GSA awards $4,361 contract for 3-inch pressure-sensitive adhesive tape with full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,362 ($4.4K)

Contractor: Tapesouth Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-07

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $162/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: ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE OVERALL WIDTH 3.000 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 60.00 YARDS OVERALL THICKNESS 0.006 INCHES MINIMUM TENSILE STRENGTH 22.00 PSI TEMPERATURE RATING 250.0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UNIT TYPE MA

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32653

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,361.76 to TAPESOUTH INC for work described as: TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI ADHESIVE: ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE OVERALL WIDTH 3.000 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 60.00 YARDS OVERALL THICKNESS 0.006 INCHES MINIMUM TENSILE STRENGTH 22.00 PSI TEMPERATURE RATING 250.0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UNIT TYPE MA Key points: 1. The contract is for specialized adhesive tape with specific tensile strength and temperature ratings. 2. TAPESOUTH INC is the sole awardee, indicating potential market concentration. 3. The contract type is Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment, which can introduce cost volatility. 4. The sector is Office Supplies Manufacturing, a relatively stable but competitive market.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4,361.76 for a 60-yard roll of specialized tape appears reasonable given the specifications. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar specialized industrial tapes, a precise value assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method is 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were initially excluded. This could limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher prices than a truly open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely minimal given the small contract value. However, the limited competition structure warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of critical adhesive tape for government operations. Supports a specific manufacturer, TAPESOUTH INC. Potential for price fluctuations due to economic price adjustment clause. Limited visibility into the full competitive landscape for this specific product.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition structure
Economic price adjustment clause introduces risk
Lack of detailed cost transparency

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a known entity
Specific technical requirements met

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector is generally stable, driven by recurring needs for office consumables. Benchmarks for specialized tapes are highly variable based on technical specifications.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service is responsible for this award. Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance, adherence to terms, and the justification for the limited competition approach.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Economic price adjustment clause
Lack of transparency on source exclusion justification
Potential for price volatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,361.76 to TAPESOUTH INC. TAPE,PRESSURE SENSI ADHESIVE: ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE OVERALL WIDTH 3.000 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 60.00 YARDS OVERALL THICKNESS 0.006 INCHES MINIMUM TENSILE STRENGTH 22.00 PSI TEMPERATURE RATING 250.0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UNIT TYPE MA

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 $4,361.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-07.

What is the justification for excluding sources in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' scenario, and how does it impact overall value?

The justification for excluding sources is critical. If based on specific technical capabilities or unique manufacturing processes, it might be warranted. However, if the exclusion was arbitrary, it could stifle competition, leading to less favorable pricing and reduced value for taxpayers. Understanding the rationale is key to assessing the procurement's effectiveness.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' (FPEPA) contract type for this adhesive tape?

The FPEPA contract type introduces risk by allowing price adjustments based on economic factors, such as inflation or material cost changes. For a product like adhesive tape, significant fluctuations in raw material costs could lead to unexpected price increases for the government, eroding the initial price certainty and potentially exceeding budget allocations if not carefully monitored.

How does the limited competition impact the government's ability to secure the best possible price for this specialized tape?

Limited competition inherently restricts the number of potential bidders, which can reduce downward pressure on prices. While the award states 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' the exclusion itself limits the pool. This structure may prevent the government from achieving the most competitive pricing achievable in a truly open market, potentially resulting in a higher cost than if all qualified sources were allowed to bid.

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: $4,362

Exercised Options: $4,362

Current Obligation: $4,362

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