GSA awards $32K contract for hand sanitizer to National Industries for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,017 ($32.0K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-08

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SANITIZER,HAND

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $32,016.6 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: SANITIZER,HAND Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a non-profit organization dedicated to employing blind individuals. 2. Limited competition due to the specific nature of the awardee. 3. Potential for higher unit costs compared to open market due to limited competition. 4. Sector is primarily wholesale trade of equipment and supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Pricing is not explicitly benchmarked against similar contracts. The firm fixed price suggests cost certainty, but without competitive data, value assessment is limited.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, likely due to specific requirements or existing relationships. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this purchase, and the lack of competition may result in a less than optimal price.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential supplies like hand sanitizer. Supports employment opportunities for individuals who are blind. Government procurement process is utilized to meet agency needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited price transparency

Positive Signals

Supports a social mission
Meets agency supply needs

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the wholesale trade sector for equipment and supplies. Spending benchmarks for hand sanitizer procurement vary widely based on volume and specific product requirements.

Small Business Impact

While the awardee is a non-profit, it is not a small business. The contract does not appear to have specific provisions for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract. Accountability is maintained through contract terms and performance monitoring, though competition is limited.

Related Government Programs

Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for above-market pricing
Lack of transparent price discovery
Contract duration is short

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $32,016.6 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. SANITIZER,HAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32,016.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-08.

What is the value proposition of this contract given the limited competition?

The primary value proposition lies in supporting the mission of the National Industries for the Blind, which provides employment for blind individuals. While direct cost savings from competition are absent, the contract fulfills a government need while contributing to a social objective.

What are the key risks associated with this limited competition award?

The main risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive bidding. There's also a risk that the specific product may not be the most cost-effective or highest quality available on the open market, impacting overall value for taxpayer dollars.

How effective is this contract in meeting the agency's needs for hand sanitizer?

The contract is likely effective in meeting the agency's immediate need for hand sanitizer, as it specifies a delivery order with a defined period. However, the long-term effectiveness in terms of sustained supply and cost management is less clear without competitive benchmarks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: CLEANING EQPT AND SUPPLIES

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: 3000 POTOMAC AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22305

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: $32,017

Exercised Options: $32,017

Current Obligation: $32,017

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA22D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline