GSA awards $6.2M for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, with delivery expected within a month

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,203 ($6.2K)

Contractor: Tapesouth Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-05-06

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $230/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 SENSI ADHESIVE: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32653

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $6,203.35 to TAPESOUTH INC for work described as: TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI ADHESIVE: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized adhesive tapes, but a detailed breakdown of tape types and quantities is needed for a precise value-for-money assessment. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process but requiring further investigation into the specific reasons for source exclusion. 3. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces some risk of cost escalation, though the short duration may mitigate this. 4. Performance is contextually benchmarked against similar office supply procurements, indicating a standard market price range. 5. This contract falls within the broader 'Office Supplies' sector, specifically under 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.2 million for adhesive tape is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the type, quantity, and technical specifications of the tape required. Given the broad category of 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing,' the price could be within a reasonable range if it involves specialized or high-volume industrial tapes. However, for standard office tapes, this amount might be on the higher side. A comparison to similar GSA Schedule contracts for adhesive materials would provide better insight into value for money.

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. The specific reasons for this exclusion are not detailed, which limits the ability to fully assess the competitive landscape. It suggests that the agency may have had specific technical requirements or existing relationships that narrowed the field, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even in a full and open competition, can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing for taxpayers if it significantly limits the number of capable bidders.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for various operational needs will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the supply of adhesive tapes, crucial for packaging, sealing, labeling, and other administrative or operational functions. The contract has a geographic impact primarily within Florida, where the contractor is located, but the supplies will likely be distributed to federal facilities nationwide. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving existing production and distribution roles within the awarded contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to the 'economic price adjustment' clause, especially if material costs rise significantly during the contract period.
Lack of detailed specifications in the provided data makes it challenging to confirm if the tape meets all potential high-performance requirements.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants further review to ensure maximum fair opportunity was provided.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through a competitive process, indicating that multiple vendors likely had the opportunity to bid.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is a reputable agency known for managing large-scale procurement vehicles.
The short delivery order duration (less than one month) suggests a need for readily available supplies, which the contractor can likely fulfill efficiently.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' sector, which is a segment of the larger manufacturing industry. The market for adhesive tapes is diverse, ranging from basic office supplies to highly specialized industrial and medical-grade tapes. Federal spending in this category is consistent, driven by the ongoing needs of various government agencies for general supplies and specific operational materials. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within GSA Schedules or other government-wide acquisition contracts for office and industrial supplies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside. The primary contractor, TAPESOUTH INC, may be a small or large business; its size is not specified. If TAPESOUTH INC is a large business, there could be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, but this is not mandated by the contract type.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is primarily managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Federal Acquisition Service. GSA utilizes various oversight mechanisms, including contract performance monitoring and compliance checks. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules and quality standards. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically fall under the GSA's Office of Inspector General for any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules
Office Supplies Procurement
Adhesive Materials Contracts
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment Clause Risk
Lack of Detailed Product Specifications
Ambiguity in Competition Method Justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $6,203.35 to TAPESOUTH INC. TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI ADHESIVE: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

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 $6,203.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-06.

What is the specific type and technical specification of the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape being procured, and how does it compare to standard commercial offerings?

The provided data does not specify the exact type or technical specifications of the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. It only indicates 'TAPE, PRESSURE SENSI ADHESIVE: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.' Without access to the attached document, it's impossible to determine if this is a standard office tape, a heavy-duty industrial tape, a specialized medical tape, or another variant. Commercial offerings range widely in adhesive strength, backing material, temperature resistance, and application. Comparing this procurement to standard commercial tapes would require knowing its intended use and performance characteristics. For instance, if it's a high-strength industrial tape for demanding environments, the $6.2 million value might be justified. If it's merely for general office use, the price could be disproportionately high.

How does the unit price or overall value of this contract compare to similar adhesive tape procurements by the GSA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the value of this $6.2 million contract is challenging without detailed specifications and quantities. However, GSA Schedules often provide pre-negotiated pricing for various supplies. If this delivery order was placed against a GSA Schedule, its pricing could be compared to other similar items on that schedule or other agency contracts. For example, bulk purchases of standard packing tape might cost a few dollars per roll commercially. If this contract is for a large quantity of specialized tape, the total value could be reasonable. A preliminary search of federal procurement data might reveal similar contracts for adhesive materials, allowing for a rough comparison of price per unit or total contract value relative to quantity and type.

What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that the agency initially intended to solicit offers from all responsible sources but subsequently excluded specific ones. The reasons for exclusion are typically documented in the contract file and could include factors such as: failure to meet minimum technical requirements, past performance issues, inability to meet delivery schedules, or specific security requirements. Without access to the contract file or further details from the GSA, the precise rationale remains unknown. This exclusion method can sometimes limit competition, potentially affecting the final price achieved for taxpayers if the excluded sources were capable and competitive.

What is the track record of TAPESOUTH INC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for adhesive products?

Information regarding the specific track record of TAPESOUTH INC in fulfilling federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would typically review their past performance ratings on previous government contracts, their history of on-time delivery, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) could provide insights into their reliability and quality of work. A positive track record with similar adhesive product contracts would increase confidence in their ability to meet the requirements of this new delivery order.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'economic price adjustment' (EPA) clause in this fixed-price contract, and how might they be mitigated?

The 'economic price adjustment' (EPA) clause in a fixed-price contract allows for adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as labor or material costs. The primary risk for the government is potential price increases during the contract period, which could lead to higher overall spending than initially anticipated. This risk is particularly relevant if the contract duration is long or if the specified economic indicators are volatile. Mitigation strategies include carefully defining the economic factors that trigger adjustments, setting reasonable limits or caps on price increases, and ensuring the contract duration is appropriate for the product's market stability. Given the short duration (delivery order ending May 6, 2026), the potential impact of the EPA might be limited.

How does the duration of this delivery order (less than one month) impact the overall value and risk assessment compared to longer-term contracts for similar supplies?

The short duration of this delivery order, with an expected completion date of May 6, 2026 (implying a delivery period of less than one month from the award date, assuming award was recent), significantly impacts the value and risk assessment. For the government, a short duration reduces the exposure to market volatility and potential price escalations, especially relevant given the EPA clause. It suggests an urgent or immediate need for the supplies. From a contractor perspective, it implies a need for rapid fulfillment. The overall value is assessed based on the immediate requirement rather than long-term strategic sourcing. Risks related to contractor performance or product obsolescence are minimized due to the short timeframe.

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: $6,203

Exercised Options: $6,203

Current Obligation: $6,203

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