Toner cartridge purchase for HP DesignJet printers secured by GSA for $22,170.53

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,171 ($22.2K)

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: $3.7K/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. HP P/N B3P23A CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES INKJET PRINT CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH HP DESIGNJET T920, T930, T1500, T1530, T2500, T2530 PRINTERS AND ANY OTHER PRINTER THAT USE HP P/N

Place of Performance

Location: GREENACRES, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33463

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $22,170.53 to SUPPLIES NOW INC for work described as: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. HP P/N B3P23A CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES INKJET PRINT CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH HP DESIGNJET T920, T930, T1500, T1530, T2500, T2530 PRINTERS AND ANY OTHER PRINTER THAT USE HP P/N Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the fixed-price with economic adjustment structure. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, likely fostering competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a short duration contract and established product type. 4. Performance context is straightforward, involving the supply of standard office consumables. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader office supplies and equipment market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22,170.53 for toner cartridges is within a typical range for government procurement of such items. While specific per-unit pricing is not detailed here, the fixed-price with economic adjustment clause provides some flexibility while aiming for cost control. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule contracts for HP toner would offer a more precise value assessment, but the overall amount suggests a standard procurement rather than an outlier.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive environment. This approach is designed to ensure the government receives the best possible pricing and quality by allowing a wide range of suppliers to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and encouraging a wider pool of suppliers to compete for government business.

Public Impact

Federal agencies utilizing HP DesignJet T920, T930, T1500, T1530, T2500, and T2530 printers will benefit from a reliable supply of toner. The service delivered is the provision of essential printing consumables, ensuring operational continuity for printing tasks. The geographic impact is primarily within Florida, as indicated by the 'ST' and 'SN' fields, though the actual use may be nationwide. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting procurement and logistics personnel managing the supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause if market conditions fluctuate significantly.
Reliance on a specific OEM (HP) part may limit long-term cost-saving opportunities through third-party alternatives.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing was achieved.
Short contract duration (6 days) minimizes long-term commitment and allows for re-evaluation of needs.
Procurement through GSA Federal Acquisition Service streamlines the acquisition process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader office supplies and equipment sector, specifically focusing on printer consumables. The market for printer toner and cartridges is substantial, driven by the widespread use of printers in both government and commercial sectors. GSA plays a significant role in consolidating government purchasing power for such items, often leveraging large-scale contracts to achieve favorable pricing. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing GSA Schedule pricing for similar HP toner models across different contract vehicles.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if the prime contractor, Supplies Now Inc., chooses to engage them. However, without further information on subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is managed through the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Federal Acquisition Service. GSA utilizes established procurement regulations and contract administration processes to ensure compliance and accountability. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases where award details are made available. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically fall under the GSA OIG for any potential investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule 75 - Office Supplies and Printing
General Services Administration - Federal Acquisition Service Contracts
Office Supplies Procurement
Printer Consumables

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause.
Reliance on specific OEM part may limit long-term cost savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $22,170.53 to SUPPLIES NOW INC. CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. HP P/N B3P23A CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES INKJET PRINT CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH HP DESIGNJET T920, T930, T1500, T1530, T2500, T2530 PRINTERS AND ANY OTHER PRINTER THAT USE HP P/N

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 $22,170.53.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical lifespan and yield of the HP B3P23A toner cartridge, and how does this influence the value proposition of this contract?

The HP B3P23A is a toner cartridge designed for specific HP DesignJet large-format printers. While exact page yields can vary significantly based on print coverage and settings, OEM specifications for similar HP DesignJet toner cartridges often range from approximately 1,000 pages to over 10,000 pages for high-yield versions. For the T900 series printers, typical yields for standard cartridges might be in the lower thousands of pages. The value proposition of this contract hinges on the cost per page achieved. If the contract price, when divided by the expected page yield, results in a competitive cost per page compared to market benchmarks for OEM cartridges, then the value is good. However, if the yield is low relative to the price, or if compatible third-party cartridges offer significantly lower costs per page, the value could be considered questionable, despite the full and open competition.

How does the 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (FP-EPA) clause typically affect pricing stability and taxpayer cost for toner cartridges?

The 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (FP-EPA) clause allows for adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specific economic factors, such as the cost of raw materials or labor. For toner cartridges, this could mean the price might increase if the cost of the chemical compounds used in toner production or the components of the cartridge rises. While this clause can protect contractors from unforeseen cost increases, potentially ensuring a stable supply, it introduces uncertainty for taxpayers. The government benefits from the contractor's willingness to accept the fixed price initially, but the potential for price increases means the final cost is not entirely fixed. Effective oversight involves monitoring the triggers for economic adjustments and ensuring they are justified according to the contract terms, preventing unwarranted price hikes.

What is the significance of the short contract duration (6 days) for this toner cartridge purchase?

The extremely short duration of this contract, spanning only 6 days (from April 3rd to April 9th, 2026), suggests it is likely an "order-against-a-blanket-purchase-agreement" (BPA Call) or a very specific, immediate need fulfillment. This short timeframe minimizes long-term financial commitment and risk for the government. It implies that the procurement process was either highly expedited or that this represents a single, time-sensitive replenishment action rather than an ongoing supply agreement. For taxpayers, this means less exposure to potential price volatility over an extended period and allows for more frequent re-evaluation of needs and market pricing. It also suggests that the primary contract vehicle (likely a GSA Schedule BPA) under which this call was issued has a longer term, providing a framework for future, similar needs.

Given the procurement is through GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), what does this imply about the procurement process and potential cost savings?

Procurement through GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) typically implies that the contract vehicle used (likely a GSA Schedule) has already undergone a competitive process to establish favorable pricing and terms. FAS aims to leverage the government's buying power to secure goods and services at competitive rates. For taxpayers, this means the administrative burden and cost of conducting a separate, full-scale competition for these toner cartridges are reduced. GSA's established schedules often provide pre-negotiated pricing, which, while not always the absolute lowest possible, offers a balance of competitive pricing, compliance, and ease of acquisition. The 'full and open competition' designation for this specific BPA call further reinforces that competitive offers were solicited within the framework of the existing GSA contract.

How does the 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' (NAICS 339940) classification relate to the overall federal spending landscape for office consumables?

The NAICS code 339940, 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing,' encompasses a wide range of products essential for office operations, including items like toner cartridges, pens, binders, and other stationery. Federal spending within this category is substantial and ongoing, as virtually all government agencies require these basic supplies to function. This specific contract for toner cartridges represents a small fraction of the total federal expenditure in this sector. Analyzing spending trends under this NAICS code can reveal patterns in agency needs, shifts towards digital solutions impacting physical supply demand, and the market dynamics among manufacturers and distributors serving the government. It highlights the consistent requirement for these fundamental goods, making them a perennial area of federal procurement.

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: $22,171

Exercised Options: $22,171

Current Obligation: $22,171

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A0005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline