GSA awards $3.36M for aircraft solvent wipers, highlighting a niche but essential supply chain need

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,363 ($3.4K)

Contractor: M-80 Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800

Place of Performance

Location: AIEA, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96701

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,363.28 to M-80 SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aircraft-grade cleaning materials. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a short duration and firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is a delivery order against a larger contract, implying established supplier relationships. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader 'Other Warehousing and Storage' category, but specifically serves aviation maintenance needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The unit price for 800 cloths is approximately $3.00, which seems competitive for specialized aircraft cleaning supplies. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for cleaning materials shows a range, but this specific item's technical specifications (Type I-Untreated, Class 7-Aircraft Solvent Wiper) justify a potentially higher cost than general-purpose wipes. The total award amount of $3.36 million over three years for this specific item suggests a consistent demand for these specialized materials.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, which is generally favorable for price discovery. However, the specific nature of aircraft solvent wipers might limit the number of qualified suppliers, potentially impacting the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices for essential government supplies.

Public Impact

Aviation maintenance personnel across federal agencies will benefit from access to these specialized cleaning cloths. The contract ensures the availability of critical supplies for maintaining aircraft safety and operational readiness. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting federal aviation operations wherever they are located. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily supporting the logistics and supply chain for maintenance crews.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited supplier pool due to specialized product requirements.
Ensuring consistent quality control for aircraft-specific cleaning materials.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term price risk.

Sector Analysis

The market for specialized cleaning supplies, particularly those meeting stringent aviation specifications, is a niche within the broader industrial supplies sector. While the NAICS code 'Other Warehousing and Storage' is broad, this contract addresses a specific need for high-performance cleaning materials essential for aircraft maintenance. Comparable spending benchmarks for general cleaning supplies are not directly applicable due to the specialized nature of these aircraft solvent wipers.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of aircraft solvent wipers, it is possible that the primary manufacturers or distributors are larger entities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would include standard contract administration procedures, performance monitoring, and ensuring compliance with the contract terms and specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, and the Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction in cases of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Maintenance Supplies
Department of Defense (DoD) Aircraft Cleaning Materials
General Services Administration (GSA) Industrial Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential for limited supplier base
Ensuring adherence to strict material specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,363.28 to M-80 SYSTEMS, INC.. CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M-80 SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,363.28.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-04-13.

What is the historical spending pattern for aircraft solvent wipers by the federal government?

Historical spending data for this highly specific item (aircraft solvent wipers, Type I-Untreated, Class 7) is not readily available in aggregated public databases. Federal agencies typically procure such specialized items through broader categories like 'cleaning supplies' or 'maintenance materials.' The current award of $3.36 million over three years suggests a consistent, albeit niche, demand. To understand historical patterns, one would need to analyze individual agency procurement records or contract vehicles that specifically list these wipers, which is a complex data aggregation task. The existence of this delivery order implies a preceding contract or indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle that has been in place, suggesting some level of ongoing historical requirement.

How does the unit price of these aircraft solvent wipers compare to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cleaning wipes?

Direct comparison to standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cleaning wipes is challenging due to the specialized specifications of these aircraft solvent wipers (Type I-Untreated, Class 7-Aircraft Solvent Wiper, meeting Federal Spec. CCC-C-46D). COTS wipes are generally produced for broader industrial or consumer use and do not meet the stringent requirements for aircraft solvent resistance, material integrity, or lint-free properties demanded in aviation. While a box of 800 of these specialized wipers costs approximately $3.00 per box (or $0.00375 per wiper), general-purpose industrial wipes might cost less per unit. However, the cost difference is justified by the performance and safety standards required for aviation maintenance, making a direct price-per-unit comparison misleading without considering the technical specifications and intended use.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and its performance?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. One potential risk is supply chain disruption, as specialized materials may have fewer manufacturers, making them vulnerable to production issues or raw material shortages. Another risk is ensuring consistent quality control; deviations from the strict federal specifications (CCC-C-46D) could compromise aircraft maintenance and safety. However, the firm fixed-price contract type and short duration (3 years) mitigate financial risks for the government. The fact that it's a delivery order against a potentially larger contract also suggests a level of established supplier reliability. The limited number of bidders, while indicating competition, could also point to a concentrated market, increasing reliance on a few suppliers.

What is the expected impact of this contract on aircraft maintenance efficiency and safety?

This contract is expected to have a positive impact on aircraft maintenance efficiency and safety by ensuring a reliable supply of critical cleaning materials. Aircraft solvent wipers meeting specific federal standards are designed to effectively remove contaminants without damaging sensitive aircraft surfaces or components. Consistent availability of these wipers allows maintenance crews to perform routine cleaning and address spills or contamination promptly, which is crucial for preventing corrosion and ensuring the structural integrity of aircraft. By adhering to strict specifications, these wipers contribute directly to maintaining the high safety standards required in the aviation industry, reducing the risk of material-related failures during flight operations.

How does the GSA's role in procuring these specialized supplies benefit federal agencies?

The GSA's role in procuring specialized supplies like these aircraft solvent wipers offers significant benefits to federal agencies. By leveraging its purchasing power and expertise, GSA can negotiate favorable pricing and terms that individual agencies might not achieve on their own. GSA's established contracting vehicles and processes streamline procurement, saving agencies time and administrative resources. Furthermore, GSA ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations and specifications, providing agencies with confidence in the quality and suitability of the procured items. This allows agencies to focus on their core missions rather than expending effort on complex procurement processes for essential but non-core operational items.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 176 W MARINE CORPS DR, ASAN, GU, 96910

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,363

Exercised Options: $3,363

Current Obligation: $3,363

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline