GSA awards $36.4K BPA Call for rolling carts, highlighting hardware procurement efficiency

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,419 ($36.4K)

Contractor: MSC Industrial Direct CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-14

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 30.25X54.25X38.25 ROLLING CART

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $36,418.61 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. for work described as: 30.25X54.25X38.25 ROLLING CART Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and specific item. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for hardware supplies. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small contract value and standard item. 4. Performance context is a short-term call against a larger BPA. 5. Sector positioning is within general federal supply chain and hardware procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36.4K for a 7-day period is modest. Benchmarking against similar, short-term procurements for office or facility supplies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government, and the use of a BPA call indicates a pre-negotiated, potentially advantageous pricing structure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, likely through a broader Basic Purchasing Agreement (BPA). This indicates that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid on the underlying BPA, and this call-off likely followed established procedures. The high level of competition in the initial BPA award process generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing achieved through the initial broad solicitation, ensuring that even for smaller call-offs, the government is likely receiving market-competitive rates.

Public Impact

Federal agencies, particularly those managed by GSA, benefit from readily available hardware supplies. Essential services requiring rolling carts, such as logistics, storage, and facilities management, are supported. The geographic impact is primarily within New York, where the vendor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving existing personnel using the carts for operational tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under a BPA, suggesting pre-vetted vendors and potentially streamlined processes.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost overrun risks.
Short duration minimizes long-term commitment and allows for re-evaluation of needs.

Sector Analysis

The hardware stores sector is a critical component of the federal supply chain, providing essential goods for agency operations. Federal spending in this area is consistent, supporting everything from office maintenance to specialized equipment needs. This contract, for rolling carts, falls under the broader category of facility and operational supplies, a market characterized by numerous suppliers and competitive pricing, especially when procured through established vehicles like BPAs.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for them based on the limited information. The primary awardee, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., is a large corporation. While large companies may utilize small business subcontractors, there's no explicit indication of that here, suggesting a limited direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific transaction.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA call-off, it falls under the existing oversight framework of the parent BPA. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, and accountability rests with GSA to ensure compliance with procurement regulations and the terms of the BPA.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule
Office Supplies Procurement
Logistics and Warehousing Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $36,418.61 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.. 30.25X54.25X38.25 ROLLING CART

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 $36,418.61.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-14.

What is the typical lead time for rolling carts procured through GSA BPAs?

Lead times for rolling carts procured through GSA BPAs can vary significantly based on the specific BPA's terms, the vendor's inventory, and the quantity ordered. However, for standard items like those likely covered by this contract (given the short 7-day duration), lead times are typically short, often ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. The fact that this BPA call was for a 7-day period suggests that MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. could fulfill the order very rapidly, potentially within 1-3 business days, aligning with the urgency often associated with such short-term requirements.

How does the pricing of this BPA call compare to open market purchases of similar rolling carts?

Comparing the pricing of this BPA call to open market purchases requires detailed product specifications. However, BPAs, especially those awarded under full and open competition, are generally designed to offer pricing at or below market rates. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is a major supplier, and their participation in a GSA schedule or BPA indicates negotiated volume discounts. While specific unit prices aren't provided, the $36.4K total for a short duration suggests a reasonable quantity of carts, and the firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty. Without direct open market comparisons for the exact same model and quantity, it's presumed the BPA pricing is competitive due to the pre-negotiated terms and competitive environment of the BPA's initial award.

What are the potential risks associated with this type of short-term, fixed-price contract?

The risks associated with this short-term, firm fixed-price contract are minimal. The primary risk for the government is receiving a product that does not meet specifications, but this is mitigated by the pre-negotiated terms of the BPA and the vendor's established track record. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating costs or delivery timelines, but the short duration and standard nature of the item (rolling carts) reduce this significantly. Given the small contract value ($36.4K) and brief performance period (7 days), the overall risk profile is very low. Potential issues could include minor defects or delivery delays, but these are typically manageable within the scope of a BPA call.

What is MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.'s track record with GSA procurements?

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is a significant federal contractor with a substantial history of awards through GSA schedules and other contract vehicles. They are a well-established supplier of industrial and metalworking products, including hardware and tools. Their extensive presence in federal procurement indicates a proven ability to meet government requirements, manage contracts, and adhere to regulatory standards. While specific performance metrics for every contract are not publicly detailed, their consistent awards suggest a generally positive track record in delivering goods and services to federal agencies.

How does this contract fit into the broader GSA strategy for hardware procurement?

This contract represents a small, tactical execution within GSA's broader strategy for efficient hardware procurement. GSA utilizes mechanisms like Basic Purchasing Agreements (BPAs) and Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) to consolidate agency needs, leverage buying power, and streamline the acquisition process for common goods. This specific BPA call for rolling carts exemplifies how agencies can quickly obtain necessary supplies through pre-competed agreements, reducing administrative burden and ensuring timely delivery. It aligns with GSA's goal of providing cost-effective solutions and supporting agency operational readiness through a diverse range of readily available 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: $36,419

Exercised Options: $36,419

Current Obligation: $36,419

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline