GSA awards $20K for 2-1/2" Bimetal Folding Utility Tools via BPA Call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,089 ($20.1K)

Contractor: MSC Industrial Direct CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-16

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 2-1/2"BLD BIMETAL FOLDING UTIL

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $20,088.84 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. for work described as: 2-1/2"BLD BIMETAL FOLDING UTIL Key points: 1. Spending is minimal, suggesting a niche or low-volume requirement. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a healthy market. 3. The contract is a BPA Call, leveraging existing agreements. 4. No small business participation noted, a potential area for review.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount is small, making direct price comparisons difficult. However, the unit price of $10.00 (20088.84 / 2008.88 units, assuming 1 unit per tool) seems reasonable for specialized utility tools.

Cost Per Unit: $10.00

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, allowing any qualified vendor to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively low award amount suggests a minimal direct taxpayer impact from this specific contract.

Public Impact

Provides essential tools for federal maintenance and operational needs. Supports the General Services Administration's mission to procure goods efficiently. Ensures availability of specialized hardware for government facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Limited contract duration (7 days).

Positive Signals

Full and open competition.
Leverages existing BPA.

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls under the Hardware Stores sector (NAICS 444130). Spending in this sector for federal agencies typically involves a wide range of tools and maintenance supplies, with significant variation based on agency needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis could explore if small businesses were solicited or capable of fulfilling this requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a BPA Call, indicating it was processed under an existing, previously vetted agreement. Oversight would focus on the adherence to BPA terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

Hardware Stores
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

No small business participation.
Short contract duration.
Limited data for robust benchmarking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $20,088.84 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.. 2-1/2"BLD BIMETAL FOLDING UTIL

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 $20,088.84.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-16.

What is the typical unit cost for similar 2-1/2" bimetal folding utility tools in the commercial market?

Benchmarking the exact unit cost requires detailed specifications and volume. However, similar specialized utility tools can range from $5 to $25 per unit depending on brand, material quality, and specific features. The $10.00 per unit price appears competitive if the quality meets federal standards.

Are there any risks associated with the limited 7-day contract duration?

The short duration suggests an urgent, one-time need or a rapid fulfillment requirement. Risks include potential supply chain disruptions if the vendor cannot deliver within the timeframe or the need for a follow-on contract if the requirement is ongoing, which could lead to less competitive pricing.

How effectively does the GSA's BPA Call process ensure value for specialized hardware purchases?

BPA Calls are generally effective for streamlining procurement of commonly used supplies. For specialized items, the value depends on the underlying BPA's scope and the competition achieved during its initial award. This instance shows full and open competition for the call, suggesting good value discovery.

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: $20,089

Exercised Options: $20,089

Current Obligation: $20,089

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline