GSA awards $14,055 contract for pine oil disinfectant, highlighting potential for bulk purchasing efficiencies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,055 ($14.1K)

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: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DISINFECTANT-DETERGENT,PINE OIL: 60% PINE OIL DISINFECTANT DETERGENT. REGISTERED AND LABELED INCOMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT(FIFRA). SIX (6) EACH,(1)GALLON BOTTLES PER BOX....

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $14,055 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: DISINFECTANT-DETERGENT,PINE OIL: 60% PINE OIL DISINFECTANT DETERGENT. REGISTERED AND LABELED INCOMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT(FIFRA). SIX (6) EACH,(1)GALLON BOTTLES PER BOX.... Key points: 1. The contract value of $14,055 for disinfectant suggests a relatively small-scale procurement, potentially missing out on volume discounts. 2. The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. The short duration of 7 days indicates a need for immediate supply rather than a long-term strategic sourcing effort. 4. Procurement through the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) implies adherence to established government purchasing procedures. 5. The product is registered under FIFRA, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. 6. The supplier, National Industries for the Blind, aligns with federal initiatives to support sheltered workshops and disabled individuals.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14,055 for 7 days of supply for disinfectant appears reasonable for a small quantity. However, without knowing the exact volume of disinfectant purchased (e.g., number of gallons), a direct comparison to market rates or similar contracts is difficult. The fixed-price nature offers predictability, but the lack of competitive bidding might have led to a higher price than could have been achieved through a more open process.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed openly, being awarded as a sole-source procurement. This means only one vendor, National Industries for the Blind, was considered. While sole-source awards can be justified for specific reasons (e.g., unique capabilities, emergency needs), the lack of competition typically limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for the government compared to an open bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure to drive down prices. The justification for a sole-source award needs to be robust to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring disinfectant for facilities will benefit from this supply. The service delivered is the provision of registered and labeled pine oil disinfectant. The geographic impact is likely limited to the specific agency or facility receiving the delivery within Virginia. The contract supports the mission of the National Industries for the Blind, providing employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition could lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
Limited information on the exact quantity and unit price makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Supports a social enterprise (National Industries for the Blind), aligning with federal social responsibility goals.
Ensures compliance with FIFRA regulations for the supplied product.
Fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.

Sector Analysis

The market for cleaning and sanitation supplies is vast and highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. Government procurement of such items is common, often through large-scale contracts managed by agencies like GSA or through specific agency requirements. This particular contract, however, appears to be a small, specific order rather than a large-scale strategic sourcing effort, suggesting it might be for a niche requirement or an immediate, localized need.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to National Industries for the Blind, which is not typically classified as a small business but rather a large non-profit organization focused on employing individuals with blindness. There is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements associated with this specific award. The focus here is on supporting a specific mission-driven organization.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA has established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and accountability. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies Procurement
National Industries for the Blind Contracts

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Limited Value for Money Assessment
Short Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $14,055 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. DISINFECTANT-DETERGENT,PINE OIL: 60% PINE OIL DISINFECTANT DETERGENT. REGISTERED AND LABELED INCOMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT(FIFRA). SIX (6) EACH,(1)GALLON BOTTLES PER BOX....

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 $14,055.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical unit cost for a gallon of 60% pine oil disinfectant, and how does this contract's implied unit cost compare?

Determining the exact unit cost from the provided data is challenging as the total contract value ($14,055) and duration (7 days) do not specify the quantity of disinfectant purchased. However, if we assume a standard 1-gallon bottle, and if this contract represented a significant volume, the implied cost per gallon would need to be benchmarked against commercial prices for similar FIFRA-registered 60% pine oil disinfectants. Market research suggests that commercial gallons of such disinfectants can range from $20 to $50 or more, depending on brand, concentration, and volume discounts. Without the quantity, a precise comparison is impossible, but the total value suggests a moderate quantity, making a direct comparison difficult without more data.

What are the specific justifications for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is often synonymous with a sole-source award. The specific justification is not detailed in the provided snippet. Typically, sole-source awards require a justification and approval (J&A) document outlining why full and open competition is not feasible. Common reasons include the existence of only one responsible source, urgent and compelling needs, or specific requirements that only one contractor can meet. Given the supplier is National Industries for the Blind, the justification might relate to specific government mandates or programs aimed at supporting this organization, or potentially a unique product formulation or service capability they exclusively offer.

How does the contract value of $14,055 compare to historical GSA spending on similar disinfectant products?

The contract value of $14,055 is relatively small in the context of overall GSA spending on cleaning and sanitation supplies. GSA manages numerous large-scale contracts, often through its Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), that procure these types of products in much larger volumes and dollar amounts, potentially reaching millions of dollars annually across various categories. This specific award appears to be a delivery order against a broader contract or a direct, smaller procurement. To compare, one would need to analyze historical GSA data for similar disinfectant categories (e.g., using PSC codes or keywords) to understand the typical range for individual delivery orders or smaller contracts versus larger, consolidated procurements.

What are the performance risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Performance risks for this contract are likely low given the nature of the product (disinfectant) and the short duration. Potential risks include delivery delays, product quality issues (e.g., not meeting FIFRA standards), or incorrect quantities being delivered. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract terms: the fixed-price nature incentivizes the contractor to deliver as specified to receive payment. GSA's oversight and the contractor's established role (National Industries for the Blind) suggest a degree of reliability. However, specific performance metrics or penalties are not detailed in the provided data, which could be a point of concern for ensuring optimal performance.

What is the track record of National Industries for the Blind as a federal contractor, particularly for disinfectant supplies?

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a long-standing partner of the federal government, primarily through the AbilityOne program, which mandates the procurement of products and services from non-profit agencies employing individuals with disabilities. NIB and its associated agencies have a significant track record of supplying various goods, including cleaning supplies, to federal agencies. While specific performance data for disinfectant supplies isn't detailed here, their extensive experience and established role within the federal procurement ecosystem suggest a generally reliable track record. Agencies often rely on NIB due to the social impact and compliance with procurement preferences for these organizations.

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: $14,055

Exercised Options: $14,055

Current Obligation: $14,055

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