services are required. Workforce implications are tied to the operations of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher prices.
Limited transparency in the sole-source award process.
Short contract duration may indicate a lack of strategic planning or a reactive procurement.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a single vendor simplifies the acquisition process.
Contract supports essential logistical functions for federal agencies.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Warehousing and Storage sector (NAICS 493190), which includes establishments primarily engaged in operating warehousing and storage facilities. This specific award appears to focus on specialized logistics, including container assembly and sample/specimen shipping. The market for such services can range from general warehousing to highly specialized cold-chain or secure logistics, depending on the nature of the items being shipped. Benchmarking would require understanding the specific requirements beyond general warehousing.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no small business participation (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract, either as the prime contractor or through subcontracting, were not pursued or identified. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to understand the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a delivery order under an existing contract (implied by 'AW: DELIVERY ORDER'), the terms and conditions of the base contract would apply. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Services
Specialized Shipping and Handling

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Limited performance period raises questions about scope.
Lack of detail on specific services hinders value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,878.28 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, SAMPLE AND SPECIMEN SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,878.28.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-09.

What specific services are included under 'CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, SAMPLE AND SPECIMEN SHIPPING'?

The provided data offers limited detail, stating 'CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, SAMPLE AND SPECIMEN SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.' Without access to the attached document, the precise nature of the services remains unclear. This could range from simple packaging and labeling of standard samples to complex assembly of specialized containers for sensitive biological specimens, requiring temperature control, security, or specific handling protocols. The ambiguity makes it difficult to assess the complexity, risk, and appropriate cost for the contract. Understanding the types of samples (e.g., biological, environmental, industrial) and the required container specifications is crucial for a thorough analysis.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis?

The data explicitly states the contract was awarded on a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' basis, which typically signifies a sole-source or limited-source justification. Common reasons for sole-source awards include the availability of only one responsible source, urgent and compelling needs where competition is impractical, or specific follow-on work to a previous contract where only the original contractor possesses the necessary knowledge or proprietary technology. Without further documentation or justification from the GSA, the specific rationale for this sole-source award remains unknown. This lack of competition is a significant factor in assessing value for money and potential risks.

How does the $3.88 million value compare to similar logistics contracts?

Benchmarking the $3.88 million value is challenging without more specific details on the services rendered and the contract duration. The contract has a short period of performance (3 days: 'SD':'2026-04-06', 'ED':'2026-04-09', 'dur':3). If this is the total value for only three days of service, it suggests highly specialized or urgent requirements. If the $3.88 million is spread over a longer period not immediately apparent from the provided snippet (though 'dur':3 suggests otherwise), it would represent a more moderate annual spend. Comparing it to other GSA Schedule contracts for warehousing, logistics, or specialized shipping would require identifying comparable contract line item numbers (CLINs) and service descriptions. The sole-source nature further complicates direct price comparisons.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for logistics services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for logistics services is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bidders vying for the contract, the awarded vendor may not offer the most cost-effective solution. Other risks include reduced innovation, as there is less incentive for the sole provider to develop more efficient or advanced methods. Furthermore, a sole-source award can limit transparency and accountability, making it harder to ensure the government is receiving optimal value and service quality. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single provider, potentially hindering future flexibility.

What is the significance of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 493190?

The NAICS code 493190, 'Other Warehousing and Storage,' indicates that the primary business activity of the contractor, NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC, falls under general warehousing and storage services. This broad category encompasses a wide range of activities, from operating refrigerated storage to providing facilities for storing goods. However, the specific contract details ('CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, SAMPLE AND SPECIMEN SHIPPING') suggest a more specialized niche within this broader classification. While the code provides a general industry context, it doesn't fully capture the specific, potentially high-value, services being procured under this particular delivery order, making it essential to look beyond the NAICS code for a complete understanding.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Warehousing and Storage › Other Warehousing and Storage

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MARINA PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220, BOSTON, MA, 02210

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,878

Exercised Options: $3,878

Current Obligation: $3,878

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC25D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline