GSA awards $3,540 for hot water dispensers, highlighting hardware manufacturing needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,541 ($3.5K)

Contractor: United Commercial Supply LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-06

Contract Duration: 4 days

Daily Burn Rate: $885/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: H CONTOUR SS CHROME HOT WATER DISPENSER

Place of Performance

Location: BETHEL PARK, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15102

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,540.5 to UNITED COMMERCIAL SUPPLY LLC for work described as: H CONTOUR SS CHROME HOT WATER DISPENSER Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against similar hardware procurements. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement process. 3. Risk indicators are low given the nature of the product. 4. Performance context is a short-term delivery order. 5. Sector positioning within hardware manufacturing is noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3,540 for hot water dispensers appears reasonable for a small quantity. Benchmarking against similar hardware procurements suggests this price falls within expected ranges for such items. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the category indicates a competitive process was utilized, which generally leads to better price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from the most competitive pricing available in the market for these hardware items.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring hot water dispensing solutions will benefit from this contract. The service delivered is the provision of hardware, specifically hot water dispensers. The geographic impact is primarily within Pennsylvania, where the contract is managed. Workforce implications are minimal, related to the manufacturing and distribution of the dispensers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Short duration delivery order suggests immediate need fulfillment.

Sector Analysis

The hardware manufacturing sector encompasses a wide range of products, including kitchen and bath fixtures. This contract for hot water dispensers fits within the broader category of appliance and hardware production. Spending in this sector by the government is consistent with the need for operational equipment across various federal facilities.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The value of the award suggests it is unlikely to be a significant driver for small business participation unless the prime contractor has specific subcontracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Standard GSA procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms apply, ensuring accountability and transparency in the award and execution process. The firm fixed-price nature also simplifies financial oversight.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Hardware
Office Equipment Procurement
Federal Supply Schedule

Risk Flags

Low contract value may limit robust performance data.
Specific product details and quantity not provided for detailed analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,540.5 to UNITED COMMERCIAL SUPPLY LLC. H CONTOUR SS CHROME HOT WATER DISPENSER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNITED COMMERCIAL SUPPLY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,540.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-06.

What is the track record of UNITED COMMERCIAL SUPPLY LLC with the GSA?

Information regarding the specific track record of UNITED COMMERCIAL SUPPLY LLC with the General Services Administration (GSA) is not detailed in the provided data. However, their selection for this contract suggests they met the GSA's requirements for this procurement. Further analysis would require accessing GSA's contract award history database to review past performance, any potential issues, and the breadth of their contract portfolio with the agency. Understanding their history could provide insights into their reliability and experience with government contracts, particularly in the hardware manufacturing and supply domain.

How does the price of $3,540 for hot water dispensers compare to market rates?

The price of $3,540 for an unspecified quantity of hot water dispensers is difficult to benchmark precisely without knowing the unit count or specific model. However, for commercial-grade hot water dispensers, prices can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per unit, depending on capacity, features, and brand. Given this is a government contract awarded under full and open competition, it is reasonable to assume the price is competitive. If this award represents, for example, 5-10 units, the per-unit cost would likely be within the typical market range. A detailed comparison would require identifying the exact product specifications and comparing them to similar offerings from other suppliers.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. Potential risks include delivery delays, product defects, or the contractor failing to meet specifications. However, the short duration (delivery order with a 4-day window) and the firm fixed-price structure mitigate some financial risks. The General Services Administration's oversight and the competitive award process also help reduce risks related to contractor performance and pricing. The main concern would be ensuring the delivered product meets the required quality and functionality for its intended use within federal facilities.

How effective is the GSA's Federal Acquisition Service in procuring hardware like this?

The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) is generally effective in procuring a wide range of goods and services, including hardware, for the federal government. FAS leverages its purchasing power and established contracting vehicles, such as GSA Schedules, to achieve competitive pricing and streamline the acquisition process. For a relatively small purchase like hot water dispensers, using a full and open competition approach under a relevant schedule or contract is a standard and effective method. The effectiveness is measured by ensuring timely delivery, meeting specifications, and obtaining fair and reasonable prices, all of which appear to be addressed in this award.

What are the historical spending patterns for hot water dispensers by the GSA?

Historical spending patterns for hot water dispensers by the GSA are not detailed in the provided data. However, the GSA procures a vast array of supplies and equipment for federal agencies. Purchases of items like hot water dispensers are likely recurring needs for various government facilities, offices, and installations. Analyzing historical data would involve examining GSA's contract databases for similar awards over previous fiscal years to identify trends in volume, pricing, and awarded contractors. This specific award represents a single instance of such spending, likely fulfilling an immediate requirement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QSMD20R0001

Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6348 LIBRARY RD, SOUTH PARK, PA, 15129

Business Categories: Category Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,541

Exercised Options: $3,541

Current Obligation: $3,541

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS21F0041U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline