GSA awards $14.2M contract for industrial paper towels to National Industries for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,208 ($14.2K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-14

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TOWEL,PAPERUTY CLEANING, WIPING, AND POLISHING OF SOFT PLASTIC SURFACES; MADE OF PAPER, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, NONWOVEN, SINGLE OR MULTI-PLY, CREPED OR EMBOSSED SURFACE; 4 INCHES MINIMUM PER SIDE WITH OVERALL AREA OF MINIMUM OF35 SQUARE INCHES; TENSILE

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $14,208 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: TOWEL,PAPERUTY CLEANING, WIPING, AND POLISHING OF SOFT PLASTIC SURFACES; MADE OF PAPER, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, NONWOVEN, SINGLE OR MULTI-PLY, CREPED OR EMBOSSED SURFACE; 4 INCHES MINIMUM PER SIDE WITH OVERALL AREA OF MINIMUM OF35 SQUARE INCHES; TENSILE Key points: 1. The contract value of $14.2 million represents a significant investment in essential cleaning supplies. 2. Competition dynamics are limited, as the contract was not available for open competition. 3. Risk indicators appear low given the nature of the product and established supplier. 4. Performance context suggests a focus on reliable supply chain for janitorial services. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader 'Merchant Wholesalers' category for industrial supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.2 million for paper towels over a 7-day period appears to be within a reasonable range for bulk industrial supply. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government procurements for janitorial supplies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specific nature of industrial-strength, nonwoven paper towels, the pricing is likely competitive for the quality and quantity required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded under a sole-source procurement, meaning it was not open to full and open competition. The data indicates it was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. This approach is often used for specific requirements or when a particular contractor is uniquely qualified or mandated by law, such as supporting specific industries or populations. The lack of multiple bidders means direct price comparison and negotiation opportunities were limited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings typically achieved through competitive bidding. However, sole-source awards can sometimes ensure the fulfillment of specific socio-economic goals or critical supply chain needs.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring janitorial and cleaning supplies will benefit from a reliable source of industrial-strength paper towels. The services delivered include the provision of essential cleaning and wiping materials. The geographic impact is nationwide, as GSA serves federal agencies across the United States. Workforce implications may include continued employment for individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution of these products, particularly within organizations like the National Industries for the Blind.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher prices than a fully competed contract.
Sole-source awards reduce transparency in pricing and vendor selection.
Dependence on a single supplier could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise.

Positive Signals

Award to National Industries for the Blind supports a socio-economic goal of employing individuals with blindness.
The contract ensures a consistent supply of a critical janitorial material.
GSA's role suggests a standardized and efficient procurement process for this essential item.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader wholesale trade sector, specifically for industrial supplies. The market for janitorial and cleaning supplies is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually. This contract represents a portion of that spending, focusing on specialized industrial-strength paper products. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within GSA's Federal Supply Schedule or other large-volume procurement data for similar goods.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to National Industries for the Blind, which is not a small business. There is no indication of a small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award, though the overall mission of NIB indirectly supports employment.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including performance monitoring and compliance checks. As a delivery order under an existing contract vehicle, it likely adheres to established GSA procurement regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through GSA's public contract databases, although the sole-source nature limits detailed public scrutiny of the award decision itself. Inspector General oversight would apply to potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedules
Janitorial and Sanitation Supplies Procurement
Non-mandatory Government Purchases

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $14,208 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. TOWEL,PAPERUTY CLEANING, WIPING, AND POLISHING OF SOFT PLASTIC SURFACES; MADE OF PAPER, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, NONWOVEN, SINGLE OR MULTI-PLY, CREPED OR EMBOSSED SURFACE; 4 INCHES MINIMUM PER SIDE WITH OVERALL AREA OF MINIMUM OF35 SQUARE INCHES; TENSILE

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 $14,208.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-14.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar paper towel contracts by GSA?

Analyzing historical spending for similar paper towel contracts by the General Services Administration (GSA) would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and supplier diversity. Without specific historical data for this exact product type, we can infer that GSA procures large quantities of janitorial supplies regularly. Past contracts might show variations in unit prices based on market fluctuations, contract duration, and competition levels. For instance, contracts awarded through competitive processes typically exhibit lower unit costs compared to sole-source awards. Understanding the historical spend allows for better forecasting and budget allocation for future needs, ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently. It also helps in identifying potential cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing and negotiation.

How does the unit cost of these industrial paper towels compare to commercial market rates?

Determining the precise unit cost comparison for these industrial paper towels against commercial market rates is challenging without knowing the exact specifications and volume discounts applicable to this $14.2 million contract. However, industrial-strength, nonwoven paper towels with specific tensile strength and size requirements are typically priced higher than standard consumer-grade paper towels. Government contracts, even sole-source ones, often leverage bulk purchasing power. If this contract were competitively bid, the unit price would likely be very competitive. For sole-source awards, the government relies on established pricing agreements or fair market price determination. A detailed analysis would require comparing the contract's unit price against bulk pricing from major janitorial supply distributors for equivalent industrial-grade products.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality assurance measures for this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or quality assurance measures for this contract. However, for a GSA contract involving industrial supplies, standard quality assurance protocols would likely be in place. These typically include requirements for product specifications adherence (e.g., material, size, absorbency, tensile strength), on-time delivery, and proper packaging. Performance metrics might involve tracking delivery timeliness, order accuracy, and supplier responsiveness to issues. Quality assurance could involve random product testing or requiring manufacturers to maintain specific certifications. The contract likely includes clauses for remedies in case of non-performance or substandard product quality, ensuring that federal agencies receive the materials they need in the condition specified.

What is the track record of National Industries for the Blind in fulfilling government contracts?

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) has a long-standing track record of fulfilling government contracts, primarily through its associated agencies and associated non-profit agencies. NIB is the largest source of employment for people who are blind in the United States, and a significant portion of its work involves fulfilling government contracts under the AbilityOne Program. These contracts span a wide range of products and services, including supplies, manufacturing, and services. NIB and its associated agencies have consistently demonstrated their ability to meet government requirements for quality, delivery, and compliance. Their success is often measured not only by contract performance but also by the social impact of providing meaningful employment opportunities.

Are there any identified risks associated with the sole-source nature of this award?

The primary risk associated with the sole-source nature of this award is the potential for reduced price competition, which could lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract. Without multiple bidders, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of readily available alternative suppliers or a reliance on a specific capability, which could pose a supply chain risk if the sole provider encounters unforeseen difficulties. Transparency in the procurement process is also reduced, making it harder for external observers to verify the fairness and cost-effectiveness of the award. However, sole-source awards are often justified when they serve specific policy goals, such as supporting industries that employ individuals with disabilities.

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: $14,208

Exercised Options: $14,208

Current Obligation: $14,208

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