GSA awards $1.7M for 23DB DUAL LEAD COYOTE HEADSETS, with competition driving value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,968 ($17.0K)

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: $2.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: 23DB DUAL LEAD COYOTE FOLDABLE HEADSET

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $16,968 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. for work described as: 23DB DUAL LEAD COYOTE FOLDABLE HEADSET Key points: 1. Value for money appears strong given the firm fixed-price contract and competitive award. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy market for these hardware components. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short duration and fixed-price nature. 4. Performance context is limited by the short contract duration, suggesting a focused need. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader hardware and IT accessories market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract was awarded at a firm fixed price, which provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar hardware procurements suggests that the pricing is likely competitive, especially given the full and open competition. The total award amount of $1.7 million for a 7-day call order period indicates a reasonable unit cost for the specified headsets.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a robust competitive process. This level of competition is generally expected to lead to favorable pricing and a wider selection of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for necessary equipment and that funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring communication headsets will benefit from this procurement. The services delivered include the provision of specialized hardware for operational use. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting federal operations nationwide. Workforce implications include enabling communication for personnel in various federal roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence of technology in future procurements.
Dependence on a single supplier if market concentration increases.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating broad market availability.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Short duration minimizes long-term commitment and allows for reassessment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Hardware sector, specifically concerning communication peripherals. The market for such equipment is competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. Spending benchmarks for similar communication hardware vary widely based on features and volume, but this award appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized headsets.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC., is a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the supply chain for these headsets.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service oversees this contract. Oversight is typically managed through contract administration and performance monitoring. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

Communication Equipment Procurement
IT Hardware and Peripherals
General Services Administration Schedules

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence
Limited performance data available for this specific call order

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $16,968 to MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.. 23DB DUAL LEAD COYOTE FOLDABLE HEADSET

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 $16,968.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. in supplying similar communication hardware to the federal government?

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. is a large, established supplier of industrial and metalworking products, including a wide range of tools, fasteners, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies. While their primary focus is often on industrial equipment, they do carry a significant catalog of IT and electronic accessories, which can include communication devices like headsets. Their federal contracting history, managed through the General Services Administration (GSA), indicates experience in fulfilling government orders. However, specific data on their past performance solely for '23DB DUAL LEAD COYOTE FOLDABLE HEADSET' or highly specialized communication gear is not readily available in this summary. Their ability to secure this contract suggests they meet the technical and delivery requirements, likely through their extensive distribution network and existing government purchasing agreements.

How does the unit cost of these headsets compare to commercially available similar products?

Direct comparison of unit cost is challenging without knowing the exact specifications and bulk pricing negotiated. The total award of $1.7 million over a 7-day period for an unspecified quantity of '23DB DUAL LEAD COYOTE FOLDABLE HEADSETS' suggests a significant number of units were procured. If we assume a high volume, the per-unit cost could be relatively low. However, specialized features for military or specific operational use can drive prices higher than standard commercial headsets. MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. operates under GSA schedules, which aim for fair and reasonable pricing, often reflecting negotiated discounts. A detailed analysis would require comparing the specific model's features against market prices from other large distributors and considering any government-specific modifications or certifications.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. The short duration (7 days) minimizes long-term commitment and exposure to market fluctuations or technological obsolescence. The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract structure shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. Potential risks include the possibility that the specific model of headset may not meet evolving operational needs if requirements change rapidly, or that the supply chain for this particular model could face disruptions, though the contractor's broad capabilities likely mitigate this. Given the full and open competition, the risk of vendor lock-in or inadequate competition is also minimized.

What does the 'BPA CALL' award type signify for program effectiveness?

A 'BPA CALL' signifies that this contract is a task order placed against a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are established to streamline the procurement of commonly purchased items or services from specific vendors, often under existing GSA Schedules. A 'call' or 'task order' is the specific order placed against that BPA. This award type suggests that the General Services Administration (GSA) has already established a foundational agreement with MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. that outlines terms and conditions. The effectiveness of this specific call order relies on the underlying BPA being well-structured and the chosen vendor being reliable. This method generally enhances efficiency and reduces administrative burden for recurring needs, contributing to program effectiveness by ensuring timely access to necessary equipment.

How does the NAICS code 444130 (Hardware Stores) align with the procurement of specialized headsets?

The NAICS code 444130, 'Hardware Stores,' typically covers establishments primarily engaged in retailing hardware, plumbing, and heating equipment and supplies. While seemingly broad, many large hardware retailers and industrial suppliers (like MSC Industrial Direct) also distribute a wide array of related products, including tools, safety equipment, and electronic accessories that can encompass communication devices. The classification suggests that the government is sourcing these headsets through a vendor whose business model includes hardware distribution, potentially leveraging their established supply chains and purchasing power for such items. It indicates the procurement channel is through a retail or wholesale hardware distribution network rather than a specialized electronics manufacturer directly.

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: $16,968

Exercised Options: $16,968

Current Obligation: $16,968

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline