GSA awards $5,795.90 for air filters, raising questions about competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,796 ($5.8K)

Contractor: Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-15

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $828/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13

Place of Performance

Location: ROCK ISLAND, ROCK ISLAND County, ILLINOIS, 61201

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,795.9 to WINSTON-SALEM INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND INC for work described as: AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13 Key points: 1. Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and lack of market price discovery. 2. The short duration of the contract (7 days) suggests a tactical or immediate need rather than a strategic procurement. 3. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call indicates a pre-negotiated framework, but the specific call's terms warrant scrutiny. 4. The contractor, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc., has a specific mission, which may influence pricing dynamics. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 444130 points to hardware stores, a broad category for specialized components. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty but does not inherently guarantee value for money.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this specific air filter and converter cartridge is challenging without detailed specifications and quantity. However, the contract value of $5,795.90 for a 7-day period appears high for what might be considered a standard supply item. The lack of competitive bidding further complicates a direct value assessment, as there is no market-driven price comparison. Without more information on the exact product and its intended use, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a fair price compared to similar contracts or market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was noted as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), and the award type is a BPA Call. This suggests that while a broader BPA might have been competed, this specific call-off was not openly competed. The absence of explicit competition details for this call makes it difficult to assess the number of bidders or the process used. This lack of transparency in the competition for this specific call raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible pricing and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of open competition for this specific BPA call means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing available in the market. Without a competitive process, there's a risk that the price paid was higher than it would have been if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is likely the agency utilizing the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service for hardware supplies. The contract delivers essential components, identified as 'AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13', crucial for operational readiness. The geographic impact is localized to Illinois (ST: IL, SN: ILLINOIS), where the supplies are presumably delivered or utilized. Workforce implications are minimal, as this appears to be a supply contract rather than a service requiring significant labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competitive bidding for this specific BPA call limits price discovery.
The high unit cost, implied by the total award for a short duration, warrants further investigation.
The broad NAICS code (Hardware Stores) may obscure the specialized nature of the item procured.
The short contract duration raises questions about the urgency and planning of the procurement.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc., supporting a mission-oriented organization.
The use of a BPA framework can streamline future procurements for similar items.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Hardware Stores' sector (NAICS 444130), which encompasses a wide range of retail establishments selling building materials, hardware, and related supplies. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, covering everything from basic tools to specialized components. The General Services Administration (GSA) plays a significant role in procuring such goods through various mechanisms, including BPAs, to serve federal agencies efficiently. Benchmarking this specific item's cost is difficult without more detail, but overall federal spending on maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies is a significant portion of the federal budget.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc. While this entity serves a specific social mission, the data does not indicate if this was a small business set-aside or if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were a consideration. The 'sb' field is false, suggesting it was not a small business set-aside. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting plans were required or fulfilled.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA Call, it operates under the umbrella of a potentially larger, previously competed BPA. Transparency is limited due to the lack of detailed competition information for this specific call. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service Contracts
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) Supplies Procurement
Hardware and Building Materials Procurement

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Limited Transparency
Unclear Justification for Non-Competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,795.9 to WINSTON-SALEM INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND INC. AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WINSTON-SALEM INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,795.9.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-15.

What is the specific technical specification and intended use of the 'AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13'?

The provided data does not contain the specific technical specifications or intended use for the 'AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13'. The NAICS code 444130 (Hardware Stores) suggests it is a commercially available item. However, without further details, it is impossible to determine if this is a standard off-the-shelf component or a highly specialized part. Understanding the technical requirements is crucial for assessing whether the price paid was reasonable and if the competition, or lack thereof, was appropriate for the item's complexity and market availability.

How does the price of $5,795.90 for a 7-day contract compare to market rates for similar air filters or converter cartridges?

Directly comparing the price of $5,795.90 for a 7-day contract is difficult without knowing the quantity and specific model of the 'AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13'. If this amount represents the total value for a small quantity of filters needed urgently, it might be justifiable. However, if it implies a high unit cost or a large quantity procured over a short period, it could indicate a lack of value. The absence of competitive bidding prevents a direct market comparison. Typically, hardware items of this nature, when procured competitively in bulk, would have significantly lower unit costs than what this total award might suggest if it were for a few items.

What was the rationale for not competing this specific BPA Call under standard procedures?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded as a 'BPA CALL'. The rationale for not competing this specific call under standard procedures is not provided. It's possible that the underlying BPA had provisions allowing for non-competitive call-offs under certain conditions, or perhaps the procurement was deemed an emergency or sole-source situation not requiring full competition. However, without explicit documentation or justification from the GSA, the reason remains unclear, raising concerns about adherence to best practices for competition and taxpayer value.

What is the track record of Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts for similar hardware components?

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc. is an organization that provides employment opportunities for individuals who are blind. While their mission is commendable, their track record specifically for fulfilling federal contracts for 'AIR FILTER, CONVERTER CARTRIDGE 0719-13' or similar hardware components is not detailed in the provided data. Federal procurement databases would need to be consulted to assess their past performance, delivery timeliness, quality of goods, and overall reliability in supplying such items. The focus on their mission may sometimes influence pricing structures compared to purely commercial entities.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring hardware components through a non-competed BPA Call?

The primary risks associated with procuring hardware components through a non-competed BPA Call include potential overpayment due to the lack of price competition, reduced incentive for the contractor to offer the best value, and a lack of transparency in the procurement process. Taxpayers may bear a higher cost than necessary. Additionally, there's a risk that the specific item procured may not be the most suitable or cost-effective solution available in the market if alternatives were not explored. Ensuring proper justification and documentation for non-competitive actions is critical to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract fit into the broader spending patterns of the General Services Administration for hardware and MRO supplies?

This contract represents a small, specific procurement within the vast spending portfolio of the General Services Administration (GSA) for hardware and Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) supplies. GSA manages numerous BPAs and other contract vehicles to provide a wide array of goods and services to federal agencies. While this $5,795.90 award is minor in the context of GSA's overall budget, its characteristics—particularly the non-competed nature and short duration—may reflect broader trends or specific agency needs. Analyzing this contract alongside other similar procurements could reveal patterns in how GSA approaches urgent needs or specialized item acquisitions.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEASURING TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7730 NORTH POINT BLVD, WINSTON SALEM, NC, 27106

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,796

Exercised Options: $5,796

Current Obligation: $5,796

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23FGA043

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline