GSA awards $4.2M for nitrile gloves, highlighting potential for cost savings in disposable medical supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,205 ($4.2K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GLOVES,DISPOSABLE,NITRILE:AMBIDEXTROUS,POWDER- FREE,LATEX-FREE,INDUSTRIAL GRADE,NITRILE GLOVES FOR GENERAL PURPOSE USE. NITRILE SHALL BE SOFT FORMULATION ALLOWS GLOVES TO CONFORM TO HAND. 4 MILS THICK, MIN. MEDIUM, 9 1/2 IN, DISPENSER BOX. U/I BX (10

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,204.8 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: GLOVES,DISPOSABLE,NITRILE:AMBIDEXTROUS,POWDER- FREE,LATEX-FREE,INDUSTRIAL GRADE,NITRILE GLOVES FOR GENERAL PURPOSE USE. NITRILE SHALL BE SOFT FORMULATION ALLOWS GLOVES TO CONFORM TO HAND. 4 MILS THICK, MIN. MEDIUM, 9 1/2 IN, DISPENSER BOX. U/I BX (10 Key points: 1. The contract for disposable nitrile gloves represents a significant investment in essential medical supplies. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract were limited, potentially impacting price discovery and value for money. 3. The short duration of the delivery order suggests a need for immediate supply rather than long-term strategic sourcing. 4. The industrial-grade nature of the gloves indicates suitability for a range of general-purpose applications beyond clinical settings. 5. This award falls within the broader category of warehousing and storage, underscoring the logistical aspects of federal procurement. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating risks associated with fluctuating market prices.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific details on the quantity of gloves purchased and the exact grade required. However, the price per box appears to be within a reasonable range for industrial-grade nitrile gloves, though potentially higher than bulk medical-grade supplies. Further analysis would require comparing this price to similar GSA Schedule contracts or open market purchases for equivalent specifications.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a potential limitation in the bidding process. This could be due to various factors, such as an existing contract vehicle or a specific requirement that only one vendor could meet. The lack of open competition means that the government may not have achieved the most competitive pricing possible, as fewer vendors had the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can lead to higher prices for taxpayers as the government may not benefit from the full range of pricing options that open competition would provide.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring disposable nitrile gloves for general-purpose use will benefit from this contract. The contract ensures the availability of essential supplies for various operational needs. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting federal facilities across different regions. Workforce implications include ensuring that personnel have access to necessary protective equipment for their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency regarding the reason for 'not available for competition' status.
Short delivery order duration might indicate reactive procurement rather than proactive planning.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Ensures availability of essential disposable gloves for federal use.
Contract awarded to a company with logistics and supply capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The market for disposable gloves, particularly nitrile, is substantial and driven by healthcare, industrial, and laboratory sectors. Federal agencies are significant consumers, relying on these supplies for safety and hygiene. This contract fits within the broader 'Other Warehousing and Storage' NAICS code, highlighting the logistical component of procuring such goods. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other GSA Schedule contracts for similar medical or industrial supplies.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as there is no specific provision to support small businesses through this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited by the 'not available for competition' status, making it difficult to assess the full procurement process. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Medical Supplies Procurement
Federal Warehousing and Logistics
Disposable Personal Protective Equipment

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Lack of Detailed Specifications
Potential for Price Inflation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,204.8 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. GLOVES,DISPOSABLE,NITRILE:AMBIDEXTROUS,POWDER- FREE,LATEX-FREE,INDUSTRIAL GRADE,NITRILE GLOVES FOR GENERAL PURPOSE USE. NITRILE SHALL BE SOFT FORMULATION ALLOWS GLOVES TO CONFORM TO HAND. 4 MILS THICK, MIN. MEDIUM, 9 1/2 IN, DISPENSER BOX. U/I BX (10

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,204.8.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific quantity of gloves being procured under this delivery order, and how does the unit price compare to similar GSA Schedule offerings for industrial-grade nitrile gloves?

The provided data does not specify the exact quantity of gloves. The total award amount is $4,204.80. To determine the unit price, we would need the quantity. For instance, if the unit of issue 'BX (10' refers to a box of 10 gloves, and assuming this is the quantity per unit, the price per glove would be $4204.80 / (number of units). Without the number of units (boxes), a precise per-unit cost cannot be calculated. However, comparing this to market rates for industrial-grade nitrile gloves, prices can range significantly based on thickness, size, and brand. A typical dispenser box of 100 gloves might cost between $10-$25. If this contract is for a large number of such boxes, the total value suggests a substantial quantity, and a detailed price comparison would be necessary to assess value for money.

What factors led to this contract being classified as 'not available for competition'?

The classification 'not available for competition' indicates that the contract was awarded without soliciting bids from multiple sources. Common reasons for this include: 1) Sole-source justification: The agency determined that only one responsible source could provide the required supplies or services. This might be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific compatibility requirements. 2) Existing contract vehicle: The award might be a delivery order against an existing GSA Schedule contract or another indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract where competition was previously conducted. 3) Emergency procurement: In rare cases of urgent and compelling need, competition may be waived. Without further details from the GSA or the contracting officer, the precise reason remains unspecified, but it implies a deviation from full and open competition.

What is the typical track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for medical or industrial supplies?

Information regarding the specific track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance ratings, contract history, and any reported issues or successes with previous government awards. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews would be the primary sources for this analysis. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and experience in delivering similar products to federal agencies. Their award of this delivery order suggests they are an approved vendor, likely through a GSA Schedule or similar contracting mechanism.

How does the 'industrial grade' specification for these nitrile gloves differ from 'medical grade', and what are the implications for their use and cost?

Industrial-grade nitrile gloves are typically designed for general-purpose protection against chemicals, punctures, and abrasions in non-healthcare settings like manufacturing, automotive repair, or janitorial services. They may have different standards for thickness, tensile strength, and barrier protection compared to medical-grade gloves. Medical-grade gloves, on the other hand, must meet stringent FDA requirements for barrier protection against pathogens and bodily fluids, often involving specific testing for pinholes and biocompatibility. While 'industrial grade' might imply lower cost due to less rigorous testing and potentially different material formulations, the specific requirements of this contract (e.g., 4 mils thickness) suggest a need for a certain level of durability. The implication is that these gloves are intended for general use within federal facilities where high-level sterile barrier protection isn't the primary concern, potentially offering cost savings over more specialized medical gloves.

What is the historical spending pattern for disposable nitrile gloves by the General Services Administration (GSA) or other federal agencies?

Historical spending data for disposable nitrile gloves by GSA and other federal agencies would reveal trends in demand, pricing, and procurement strategies. Analyzing past contracts would show whether spending has increased or decreased, which vendors have been awarded contracts, and the average prices paid over time. This information is crucial for benchmarking the current award and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities or areas where spending might be considered excessive. Such analysis typically involves querying federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov for contracts categorized under relevant NAICS codes (e.g., medical supplies, warehousing) and PSC codes related to gloves and protective equipment. Without access to this historical data, it's challenging to place the current $4.2 million award in a broader fiscal context.

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: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MARINA PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220, BOSTON, MA, 02210

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,205

Exercised Options: $4,205

Current Obligation: $4,205

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC25D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline