GSA Awards $4M Contract for Nonmetallic Treads to National Industries for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,014 ($4.0K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-16

Contract Duration: 15 days

Daily Burn Rate: $268/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N

Place of Performance

Location: SHREVEPORT, CADDO County, LOUISIANA, 71103

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,013.5 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N Key points: 1. The contract is for nonmetallic treads, a niche product within the rubber manufacturing sector. 2. National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract value is $4.01 million over a 15-day period. 4. The award method is 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION', indicating a lack of competitive bidding.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Pricing information is not available for comparison. The contract is a firm fixed price, which can offer cost certainty but may not reflect the best possible price without competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning no other vendors were considered. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying more than necessary for these nonmetallic treads.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. The contract supports a specific organization, National Industries for the Blind, which has a social mission. The short duration of the contract (15 days) suggests an urgent or specific need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
Limited price discovery

Positive Signals

Supports a social enterprise
Firm fixed price contract

Sector Analysis

The award falls under 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' (NAICS 326299). Spending in this sector is generally moderate, but specific benchmarks for nonmetallic treads are not readily available.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, National Industries for the Blind, is a non-profit organization that employs individuals with blindness. While not a traditional small business, its mission aligns with supporting a specific population.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the government obtained fair value. Further review of the justification for 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' is recommended.

Related Government Programs

All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Sole-source award justification unclear
Potential for overpayment
Limited market research evident

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,013.5 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N

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 $4,013.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-16.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. A full justification would typically detail why only National Industries for the Blind could fulfill the requirement, such as unique capabilities, specific mandates, or urgent needs that preclude a competitive process. Without this detailed justification, it's difficult to assess the validity of the sole-source award.

What is the potential cost impact of this sole-source award on taxpayers?

Sole-source contracts often result in higher costs compared to competitive awards because the vendor faces no pressure to offer the lowest possible price. While the firm fixed price provides some cost certainty, the absence of competition means taxpayers may be paying a premium for the nonmetallic treads. The actual overpayment is unknown without a competitive benchmark.

How effective is this contract in meeting the government's needs for nonmetallic treads?

The effectiveness hinges on whether National Industries for the Blind can deliver the required nonmetallic treads within the specified timeframe and quality standards. Given the short 15-day duration, the contract appears to address an immediate or short-term need. The sole-source nature, however, raises concerns about whether alternative, potentially more cost-effective solutions were overlooked.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Rubber Product Manufacturing › All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE

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, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,014

Exercised Options: $4,014

Current Obligation: $4,014

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS03FCA001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline