Washer/dryer combo contract awarded by GSA for $22,865.10, lasting 7 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,865 ($22.9K)

Contractor: MSC Industrial Direct CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 1.6CF 120V 20A ELEC WASHER/DRYER COMBO

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $22,865.1 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. for work described as: 1.6CF 120V 20A ELEC WASHER/DRYER COMBO Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a short-term appliance purchase. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The short duration of the contract may indicate a need for immediate or temporary supply. 4. The award was made by the General Services Administration, a common channel for federal procurement. 5. The product code indicates a focus on hardware store items, suggesting this is part of a broader supply chain strategy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22,865.10 for a 7-day period for washer/dryer combos seems within a reasonable range for bulk appliance purchases. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to similar GSA schedules for this exact item, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the government secured a predictable cost. The value appears appropriate for the short-term need indicated by the contract duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method generally promotes a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and terms for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the chosen method suggests a deliberate effort to maximize competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through a wider pool of potential suppliers, ensuring the government receives the best possible value.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring laundry facilities, such as dormitories, barracks, or government-operated housing, are the primary beneficiaries. The contract delivers essential appliance services, specifically washer/dryer combos. The geographic impact is likely concentrated in New York, where the contract was awarded. Workforce implications are minimal, as this is a direct purchase of goods rather than a service requiring significant labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics for the appliances.
Potential for higher per-unit costs if the quantity is small.
Limited contract duration may not allow for long-term supply chain planning.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting fair pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Procurement through GSA likely leverages existing agreements and processes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader category of federal spending on general supplies and equipment, specifically hardware and appliances. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) estimates the wholesale trade sector to be a significant contributor to the US economy. Federal procurement of such items, even for short durations, is common to meet immediate operational needs across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is a large business, there is no information provided on their subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as this contract did not prioritize small business set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) generally has robust oversight mechanisms for its procurement processes, including the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). Awards made through Best Price Agreements (BPAs) or calls against existing BPAs are typically subject to review. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules
Federal Supply Schedules
Appliance Procurement
General Supplies and Services

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate an urgent or temporary need.
Limited information on the number of bidders.
Vendor's primary business may not be appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $22,865.1 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.. 1.6CF 120V 20A ELEC WASHER/DRYER COMBO

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 $22,865.1.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-13.

What is the typical price range for a 1.6 cu ft, 120V, 20A electric washer/dryer combo purchased by the federal government?

Determining a precise 'typical' price range for this specific appliance model purchased by the federal government is challenging without more granular data. Federal contracts often involve bulk purchasing, which can lead to lower per-unit costs than retail. However, the short 7-day duration of this BPA Call suggests it might not be a large-volume order. Based on general market research for commercial-grade washer/dryer combos, prices can range from $800 to $1,500 or more per unit, depending on brand, features, and warranty. The $22,865.10 award for an unspecified quantity implies a per-unit cost that would need to be calculated to compare against market benchmarks. If, for example, 20 units were purchased, the per-unit cost would be approximately $1,143, which falls within the expected range for commercial appliances.

How does the 7-day contract duration impact the value proposition for the government?

A 7-day contract duration is exceptionally short for an appliance purchase, suggesting a very specific, immediate, or temporary need. This short timeframe likely means the government is procuring these units for a specific event, a temporary housing situation, or to fill an urgent gap. The value proposition is centered on rapid fulfillment rather than long-term supply agreements or bulk discounts typically associated with longer contracts. While it ensures immediate availability, it may preclude the government from negotiating more favorable terms that could be achieved through a longer-term commitment or a larger, consolidated purchase. The firm fixed-price nature mitigates cost uncertainty for this short period.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'BPA Call' award for appliances?

A 'BPA Call' (Blanket Purchase Agreement Call) award for appliances carries several potential risks. Firstly, the competition might be limited to vendors already holding the parent BPA, which may not be as broad as full and open competition. Secondly, the pricing might be based on pre-negotiated rates within the BPA, which may not always represent the absolute best market price at the time of the call, especially for a short-term need. Thirdly, the quality and suitability of the appliances might be less scrutinized than in a dedicated solicitation. Finally, the short duration implies a potentially urgent need, which can sometimes lead to rushed decisions and less thorough due diligence on the part of the procuring agency.

What is MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.'s track record in supplying appliances to the federal government?

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is primarily known as a major distributor of metalworking and industrial supplies, including tools, fasteners, and safety equipment. While they do offer a wide range of industrial and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) products, their core business is not typically focused on major appliances like washer/dryer combos. Their track record in supplying such specific items to the federal government through GSA schedules or other contracts would need to be specifically examined. It's possible they are fulfilling this need as part of a broader MRO supply contract or through a specific product line expansion. Without access to detailed contract history for this specific item category, it's difficult to assess their established performance in appliance supply.

How does the hardware store product code (NAICS 444130) relate to this appliance contract?

The NAICS code 444130, 'Hardware Stores,' is used to classify establishments primarily engaged in retailing hardware, plumbing supplies, and fasteners. While washer/dryer combos are appliances, they are often sold through hardware stores, home improvement centers, and appliance retailers. The use of this code suggests that the contracting vehicle or the vendor's classification aligns with the hardware retail sector. It implies that the government is leveraging procurement channels typically used for hardware and related home goods. This could mean the contract was fulfilled through a GSA Schedule that includes hardware stores as vendors or that the vendor itself operates within this classification, even if they offer a broader range of products.

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: $22,865

Exercised Options: $22,865

Current Obligation: $22,865

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline