GSA awards $9,535 contract for cushioning material, highlighting potential for competitive pricing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,535 ($9.5K)

Contractor: FP Woll & CO

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $454/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CUSHIONING MATERIAL, 24'' WIDE, 1/2'' THICK, 250FT. PER ROLL, 2 MIL BACK AND 4 MIL BUBBLE FILM.

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19116

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $9,535 to FP WOLL & CO for work described as: CUSHIONING MATERIAL, 24'' WIDE, 1/2'' THICK, 250FT. PER ROLL, 2 MIL BACK AND 4 MIL BUBBLE FILM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract is for a short duration (21 days), indicating a need for immediate or short-term supply. 3. The specific material is cushioning, with detailed specifications on width, thickness, and composition. 4. The award was a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 5. The contracting agency is the General Services Administration (GSA), a key federal procurement body. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 326150 points to Urethane and Other Foam Product Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9,535 for 21 days of supply appears reasonable for specialized cushioning material. Without direct comparable contract data for this exact specification, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. The GSA's role in procurement often leads to standardized pricing, implying this award is likely within a fair market range for similar government purchases.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded, potentially limiting the number of bidders. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing than true full and open competition. Further information on the number of bids received would be necessary to fully assess the impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not fully open, the exclusion of sources was justified, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process, even if limited, as it aims to secure goods at reasonable prices.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized cushioning material for packaging or protection will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the supply of specific foam-based cushioning material. The contract is being fulfilled in Pennsylvania (SN: PENNSYLVANIA). The contract supports the manufacturing sector, specifically foam product manufacturers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources, which could impact price.
Short contract duration may indicate a one-time need or a gap in longer-term supply planning.

Positive Signals

Awarded by GSA, a reputable agency known for procurement expertise.
Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Specific material details suggest a well-defined requirement.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader 'Manufacturing' sector, specifically the 'Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing' sub-sector (NAICS 326150). This industry produces a range of foam products used in packaging, insulation, and cushioning. Federal spending in this area supports domestic manufacturing and ensures the availability of specialized materials for government operations. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within GSA's Federal Supply Schedule or through analysis of other agency procurements for similar foam products.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (SB: false) was not a primary consideration for this specific award, nor was it a small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular contract appears minimal, though the prime contractor's own supply chain may involve small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order, likely issued under a pre-existing Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract or similar vehicle managed by GSA's Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight would typically be handled by the contracting officer at GSA, with performance monitored against the delivery order terms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply if systemic issues or fraud were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedules
Packaging and Packing Supplies
Foam Product Manufacturing
Materials Handling Equipment

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Short Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $9,535 to FP WOLL & CO. CUSHIONING MATERIAL, 24'' WIDE, 1/2'' THICK, 250FT. PER ROLL, 2 MIL BACK AND 4 MIL BUBBLE FILM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FP WOLL & CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9,535.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the typical lead time for Urethane and Other Foam Products under GSA contracts?

Lead times for Urethane and Other Foam Products can vary significantly based on the specific product, quantity, and manufacturer's production capacity. For specialized items like the 24" wide, 1/2" thick, 250ft per roll cushioning material specified in this contract, lead times could range from a few days to several weeks. Given this contract's short 21-day duration and delivery completion date, it suggests either a readily available stock item or a manufacturer with expedited production capabilities. GSA schedules often aim for prompt delivery, but specific contract clauses dictate exact timelines. Without more data on the specific GSA schedule or contract vehicle used, providing a precise average lead time is challenging, but the urgency implied by the award date and duration suggests a need for rapid fulfillment.

How does 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' differ from standard full and open competition?

'Full and open competition' is the standard procurement method where all responsible sources are permitted to submit a bid or proposal. 'Full and open competition after exclusion of sources' (FAR 6.102(d)(3)) is a specific scenario where the agency determines that exclusion of one or more sources is necessary to satisfy a requirement. This exclusion must be justified and approved. While it aims for broad competition among the remaining sources, it is inherently less open than standard full and open competition. The justification for exclusion could be based on factors like proprietary data, unique capabilities, or specific security requirements. This method can sometimes lead to fewer bidders and potentially higher prices compared to unrestricted full and open competition, as the pool of eligible offerors is intentionally narrowed.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 326150 for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 326150, 'Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing,' is significant because it precisely categorizes the industry of the contractor and the type of product being procured. This code helps in understanding the market landscape, identifying potential competitors, and benchmarking spending against similar products and manufacturers. It indicates that the government is sourcing a specialized foam product, likely used for protective packaging or cushioning, from a manufacturer operating within this specific industrial segment. This classification is crucial for statistical analysis, economic tracking, and ensuring that procurement actions align with relevant industry standards and capabilities.

What are the typical uses of 2-mil back and 4-mil bubble film cushioning material in federal agencies?

Federal agencies utilize 2-mil back and 4-mil bubble film cushioning material primarily for protective packaging of sensitive equipment, supplies, and documents during transit or storage. The 4-mil bubble film offers a good balance of cushioning and protection against impacts and vibrations, while the 2-mil backing provides additional structural integrity and a smoother surface. Common uses include safeguarding electronics (computers, servers, sensitive instruments), medical equipment, historical artifacts, and general office supplies. Its versatility makes it suitable for various shipping needs, from small parcels to larger crates, ensuring that valuable or fragile government assets arrive undamaged, thereby reducing replacement costs and operational disruptions.

What is the role of GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) in contracts like this?

The General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) plays a crucial role in procuring and managing common goods and services for the federal government, including items like the cushioning material in this contract. FAS operates under multiple contract vehicles, such as Multiple Award Schedules (MAS), which allow agencies to place orders for pre-negotiated items and services. For this specific contract, it appears to be a delivery order issued under a larger FAS contract. FAS aims to provide cost savings through bulk purchasing, streamlined acquisition processes, and leveraging competition. Their involvement ensures that agencies have access to necessary supplies efficiently and at competitive prices, while also promoting government-wide acquisition policies and best practices.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Plastics Product Manufacturing › Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONTAINERS/PACKAGING/PACKING SUPPL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10060 SANDMEYER LN, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19116

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,535

Exercised Options: $9,535

Current Obligation: $9,535

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA22D002X

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline