GSA awards $12.6K for office supplies to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. under a BPA call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,617 ($12.6K)

Contractor: THE Lighthouse for the Blind, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: BOOT,QUST4DGTRX,FS2,BLK,12

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98144

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $12,617.25 to THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INCORPORATED for work described as: BOOT,QUST4DGTRX,FS2,BLK,12 Key points: 1. The contract is for office supplies and stationery, a common government need. 2. Competition was limited as it was not competed under SAP. 3. The award is to a specific organization, raising questions about broader market access. 4. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment offers some cost protection.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is relatively small at $12,617.25. Benchmarking against similar office supply contracts is difficult without more specific item details, but the price appears within a reasonable range for specialized items.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a potential limitation in the competitive process. This method may not have explored the full range of available suppliers or pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value, but the lack of broad competition could represent a missed opportunity for cost savings.

Public Impact

Ensures supply of essential office items to government agencies. Supports a specific organization, potentially aligning with social or mission-oriented goals. Limited transparency on the specific items procured and their necessity.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of specific item details

Positive Signals

Supports a known entity
Fixed price with EPA provides some cost stability

Sector Analysis

The office supplies and stationery sector is a mature market with numerous suppliers. Government spending in this area is consistent, often utilizing GSA schedules and BPAs for efficiency. Benchmarks vary widely based on item specificity.

Small Business Impact

While the awardee is a specific organization, the contract type and value do not provide significant insights into broader small business participation in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a BPA call suggests an existing framework agreement. Oversight would focus on adherence to BPA terms and the justification for limited competition on this specific call.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies and Stationery Stores
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed itemization
Potential for above-market pricing
Unclear justification for procurement method

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $12,617.25 to THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INCORPORATED. BOOT,QUST4DGTRX,FS2,BLK,12

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12,617.25.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific office supplies were procured under this contract, and how do their prices compare to market rates for similar items?

The provided data does not detail the specific office supplies. To assess value, a breakdown of items like pens, paper, folders, and toner cartridges would be needed, along with their quantities. This would allow for a comparison against General Services Administration (GSA) schedule pricing or commercial catalog prices to determine if the $12,617.25 represents a fair market value for the goods received.

What was the justification for not competing this contract under SAP, and what risks does this pose to achieving the best value for taxpayers?

The justification for not competing under SAP is not provided. This lack of competition increases the risk of paying a higher price than available in the open market. It also limits transparency and the potential for discovering innovative or more cost-effective solutions from a wider pool of vendors.

How effectively does this contract meet the agency's needs for office supplies, considering the limited competition and fixed-price structure?

The contract's effectiveness in meeting agency needs is difficult to fully assess without knowing the specific requirements. However, the fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure aims to ensure supply continuity while mitigating significant price fluctuations. The limited competition suggests the agency may have had a specific need or relationship driving this award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores › Office Supplies and Stationery Stores

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2501 S PLUM ST, SEATTLE, WA, 98144

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: $12,617

Exercised Options: $12,617

Current Obligation: $12,617

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23FGA014

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline