GSA awards $11.6K contract for Lexmark toner cartridges, highlighting standard yield and printer compatibility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,664 ($11.7K)

Contractor: Supplies NOW Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-09

Contract Duration: 6 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK INTL INC PN 78C00KG CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH LEXMARK LASER PRINTERS INCLUDING CX622ADE, CX625ADE, CX625ADHE, CX522ADE, CX421ADN

Place of Performance

Location: GREENACRES, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33463

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $11,663.55 to SUPPLIES NOW INC for work described as: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK INTL INC PN 78C00KG CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH LEXMARK LASER PRINTERS INCLUDING CX622ADE, CX625ADE, CX625ADHE, CX522ADE, CX421ADN Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against market rates for similar OEM toner cartridges. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low given the nature of the commodity and established supplier. 4. Performance context is a short-term call-off against a broader agreement. 5. Sector positioning is within the office supplies category, a mature and competitive market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11,663.55 for toner cartridges appears reasonable for a bulk purchase of OEM supplies. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for toner indicates that pricing for standard yield cartridges typically falls within a similar range, especially when considering the specific Lexmark PN 78C00KG. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure offers some protection against market fluctuations while maintaining cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the nature of the award implies a competitive process that allows for price discovery and selection of the best value. This approach is generally favored for commodity items where a wide range of suppliers can meet the requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best possible price for essential office supplies, preventing overpayment and ensuring efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

Federal agencies utilizing Lexmark printers, particularly those within the Florida region, will benefit from a reliable supply of toner. The contract ensures the continued operation of essential printing functions for administrative and operational tasks. Geographic impact is focused on Florida, where the supplies will be delivered. Workforce implications are minimal, as this is a supply contract rather than a service or labor-based award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause if market conditions shift unfavorably.
Dependence on a single OEM part number may limit flexibility if alternative compatible cartridges are sought in the future.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing was achieved.
Contract is for a standard, widely available commodity (toner), reducing supply chain risks.
Supplier 'SUPPLIES NOW INC' is likely experienced in providing office supplies to the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader office supplies sector, a mature market characterized by numerous manufacturers and distributors. Spending on office supplies by the federal government is substantial, with agencies procuring a wide range of items from paper and pens to printers and toner. This specific award for Lexmark toner cartridges represents a small but essential component of overall federal office equipment and supply expenditure, fitting within the General Services Administration's (GSA) role in facilitating such procurements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While there is no direct indication of subcontracting requirements, the award to 'SUPPLIES NOW INC' does not preclude them from utilizing small business subcontractors if it aligns with their business strategy. The primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be if 'SUPPLIES NOW INC' itself is a small business, which is not specified here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA call, it falls under the umbrella of the larger Blanket Purchase Agreement, which itself is subject to GSA's procurement regulations and oversight. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule 75 - Office Supplies and Printing
Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative for Office Supplies
General Services Administration (GSA) Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to EPA clause.
Limited duration of the contract may require follow-on procurements.
Dependence on specific OEM part number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $11,663.55 to SUPPLIES NOW INC. CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK INTL INC PN 78C00KG CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH LEXMARK LASER PRINTERS INCLUDING CX622ADE, CX625ADE, CX625ADHE, CX522ADE, CX421ADN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUPPLIES NOW INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,663.55.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-09.

What is the track record of SUPPLIES NOW INC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for office supplies?

Information regarding the specific track record of SUPPLIES NOW INC in fulfilling federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, their role as a supplier under a GSA BPA suggests they have met certain criteria to be awarded such an agreement. To fully assess their track record, a review of their past performance ratings on federal contract databases (like CPARS) and their history of delivering similar items would be necessary. This would provide insights into their reliability, quality of goods, and adherence to delivery schedules for government clients.

How does the unit price of these Lexmark toner cartridges compare to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pricing?

The provided data does not include the unit price for the toner cartridges, only the total contract value ($11,663.55) and duration (6 days). To compare with COTS pricing, the total value would need to be divided by the number of units purchased. Without the quantity, a direct unit price comparison is impossible. However, federal contracts often aim for pricing at or below market rates due to bulk purchasing power and competitive bidding. A thorough analysis would involve obtaining the quantity and comparing the resulting unit price against major office supply retailers and distributors for the specific Lexmark PN 78C00KG.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Economic Price Adjustment' clause in this contract?

The 'Economic Price Adjustment' (EPA) clause allows for modifications to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as inflation or changes in raw material costs. The primary risk for the government is that these adjustments could lead to an increase in the overall cost of the toner cartridges over the contract period, potentially exceeding initial budget estimates if market conditions trend upwards. Conversely, it can protect the contractor from losses if costs rise unexpectedly. The specific economic indicators and adjustment formulas within the EPA clause are crucial for assessing the magnitude of this risk.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in ensuring a consistent supply of toner for the specified Lexmark printers?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring a consistent supply hinges on several factors. Firstly, the contract is a BPA call, implying it's a rapid procurement against an existing agreement, suggesting a need for immediate supply. The short duration (April 9, 2026, end date) indicates it's likely for immediate or short-term needs rather than long-term stock. The supplier's ability to meet demand promptly and the reliability of the Lexmark printers themselves are key. Assuming 'SUPPLIES NOW INC' is a capable supplier and the demand is within the scope of the BPA, the contract should be effective for its intended short-term purpose.

How does this contract's value and scope compare to historical federal spending on similar toner cartridges?

The contract value of $11,663.55 is relatively small in the context of overall federal spending on office supplies and printer consumables. Federal agencies collectively spend billions annually on such items. This specific award represents a minor expenditure, likely for a single office or a small group of users within an agency. Historical spending patterns for toner cartridges vary widely based on agency size, printer fleet composition, and volume discounts negotiated. This contract's value suggests it's a routine replenishment purchase rather than a large-scale strategic acquisition.

What are the implications of this contract being awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' for price discovery?

Awarding this contract under 'Full and Open Competition' implies that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This process is designed to foster robust price discovery by encouraging multiple vendors to compete, thereby driving down prices to the lowest feasible level. The government can then select the offer that represents the best value, considering both price and other factors like technical suitability and past performance. For taxpayers, this means a higher likelihood that the government is not overpaying for the toner cartridges compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3900 WOODLAKE BLVD, GREENACRES, FL, 33463

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,664

Exercised Options: $11,664

Current Obligation: $11,664

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A0005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline