GSA awards $24K for floor cable covers, highlighting potential for bulk purchasing efficiencies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,032 ($24.0K)

Contractor: MSC Industrial Direct CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 40-1/4FT 3CHAN ORG/BLK FLOOR CABLE COVER

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $24,032.35 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. for work described as: 40-1/4FT 3CHAN ORG/BLK FLOOR CABLE COVER Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting fair market pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and short duration. 4. Performance context is limited due to the short delivery window. 5. Sector positioning is within the general hardware and facilities maintenance domain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24,032.35 for floor cable covers seems appropriate for a specialized item. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule purchases for facility maintenance supplies suggests this price is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, and the short duration limits potential cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, likely through the GSA Schedule. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally ensures a competitive environment. The availability of multiple vendors through the schedule allows for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing and a wide selection of qualified vendors, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring cable management solutions will benefit from this contract. The service delivered is the provision of durable floor cable covers. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as GSA schedules serve federal agencies across the US. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and distribution of the product.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded via GSA Schedule, indicating pre-vetted vendors and pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type minimizes cost uncertainty.
Short duration limits exposure to market fluctuations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial supplies and hardware sector, specifically catering to facility maintenance and operational needs. The market for such items is competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. GSA Schedule contracts are a common mechanism for federal agencies to procure these types of goods efficiently, often leveraging aggregated demand for better pricing.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., is a large corporation. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as this award did not prioritize small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. The firm fixed-price contract and the use of the GSA Schedule, which involves pre-negotiated terms and conditions, offer a degree of accountability. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule
Facilities Maintenance Supplies
Office Equipment and Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $24,032.35 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.. 40-1/4FT 3CHAN ORG/BLK FLOOR CABLE COVER

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 $24,032.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the typical price range for similar floor cable covers procured through GSA Schedules?

The typical price range for floor cable covers procured through GSA Schedules can vary significantly based on material, size, durability, and quantity. For a basic, durable floor cable cover suitable for office environments, unit prices might range from $10 to $50. Larger, heavy-duty, or specialized covers designed for high-traffic areas or specific industrial applications could cost upwards of $100 per unit. The $24,032.35 award for 7 days suggests a bulk purchase or a specific type of cover. Without knowing the exact quantity and specifications, a precise comparison is difficult, but the total value indicates a substantial order or a higher-end product.

How does the firm fixed-price contract type benefit the government in this scenario?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is highly beneficial for the government in this scenario because it establishes a ceiling price that will not change, regardless of the contractor's actual costs. For a relatively straightforward item like floor cable covers, where costs are predictable, FFP provides the government with cost certainty and minimizes financial risk. The contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. This allows the agency to budget accurately and avoid unexpected increases in expenditure, making financial planning more reliable.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring hardware items like cable covers through a BPA Call?

While a BPA Call can streamline procurement, potential risks include ensuring the specific item meets all technical requirements and that the pricing remains competitive against other potential sources. If the Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) was not recently competed or if the call is for a very specific item, there's a slight risk of not achieving the best possible market price compared to a new, full-and-open competition. However, for established GSA Schedules, the initial competition is robust, mitigating much of this risk. Ensuring proper quality control and timely delivery are also standard procurement risks.

What does the short contract duration of 7 days imply for the procurement and delivery?

The extremely short contract duration of 7 days (from award to expiration) strongly suggests this was an urgent requirement for immediate delivery or a very specific, short-term need. It implies that the contractor had the item readily available in stock or could procure and deliver it extremely rapidly. This short timeframe limits the scope for extensive performance monitoring but also reduces the window for potential issues to arise. It points towards a need for rapid fulfillment rather than a long-term supply agreement.

How does the NAICS code 444130 (Hardware Stores) inform the analysis of this contract?

The NAICS code 444130, 'Hardware Stores,' indicates that the procured item falls under the general category of goods typically sold by retail hardware establishments. This suggests the floor cable covers are standard, commercially available products rather than highly specialized or custom-manufactured items. This classification supports the expectation of competitive pricing and readily available supply chains, as the hardware market is generally robust and accessible. It implies the government is leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions.

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: $24,032

Exercised Options: $24,032

Current Obligation: $24,032

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline