GSA awards $8,011 contract for Lexmark toner cartridges, highlighting standard yield and printer compatibility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,011 ($8.0K)

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: $1.3K/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 78C00MG 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 $8,011.08 to SUPPLIES NOW INC for work described as: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK INTL INC PN 78C00MG 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 comparable toner cartridges. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators appear low given the nature of the commodity and established vendor. 4. Performance context is a short-term call-off against a broader BPA. 5. Sector positioning is within office supplies, a mature and competitive market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8,011 for toner cartridges appears reasonable for the quantity and type of product specified. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule purchases for OEM Lexmark toner would provide a more precise value assessment. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure allows for some market fluctuation but should be monitored.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the process itself implies a robust competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple suppliers to offer their best pricing, potentially leading to cost savings compared to less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

Federal agencies utilizing Lexmark printers benefit from a reliable supply of essential consumables. The contract ensures the availability of standard yield toner, supporting routine office operations. Geographic impact is nationwide, as GSA schedules serve federal agencies across the US. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily supporting administrative and procurement functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause if market conditions change significantly.
Reliance on a specific OEM (Lexmark) may limit long-term cost-saving opportunities through compatible alternatives.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Clear product specifications (OEM Genuine) reduce ambiguity and ensure quality.
Short duration of the call-off limits long-term commitment risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the office supplies sector, a mature market characterized by numerous suppliers and established distribution channels. Spending on printer consumables like toner is a consistent requirement for most federal agencies. Benchmarking against broader GSA Schedule spending for office supplies can provide context, though specific toner types vary widely in price.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses given the nature of the product. The primary contractor, Supplies Now Inc., is not identified by size in this data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the overall impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call likely means this is a task order against a pre-existing, competitively awarded BPA, which itself has oversight. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, and accountability rests with the contracting officers and the vendor.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules Program
Office Supplies Procurement
Printer and Copier Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential for price volatility due to EPA clause.
Limited competition data provided for this specific BPA call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $8,011.08 to SUPPLIES NOW INC. CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK INTL INC PN 78C00MG 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 $8,011.08.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical price range for this specific Lexmark toner cartridge (78C00MG) in the commercial market?

The commercial market price for the Lexmark 78C00MG standard yield toner cartridge can vary based on the retailer, volume discounts, and current promotions. Online searches indicate prices typically ranging from $80 to $120 per cartridge. The contract award price, when considering the total value and estimated quantity, would need to be divided to determine a per-unit cost for direct comparison. However, without the exact quantity or unit price from the award data, a precise comparison is difficult. The contract's fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) clause also introduces a variable element that complicates direct benchmarking against fixed commercial prices.

How does the duration of this BPA Call compare to typical contract lengths for office supplies?

This BPA Call has a very short performance period, from April 3, 2026, to April 9, 2026, totaling just 6 days. This is exceptionally short and typical for a specific, immediate need fulfilled via a pre-existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). Standard contracts for office supplies, especially those covering larger quantities or longer periods, often range from one to five years, potentially with option periods. The brevity of this call-off suggests it's addressing an urgent, localized requirement rather than a sustained supply need.

What is the track record of Supplies Now Inc. as a federal contractor?

Supplies Now Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily through GSA Schedules. Analyzing their past performance, including contract values, types of awards (competitive vs. sole-source), and any reported issues or successes, would provide insight into their reliability and pricing competitiveness. A review of contract databases would reveal the extent of their federal business and their performance history across various agencies and contract vehicles. Without specific historical data readily available in this summary, a deeper dive into federal procurement records is necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

Are there any known risks associated with using Lexmark toner cartridges, such as compatibility issues or performance degradation?

Lexmark toner cartridges, particularly genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) products like the 78C00MG specified, are designed to work seamlessly with compatible Lexmark printers. Risks associated with OEM cartridges are generally low in terms of compatibility and performance degradation, as they are manufactured to meet the printer's specifications. Potential concerns might arise from counterfeit or remanufactured cartridges, but this contract specifies 'NEW (OEM GENUINE)'. The primary 'risk' is often the higher cost compared to third-party or compatible alternatives, which is a trade-off for guaranteed compatibility and performance.

What is the historical spending pattern for toner cartridges through GSA Schedules?

Historical spending on toner cartridges through GSA Schedules represents a significant portion of the overall office supplies spending. Agencies rely heavily on these schedules for efficient procurement of consumables. Spending fluctuates based on agency needs, printer fleet sizes, and budget allocations. GSA continually analyzes this spending to ensure competitive pricing and contract terms. Trends may include shifts towards higher-yield cartridges, more energy-efficient options, or increased use of managed print services, which bundle supplies with equipment and maintenance.

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: $8,011

Exercised Options: $8,011

Current Obligation: $8,011

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A0005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline