GSA's $5.3M contract for 24-pack AAA batteries awarded to W.W. Grainger, Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $53,361 ($53.4K)

Contractor: W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: BATTERY, ALKALINE, AAA, EVERYDAY, PK24

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE FOREST, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60045

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $53,361 to W.W. GRAINGER, INC. for work described as: BATTERY, ALKALINE, AAA, EVERYDAY, PK24 Key points: 1. Contract value is $5,336,100 for AAA batteries. 2. W.W. Grainger, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Competition type is full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The sector is primarily related to office supplies and general procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's fixed price with economic price adjustment suggests potential for cost fluctuations. Benchmarking against similar bulk battery purchases would be necessary for a precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors could bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for the procurement of essential battery supplies for government agencies.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential AAA batteries for federal agencies. Supports government operations by providing necessary supplies. Potential for cost savings through competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause may lead to cost increases.
Lack of specific unit cost data makes direct comparison difficult.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Established vendor with a history of government contracts.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls under general office supplies, a common category for federal agencies. Benchmarks for bulk battery purchases vary widely based on quantity, brand, and contract terms.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) manages this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service, adhering to federal procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

Home Centers
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause
Lack of specific quantity and unit cost data
Potential for price increases due to market fluctuations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $53,361 to W.W. GRAINGER, INC.. BATTERY, ALKALINE, AAA, EVERYDAY, PK24

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is W.W. GRAINGER, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $53,361.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the expected unit cost for these AAA batteries?

The provided data does not specify the unit cost. The total award value is $5,336,100 for an unspecified quantity of 24-packs. A detailed breakdown of the quantity ordered is needed to calculate the approximate unit cost and compare it against market rates for bulk AAA battery purchases.

What are the risks associated with the economic price adjustment clause?

The economic price adjustment (EPA) clause allows for price changes based on fluctuations in market indices or costs of raw materials. This introduces risk for the government, as the final cost could exceed initial projections if inflation or supply chain issues drive up battery prices significantly.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for this battery contract?

Full and open competition is generally effective in driving competitive pricing. However, the ultimate effectiveness depends on the number and competitiveness of the bids received, the clarity of the requirements, and the negotiation leverage of the contracting agency. Without knowing the bid landscape, it's hard to definitively assess effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Building Material and Supplies Dealers › Home Centers

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100, GRAINGER PARKWAY, LAKE FOREST, IL, 60045

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $53,361

Exercised Options: $53,361

Current Obligation: $53,361

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline