GSA awards $5,366 for stationery kits, highlighting potential for price adjustments in fixed-price contracts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,367 ($5.4K)

Contractor: JL Darling, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $488/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT

Place of Performance

Location: FIFE, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98424

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,366.62 to JL DARLING, LLC for work described as: FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focus on specific needs rather than large-scale procurement. 2. The use of a Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FPEPA) contract type introduces potential for cost increases over the contract term. 3. Competition was full and open, indicating a healthy market for these supplies. 4. The award was a BPA Call, suggesting it was made against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. 5. The short duration of the contract (11 days) points to an immediate or short-term requirement. 6. The supplier, J.L. Darling, LLC, is a manufacturer in the stationery products sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5,366.62 for a stationery kit is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the kit's contents and quantity. However, the fixed-price with economic price adjustment clause warrants attention, as it allows for potential cost escalations. Compared to bulk office supply purchases, this per-kit pricing might be higher due to specialized components or packaging. The short duration suggests a specific, immediate need rather than a long-term strategic purchase.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This suggests a competitive market for the specified stationery kits. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which aims to secure the best possible price for the required goods. Open competition helps prevent inflated pricing that might occur with less competitive or sole-source awards.

Public Impact

Federal employees requiring specialized stationery kits for field operations or specific tasks will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of stationery supplies such as notebooks, printer paper, markers, and pens. The geographic impact is likely limited to the location where the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service requires these kits, with the awardee located in Washington state. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting the supply chain and logistics for the specific GSA office.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause could lead to costs exceeding initial estimates.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
Lack of detailed itemization for the kit makes precise value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring market access for potential bidders.
Supplier is a manufacturer, potentially offering direct sourcing benefits.
Contract is a BPA Call, indicating efficient use of an existing framework agreement.

Sector Analysis

The stationery and office supply market is a mature sector with numerous manufacturers and distributors. This contract falls under the Stationery Product Manufacturing (NAICS 322230) category. Spending in this area is generally consistent across government agencies for routine operational needs. While large-scale office supply contracts are common, specialized kits like this represent a niche within the broader market. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing pricing against similar pre-packaged kits or individual component costs from other government contracts or commercial catalogs.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, J.L. Darling, LLC, is listed as a manufacturer. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements related to small businesses for this specific award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely negligible given the nature and size of this particular procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA Call, it leverages an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement, which itself would have undergone a review process. Accountability is maintained through the fixed-price nature of the award, with the economic price adjustment clause requiring justification for any price changes. Transparency is supported by the public availability of contract awards.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies
Stationery Products
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
General Services Administration Procurement

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment Clause
Short Contract Duration
Limited Specificity of Kit Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,366.62 to JL DARLING, LLC. FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JL DARLING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,366.62.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-13.

What is the typical track record of J.L. Darling, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts?

J.L. Darling, LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for stationery and related supplies. Their awards often come through competitive processes, including GSA schedules and BPA calls. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their continued success in securing government business suggests a generally reliable performance history. It is advisable to review contract performance reports or CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) data, if available, for a more in-depth understanding of their past performance, including on-time delivery, quality of goods, and overall customer satisfaction. Their specialization in this product category indicates a focused expertise that can be beneficial for government agencies.

How does the pricing of this stationery kit compare to similar government or commercial offerings?

Direct comparison of the $5,366.62 total award value for the 'FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS' is challenging without a detailed breakdown of quantities and specific item types within the kit. However, the contract type, Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FPEPA), suggests that the base price might be set, with provisions for changes due to market fluctuations in raw materials or labor. Typically, pre-packaged kits can offer convenience but may come at a premium compared to purchasing individual components separately, especially in bulk. Benchmarking against other GSA Schedule offerings for similar kits or against commercial catalog prices for comparable items would be necessary for a thorough value assessment. The short duration and BPA Call nature might also influence pricing dynamics.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' contract type for this procurement?

The primary risk associated with the Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FPEPA) contract type for this stationery kit procurement is the potential for cost overruns beyond the initially anticipated $5,366.62. The 'economic price adjustment' clause allows the contractor, J.L. Darling, LLC, to seek an increase in the contract price based on specified economic factors, such as changes in the cost of raw materials (like paper or plastic for pens) or labor. While intended to protect contractors from unforeseen market volatility, this introduces uncertainty for the government regarding the final expenditure. If the economic indicators used for adjustment rise significantly, the total cost to the government could exceed what might have been achieved with a firm fixed price, especially if the contract duration were longer.

What does the 'BPA Call' award mechanism imply about this procurement?

The 'BPA Call' designation indicates that this contract was awarded as a task order or call against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are established by federal agencies to streamline the procurement of commonly purchased items or services from approved vendors, often leveraging existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or GSA Schedules. Awarding via a BPA Call suggests that J.L. Darling, LLC was likely an incumbent on a relevant BPA, and the General Services Administration (GSA) initiated this specific call to fulfill an immediate need for the described stationery kits. This method typically reduces administrative burden and lead time compared to a new, standalone procurement, implying efficiency in meeting the requirement.

Given the short duration (11 days), what does this suggest about the urgency or nature of the requirement?

The extremely short contract duration of 11 days (from award to potential completion, assuming the end date is the delivery date) strongly suggests an urgent or immediate operational need for the stationery kits. This timeframe is insufficient for a lengthy competitive solicitation and award process. It implies that the requirement was likely identified suddenly, or it represents a replenishment of critical supplies that ran low unexpectedly. The use of a BPA Call further supports this, as BPAs are designed to facilitate rapid fulfillment of recurring or urgent needs. This short window points away from long-term strategic planning and towards addressing a pressing, short-term demand.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Stationery Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2614 PACIFIC HWY E, FIFE, WA, 98424

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,367

Exercised Options: $5,367

Current Obligation: $5,367

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA22A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline