GSA awards $9,334 contract for aircraft solvent wipers to National Industries for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,335 ($9.3K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-04

End Date: 2026-04-11

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $9,334.85 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of aircraft solvent wipers. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a short duration and established product specification. 4. Performance context is a specific need for untreated aircraft solvent wipers. 5. Sector positioning is within the wholesale merchant of service establishment equipment and supplies. 6. The contract is a delivery order under an existing agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $9,334.85 for 800 cloths (8 dispenser boxes of 100 cloths each) is difficult to benchmark without more granular data on similar specialized aircraft cleaning supplies. The unit price per cloth is approximately $11.67. Given the specific federal specification (CCC-C-46D) and the nature of aircraft-grade solvents, this price may be reasonable, but a direct comparison to commercial off-the-shelf wipers is not appropriate.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $11.67 per cloth (800 cloths total).

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source delivery order, meaning it was not competed. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status suggests that only one source was deemed capable or available to fulfill this specific requirement, likely due to the specialized nature of the product and its adherence to strict federal specifications.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can sometimes lead to higher prices for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down costs. However, in cases where a specific, specialized product is required, a sole-source award might be the only viable option to meet the government's needs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the entities requiring specialized aircraft solvent wipers for maintenance and cleaning operations. The service delivered is the provision of 800 untreated aircraft solvent wipers meeting specific federal standards. The geographic impact is likely localized to the specific military or aviation facilities where these wipers are utilized. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and distribution of the cleaning supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in a higher price than a competitively bid item.
Reliance on a single source could pose a supply chain risk if the contractor experiences production issues.

Positive Signals

The contract specifies adherence to a detailed federal specification (CCC-C-46D), ensuring product quality and suitability.
The award is made to National Industries for the Blind, supporting a mission-driven organization.
The contract duration is short (7 days), minimizing long-term financial commitment and risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the wholesale merchant sector for service establishment equipment and supplies. The market for specialized cleaning materials, particularly those meeting stringent federal specifications for aviation use, is niche. While overall spending on cleaning supplies is substantial, this specific segment is driven by the unique requirements of industries like aerospace and defense, where product performance and safety are paramount.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to National Industries for the Blind, which is not typically classified as a small business. There is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements associated with this specific delivery order. The focus appears to be on fulfilling a specialized product need rather than promoting small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a delivery order under an existing agreement, the primary oversight would focus on ensuring timely delivery and compliance with the specified federal standards. Transparency is moderate, as the award details are publicly available, but the lack of competition limits the depth of scrutiny regarding price justification.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance Supplies
Federal Cleaning Product Specifications
General Services Administration Procurement
Sole-Source Contract Awards

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the award data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $9,334.85 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9,334.85.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-04. End: 2026-04-11.

What is the track record of National Industries for the Blind in supplying similar federal contracts?

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a large non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind. NIB and its associated agencies have a long history of fulfilling federal contracts, particularly those under the Javits-Wagner-O'Malley Act, which prioritizes products and services from non-profit agencies serving the blind. While specific details on their track record for supplying 'aircraft solvent wipers' under federal specification CCC-C-46D are not immediately available in this data snippet, NIB's general experience suggests a capability to meet federal requirements. Their mission-driven nature often aligns with government objectives to support specific populations through procurement.

How does the unit price of $11.67 per wiper compare to market rates for similar specialized cleaning materials?

Directly comparing the unit price of $11.67 per aircraft solvent wiper to general market rates is challenging due to the specialized nature of the product and its adherence to Federal Specification CCC-C-46D. Standard industrial or household cleaning wipes are significantly cheaper, often costing less than a dollar per unit. However, aircraft-grade solvent wipers require specific material properties, absorbency, and chemical compatibility that command a premium. Without access to pricing data from other manufacturers or distributors specializing in aviation-grade cleaning supplies, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this price. The sole-source nature of the award further complicates a precise value-for-money assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of product?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for these aircraft solvent wipers include potential overpricing due to the lack of competitive bidding, which can lead to inefficient use of taxpayer funds. There's also a risk of reduced innovation and service improvement, as the contractor faces no direct competitive pressure to enhance product quality or delivery processes. Furthermore, reliance on a single supplier can create supply chain vulnerabilities; if the contractor experiences production issues, quality control lapses, or business disruptions, the government may face shortages or delays in obtaining these critical cleaning materials.

What is the historical spending pattern for aircraft solvent wipers or similar cleaning supplies by the GSA?

Historical spending data for 'aircraft solvent wipers' specifically by the GSA is not detailed in the provided information. However, the General Services Administration (GSA) manages a vast array of contracts for supplies and services across the federal government. Spending on cleaning and maintenance supplies is a significant category. Contracts for specialized items like those meeting federal specifications often have fluctuating demand based on agency needs and specific program requirements. Without access to GSA's historical procurement databases or specific contract vehicles for this item, it's impossible to provide a precise historical spending pattern. The current award is a small delivery order, suggesting it might be for a specific, limited requirement rather than a large, recurring need.

How does the specification CCC-C-46D ensure the quality and suitability of these wipers for aircraft use?

Federal Specification CCC-C-46D provides detailed requirements for the material, construction, performance, and testing of cleaning cloths intended for specific applications, including aircraft use. For 'Type I - Untreated' wipers, the specification likely outlines parameters such as fiber composition, weave, tensile strength, absorbency rates, linting characteristics, and dimensions (like the 16-3/4 in. by 20-3/4 in. size mentioned). Adherence to this specification ensures that the wipers are suitable for use with aircraft solvents, will not leave excessive residue or lint that could interfere with sensitive aircraft components, and meet the necessary performance standards for effective cleaning and maintenance in an aviation environment. This standardization is crucial for safety and operational integrity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: CLEANING EQPT AND SUPPLIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3000 POTOMAC AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22305

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,335

Exercised Options: $9,335

Current Obligation: $9,335

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA22D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline