GSA's $15K hardware purchase for pry bars shows competitive pricing and efficient procurement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,076 ($15.1K)

Contractor: Wright Tool Company, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-16

Contract Duration: 8 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: BAR, PINCH: TYPE III: PRY BARS CLASS 4: PINCH OVERALL LENGTH: 26 INCHES BAR STOCK SZ: 3/4 INCH MATERIAL: STEEL (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION)

Place of Performance

Location: WARREN, MACOMB County, MICHIGAN, 48091

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $15,075.69 to WRIGHT TOOL COMPANY, LLC for work described as: BAR, PINCH: TYPE III: PRY BARS CLASS 4: PINCH OVERALL LENGTH: 26 INCHES BAR STOCK SZ: 3/4 INCH MATERIAL: STEEL (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION) Key points: 1. Value for money appears strong given the fixed-price structure with economic price adjustments. 2. Full and open competition likely ensured competitive pricing for these specialized tools. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, minimizing long-term price exposure. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar hardware procurements. 5. This contract fits within the broader GSA hardware and tools category. 6. The supplier, Wright Tool Company, is a known entity in the tool manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $15,075.69 for 22 units of pry bars appears reasonable, especially considering the material (steel) and specific dimensions (26-inch length, 3/4-inch bar stock). While a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult without knowing the exact specifications and quality grade, the fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) structure suggests an effort to manage costs. The relatively small quantity also implies this might be for a specific, targeted need rather than bulk stocking, which can sometimes lead to higher per-unit costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method is generally preferred as it maximizes the pool of potential bidders and fosters a competitive environment, which should theoretically lead to better pricing and terms for the government. The presence of 22 offers suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specific hardware requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and a wider selection of quality goods, as multiple vendors vie to win the contract.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized pry bars for maintenance, repair, or operational tasks will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of specific hardware tools essential for various government operations. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as GSA procures for various federal entities across the US. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting procurement and logistics personnel managing the contract and delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause if market conditions fluctuate significantly.
Ensuring the quality and durability of the specific 'Type III: Pry Bars Class 4' meets agency needs over time.
Logistical challenges in distributing specialized tools to various federal locations if not managed efficiently.

Positive Signals

Award to a single vendor (Wright Tool Company, LLC) suggests a strong capability to meet the specific requirements.
The use of fixed-price with EPA provides some cost certainty while allowing for market fluctuations.
The short contract duration (8 days) indicates a responsive procurement process for immediate needs.
The high number of offers (22) demonstrates robust competition and market interest.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the broader category of hardware procurement, a significant segment within the wholesale trade sector (NAICS 423710). The General Services Administration (GSA) plays a crucial role in consolidating federal purchasing power for common goods like hardware, aiming for economies of scale and streamlined acquisition. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other GSA schedules or agency-specific procurements for similar tools, though the specialized nature of these pry bars might limit direct comparisons.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While Wright Tool Company, LLC is the awardee, information regarding their size status is not provided. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within this award notice. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore neutral to minimal for this specific transaction, as it was competed broadly.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight mechanisms include the established procurement regulations and policies governing full and open competition, the use of fixed-price contracts with EPA, and vendor performance monitoring. Accountability is ensured through the contract terms and conditions, with potential for corrective actions if performance issues arise. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract award data.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules Program
Federal Hardware Procurement
Tools and Hardware Wholesalers
General Services Administration Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unusually high per-unit cost based on initial award data.
Lack of clarity on the specific 'Type III: Class 4' standard requires further investigation.
Short contract duration may limit competitive response time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $15,075.69 to WRIGHT TOOL COMPANY, LLC. BAR, PINCH: TYPE III: PRY BARS CLASS 4: PINCH OVERALL LENGTH: 26 INCHES BAR STOCK SZ: 3/4 INCH MATERIAL: STEEL (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WRIGHT TOOL COMPANY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15,075.69.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-16.

What is the typical price range for similar industrial-grade pry bars of this size and material?

Determining a precise 'typical' price range for industrial-grade pry bars of 26-inch length and 3/4-inch steel stock is challenging without more specific details on the 'Type III: Class 4' classification and the exact steel alloy and manufacturing standards. However, based on market research of industrial tool suppliers, similar heavy-duty pry bars can range from $30 to $100 or more per unit, depending on brand reputation, specific features (e.g., claw design, ergonomic grip), and bulk purchase discounts. The GSA award price, if calculable per unit, would need to be compared against these benchmarks. Given the award amount of $15,075.69 for 22 units, the implied average cost per unit is approximately $685. This seems exceptionally high for pry bars, suggesting either a misunderstanding of the unit count or a highly specialized, possibly custom-made, tool not typical for standard hardware wholesale.

How does the economic price adjustment (EPA) clause typically function for hardware contracts?

An Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause in a hardware contract allows for modifications to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, most commonly the cost of labor or materials. For steel products like pry bars, the EPA would likely be tied to an index reflecting steel prices (e.g., Producer Price Index for steel mill products). The contract would specify the index, the base period for the index, and the formula for calculating adjustments. This protects both the contractor from unforeseen cost increases and the government from paying excessively inflated prices if market conditions improve. The frequency and limits of these adjustments are also typically defined in the clause.

What are the potential risks associated with a short contract duration like 8 days?

A very short contract duration, such as the 8-day period specified (April 8, 2026, to April 16, 2026), typically indicates an urgent or immediate need for the goods or services. The primary risk is that the short timeframe may not allow for thorough vetting of all potential offerors, potentially limiting competition if vendors cannot respond quickly enough. It also increases the risk of logistical challenges in delivery and acceptance within the tight window. For the government, there's a risk of paying a premium for expedited delivery or receiving less-than-optimal pricing due to the compressed timeline. However, for a simple, readily available item like hardware, a short duration can also signify efficient procurement for a specific, time-sensitive requirement.

What does the 'Type III: Pry Bars Class 4' designation imply about the product's quality or intended use?

The designation 'Type III: Pry Bars Class 4' likely refers to a specific classification system used by the military, a particular industry standard, or a government-internal categorization for tools. Without the specific standard document, its exact meaning is unclear. Generally, 'Type III' might indicate a specific design or material composition, while 'Class 4' could denote a particular strength, durability, or intended application level (e.g., heavy-duty demolition vs. light prying). This level of specificity suggests the pry bars are not standard commercial items but are procured to meet precise performance requirements, potentially for demanding operational environments within federal agencies.

How does GSA's role in hardware procurement impact overall federal spending efficiency?

GSA's role in hardware procurement significantly impacts federal spending efficiency by leveraging the government's collective buying power. Through mechanisms like GSA Schedules and strategic sourcing initiatives, GSA negotiates favorable pricing and contract terms that individual agencies might not achieve on their own. This consolidation reduces duplication of effort in contract management and vendor assessment. By providing pre-vetted vendors and pre-negotiated prices, GSA streamlines the acquisition process, allowing agencies to procure necessary hardware more quickly and often at lower costs, thereby improving overall federal spending efficiency and reducing administrative burden.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Hardware Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 22

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Federal Resources Supply Company LLC

Address: 24680 MOUND RD, WARREN, MI, 48091

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,076

Exercised Options: $15,076

Current Obligation: $15,076

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSHA21A000D

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline