GSA awards $2,515 contract for pressure-sensitive tape, highlighting potential for price adjustments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,515 ($2.5K)

Contractor: Tapesouth Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-18

Contract Duration: 10 days

Daily Burn Rate: $252/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: IAW ASTM D 6123 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE FOR LIGHT DUTY PKG AND GENERAL PURPOSE MASKING ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE I.A.W. TYPE: I - CREPE PAPER BACKED OVERALL WIDTH 1.000

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32653

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,515.2 to TAPESOUTH INC for work described as: TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: IAW ASTM D 6123 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE FOR LIGHT DUTY PKG AND GENERAL PURPOSE MASKING ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE I.A.W. TYPE: I - CREPE PAPER BACKED OVERALL WIDTH 1.000 Key points: 1. Contract value appears minimal, suggesting a small-scale or specialized need. 2. The contract specifies adherence to ASTM D 6123, indicating a focus on quality standards. 3. Economic price adjustment clause introduces potential for cost fluctuations over the contract term. 4. Limited duration of 10 days suggests an urgent or short-term requirement. 5. The award to TAPESOUTH INC indicates a specific supplier was chosen for this item. 6. The contract falls under the 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2,515.20 is extremely low, making direct comparison to similar contracts difficult without more context on the quantity and specific type of tape. The inclusion of an economic price adjustment (EPA) clause, while standard for some goods, introduces uncertainty regarding the final cost. Benchmarking the per-unit cost would be necessary to assess value, but the provided data lacks quantity information.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which is an unusual category. This suggests that while competition was intended, certain sources may have been excluded, potentially limiting the breadth of bidders. The specific reasons for exclusion and the number of bidders are not detailed, making it hard to assess the impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, especially with excluded sources, may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through broad market engagement.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring light-duty packaging and general-purpose masking tape will benefit from this supply. The services delivered include the provision of specific pressure-sensitive adhesive tape meeting ASTM D 6123 standards. The geographic impact is localized to Florida (FL), as indicated by the awardee's state. Workforce implications are likely minimal, as this is a supply contract rather than a service requiring significant labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' designation requires further clarification to ensure fair market access.
The economic price adjustment clause introduces cost uncertainty for this small-value contract.
Lack of quantity data prevents a thorough value-for-money assessment.

Positive Signals

Adherence to ASTM D 6123 standard ensures a baseline quality for the tape.
The contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), a central procurement authority.
The award is a delivery order, indicating a specific, actionable procurement action.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' sector, classified under NAICS code 339940. This sector encompasses a wide range of stationery and office supplies. While the specific market size for pressure-sensitive tape is not detailed here, it is a component of the larger office supply market, which is substantial. This contract represents a very small transaction within this sector, likely serving a niche requirement for specialized tape.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary consideration for this specific contract award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside or subcontracting plan requirements. Therefore, this contract is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on the small business ecosystem, other than potentially through the prime contractor's own supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price structure, though the economic price adjustment clause allows for some cost variability. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases, but specific details regarding the 'exclusion of sources' require further inquiry.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Office Supplies Procurement
Adhesives and Sealants
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)

Risk Flags

Limited competition details
Economic price adjustment clause introduces cost uncertainty
Lack of quantity data hinders value assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,515.2 to TAPESOUTH INC. TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: IAW ASTM D 6123 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE FOR LIGHT DUTY PKG AND GENERAL PURPOSE MASKING ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE I.A.W. TYPE: I - CREPE PAPER BACKED OVERALL WIDTH 1.000

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TAPESOUTH INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,515.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-18.

What is the specific quantity of tape being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact quantity of tape being procured. It only details the tape's specifications (e.g., 1.000-inch width, crepe paper-backed) and the standard it must meet (ASTM D 6123). Without the quantity, it is impossible to calculate a meaningful per-unit cost or to accurately benchmark the value for money. The total contract value of $2,515.20 suggests a relatively small quantity, but the precise number of rolls or units remains unknown from the given information.

What does 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' mean in this context?

This contract type indicates that the procurement was intended to be fully and openly competed, meaning all responsible sources were initially allowed to submit offers. However, 'after exclusion of sources' suggests that certain potential bidders or types of sources were subsequently excluded from the competition before the final award. The reasons for this exclusion are not provided in the data. This could be due to various factors, such as specific technical requirements, past performance issues, or other regulatory considerations. This designation raises questions about the extent of true competition and whether the government secured the best possible value by limiting the pool of potential offerors.

How does the 'Economic Price Adjustment' (EPA) clause impact the final cost?

The Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause allows for an increase (or decrease) in the contract price based on specified economic factors, such as changes in the cost of raw materials or labor. In this case, the contract is for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, so the EPA would likely be tied to fluctuations in the cost of materials like paper backing, adhesives, or manufacturing labor. While this clause can protect contractors from unforeseen cost increases and ensure supply continuity, it introduces uncertainty for the government regarding the final expenditure. For a contract valued at $2,515.20, the potential impact of an EPA might be limited in absolute dollar terms, but it still means the final cost could exceed the initial $2,515.20.

What is the significance of the ASTM D 6123 standard?

ASTM D 6123 is a 'Standard Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape for Light Duty Packaging and General Purpose Masking.' By requiring adherence to this standard, the contract ensures that the tape procured meets specific performance criteria relevant to its intended use. These criteria typically cover aspects like adhesion strength, tensile properties, temperature resistance, and aging characteristics. Compliance with such a standard helps guarantee a certain level of quality and reliability for the tape, ensuring it performs adequately for light-duty packaging and general masking tasks, thereby reducing the risk of product failure or dissatisfaction.

What is the typical role of the General Services Administration (GSA) in contracts like this?

The General Services Administration (GSA) acts as a central procurement and management agency for the U.S. federal government. In this instance, the GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) awarded the contract. GSA's role is to provide agencies with efficient and cost-effective acquisition solutions, often through pre-negotiated GSA Schedules or other contracting vehicles. For this specific contract, GSA likely managed the procurement process, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and facilitating the delivery of necessary supplies to the requesting agency. Their involvement aims to streamline procurement, leverage government-wide buying power, and ensure fair and open competition where applicable.

What does the 'Delivery Order' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER) status imply?

The 'Delivery Order' status indicates that this contract is a specific task order issued against a larger, pre-existing contract or agreement, likely a GSA Schedule. This means that the terms, conditions, and pricing for the tape were likely established previously when the parent contract was awarded. A delivery order signifies a concrete request for goods or services to be delivered within a specified timeframe. In this case, it's a 10-day duration (dur: 10), suggesting a short-term, immediate need for the specified tape. The award is actionable and requires fulfillment by the contractor.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1626 NW 55TH PL, GAINESVILLE, FL, 32653

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,515

Exercised Options: $2,515

Current Obligation: $2,515

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC25D000E

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline