GSA Awards $9,104 for Lexmark Toner Cartridges Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,104 ($9.1K)

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: $1.5K/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 P/N 74C0SKG CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH LEXMARK LASERPRINT CS720, CS725, CX725 SERIES AND ANY OTHER PRINTER USING LEXMARK P/N74C0S

Place of Performance

Location: GREENACRES, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33463

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $9,104 to SUPPLIES NOW INC for work described as: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK P/N 74C0SKG CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH LEXMARK LASERPRINT CS720, CS725, CX725 SERIES AND ANY OTHER PRINTER USING LEXMARK P/N74C0S Key points: 1. Spending on OEM genuine Lexmark toner cartridges for specific printer series. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', indicating broad market participation. 3. Contract awarded via BPA Call, suggesting a pre-competed agreement. 4. Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) contract type. 5. No small business participation noted in this specific award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $9,104 for an unspecified quantity of toner cartridges is difficult to benchmark without unit cost data. However, OEM toner is typically priced at a premium compared to compatible or remanufactured options.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, allowing any qualified vendor to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, though the specific pricing outcome here is unclear without unit cost details.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for office supplies. While competition was open, the use of OEM-specific parts and EPA clauses may impact long-term cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential printer supplies for federal agencies. Supports specific Lexmark printer models, maintaining operational continuity. Potential for price fluctuations due to the economic price adjustment clause.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of unit cost data hinders precise value assessment.
Economic Price Adjustment clause introduces potential for cost increases.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Utilizes a BPA Call, indicating a streamlined procurement process.
Fixed price component provides some cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls under the 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' sector (NAICS 339940). Spending in this category is generally stable, driven by ongoing operational needs for office equipment consumables across government agencies.

Small Business Impact

This specific award does not indicate any participation or set-aside for small businesses. Future procurements could explore opportunities for small business inclusion in the office supplies market.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) managed this procurement through its Federal Acquisition Service, utilizing a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. Oversight is inherent in the GSA's established procurement processes.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of quantity/unit cost data
Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause
No small business participation
OEM-specific product requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $9,104 to SUPPLIES NOW INC. CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. LEXMARK P/N 74C0SKG CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH LEXMARK LASERPRINT CS720, CS725, CX725 SERIES AND ANY OTHER PRINTER USING LEXMARK P/N74C0S

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 $9,104.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the total quantity of toner cartridges purchased for $9,104?

The provided data does not specify the total quantity of toner cartridges purchased for the $9,104 award. This information is crucial for calculating the per-unit cost and accurately assessing the value for money. Without the quantity, it's impossible to determine if the price is competitive or if the government is receiving a fair deal.

How might the 'Economic Price Adjustment' clause impact the final cost to taxpayers?

The Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause allows for modifications to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as inflation or raw material costs. This introduces uncertainty, as the final cost could be higher than the initially quoted price, potentially increasing the overall expenditure for taxpayers if market conditions trend upwards.

What is the effectiveness of using OEM-specific toner cartridges versus compatible alternatives?

Using OEM-specific toner cartridges like the Lexmark P/N 74C0SKG generally ensures optimal printer performance, warranty preservation, and consistent print quality. However, they are typically more expensive than compatible or remanufactured alternatives. The effectiveness hinges on the agency's priorities: guaranteed performance and compatibility versus cost savings.

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: $9,104

Exercised Options: $9,104

Current Obligation: $9,104

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A0005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline