GSA awards $3,161 contract for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to TAPESOUTH INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,162 ($3.2K)

Contractor: Tapesouth Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-28

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $117/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI, ADHESIVE: ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE OVERALL WIDTH 2.00 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 60.0 YARDS (PER ROLL) OVERALL MATERIAL PLASTICMATERIAL TRANSPARENCY OPAQUE USAGE DESIGN CHEM-TAPE 2IS USED FOR LIQUID CHEMICAL SPLASH

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32653

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,161.76 to TAPESOUTH INC for work described as: TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI, ADHESIVE: ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE OVERALL WIDTH 2.00 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 60.0 YARDS (PER ROLL) OVERALL MATERIAL PLASTICMATERIAL TRANSPARENCY OPAQUE USAGE DESIGN CHEM-TAPE 2IS USED FOR LIQUID CHEMICAL SPLASH Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a short contract duration and fixed-price structure mitigating some financial risks. 4. Performance context is limited to a specific product: pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for chemical splash protection. 5. Sector positioning is within the office supplies manufacturing sub-sector, a common area for federal procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3,161.76 for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is relatively small. Benchmarking per-unit costs is difficult without more detailed specifications and market data. However, the fixed-price with economic price adjustment (FPEPA) contract type suggests an attempt to balance cost certainty with market fluctuations. Compared to larger, multi-year contracts for similar supplies, this appears to be a standard, low-value procurement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded for reasons not detailed in the provided data. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition. However, the 'full and open' designation generally aims for the widest possible participation.

Taxpayer Impact: This procurement method, when effectively implemented, should allow taxpayers to benefit from competitive pricing. The exclusion of sources, if justified and transparent, should not negatively impact taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized adhesive tape for chemical splash protection will benefit from this contract. The service delivered is the provision of 2-inch wide, 60-yard rolls of opaque, plastic, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The geographic impact is likely concentrated in Florida, as indicated by the 'ST' and 'SN' fields. Workforce implications are minimal, likely affecting a small number of manufacturing and logistics personnel at TAPESOUTH INC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed specifications for the adhesive tape could lead to performance issues if not precisely met.
The 'economic price adjustment' clause introduces potential for cost increases over the contract term.
The exclusion of sources in a 'full and open' competition warrants further investigation into the justification.

Positive Signals

The contract is for a specific, potentially critical, safety supply.
The fixed-price element provides some cost control for the government.
The short duration (27 days) limits long-term financial exposure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial sector of manufacturing, specifically the sub-sector of office supplies (except paper) manufacturing, classified under NAICS code 339940. This sector encompasses a wide range of manufactured goods used in office environments. Federal spending in this area typically supports the operational needs of government agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks for specialized adhesive tapes are not readily available without more specific product details, but the overall market for industrial tapes is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). TAPESOUTH INC. is likely a small business itself, given the contract value, but the procurement was not formally designated as a small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or their impact on the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract structure, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics are not provided. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

General Supplies Procurement
Office Equipment and Supplies
Industrial Adhesives and Tapes

Risk Flags

Potential for increased costs due to Economic Price Adjustment.
Lack of clarity on the justification for excluding sources in competition.
Limited performance data available for contractor evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,161.76 to TAPESOUTH INC. TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI, ADHESIVE: ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE OVERALL WIDTH 2.00 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 60.0 YARDS (PER ROLL) OVERALL MATERIAL PLASTICMATERIAL TRANSPARENCY OPAQUE USAGE DESIGN CHEM-TAPE 2IS USED FOR LIQUID CHEMICAL SPLASH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TAPESOUTH INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,161.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-28.

What is the track record of TAPESOUTH INC. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for adhesive products?

Information regarding TAPESOUTH INC.'s specific track record with federal contracts is not provided in the given data. To assess their reliability, a review of their past performance on similar contracts, including on-time delivery, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms, would be necessary. This would typically involve consulting federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, performance evaluations (CPARS), and any documented disputes or corrective actions. Without this historical data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and past success in meeting government requirements.

How does the unit price of this adhesive tape compare to similar products purchased by the government or in the commercial market?

The provided data does not include unit pricing information (e.g., price per roll or per yard). The total award amount is $3,161.76 for an unspecified quantity of tape rolls. To compare unit prices, we would need to know the number of rolls or the total linear yards purchased. Once that quantity is known, the price per roll or per yard could be calculated and benchmarked against commercial catalog prices for similar industrial-grade, chemical-resistant adhesive tapes, as well as against other federal contracts for comparable items. The 'economic price adjustment' clause also complicates direct price comparisons over time.

What are the specific risks associated with the 'economic price adjustment' clause in this contract?

The 'economic price adjustment' (EPA) clause in this fixed-price contract allows for adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, typically related to labor or material costs. The primary risk to the government is potential cost increases over the contract period if these economic indicators rise significantly. This can lead to spending more than initially budgeted. The specific indices or formulas used for adjustment are crucial for assessing the magnitude of this risk. Without knowing these, it's hard to quantify, but it introduces an element of uncertainty in the final cost to taxpayers.

What is the intended use and criticality of this specific type of adhesive tape within the procuring agency?

The tape is described as 'CHEM-TAPE 2IS USED FOR LIQUID CHEMICAL SPLASH.' This indicates a specialized application likely related to safety and protective equipment within an agency that handles or is exposed to liquid chemicals. Its criticality would depend on the specific operational context – for instance, if it's essential for personal protective equipment (PPE) maintenance, sealing hazardous material containers, or in laboratory settings where chemical resistance is paramount. The short duration and specific nature suggest it might be for immediate or routine operational needs rather than a large-scale program requirement.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact overall cost savings for taxpayers compared to standard full and open competition?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method is a variation of full and open competition where, after an initial solicitation, certain sources are excluded. The impact on taxpayer savings depends heavily on the justification for excluding sources. If sources are excluded for valid, documented reasons (e.g., lack of capability, past performance issues, or specific technical requirements), and the remaining competition is robust, savings could still be realized. However, if sources are excluded arbitrarily or without clear justification, it could limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced savings for taxpayers compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

What is the typical annual federal spending on NAICS code 339940 (Office Supplies Manufacturing)?

Federal spending on NAICS code 339940, 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing,' encompasses a wide array of products beyond just adhesive tape, including items like pens, pencils, binders, staplers, and other general office consumables. While specific annual totals for this exact code can fluctuate, historical data from federal procurement databases suggests that agencies collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually across this category. This particular contract for adhesive tape represents a very small fraction of the total spending within this broad manufacturing sub-sector, highlighting its niche nature.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1626 NW 55TH PL, GAINESVILLE, FL, 32653

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,162

Exercised Options: $3,162

Current Obligation: $3,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC25D000E

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline