GSA Awards $12K Contract for Toilet Paper to National Industries for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,063 ($12.1K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: PAPER, TOILET: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: EARTH CITY, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63045

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $12,062.75 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: PAPER, TOILET: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to National Industries for the Blind, a key supplier for the blind. 2. The contract is for toilet paper, a common office supply. 3. The award method is 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION', raising potential value concerns. 4. The sector is office supplies, a stable but competitive market.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is $12,062.75 for a 7-day delivery order. Without more detail on quantity or specific product, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The fixed price with economic price adjustment suggests potential for cost increases.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract is listed as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION', indicating a limited competition approach. This method may restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in a higher price than if the contract were fully competed, impacting taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Ensures supply of essential office item (toilet paper) to federal agencies. Supports the mission of National Industries for the Blind, providing employment for individuals who are blind. Limited competition raises questions about the best possible price for taxpayers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment

Positive Signals

Supports a specific mission-driven organization

Sector Analysis

The office supplies sector is generally competitive, with many vendors offering janitorial and paper products. However, specific contracts, especially those with unique sourcing requirements like supporting the blind, may have limited competition.

Small Business Impact

While the awardee is a large non-profit organization, the contract does not appear to have specific set-asides for small businesses. The nature of the awardee's mission may preclude typical small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for this contract. Oversight would focus on ensuring the terms of the fixed-price with economic adjustment contract are met and that the limited competition was justified.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies and Stationery Stores
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to inflated prices.
Economic price adjustment introduces cost uncertainty.
Lack of detailed quantity information hinders cost analysis.
Short contract duration (7 days) may not reflect long-term needs or pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $12,062.75 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. PAPER, TOILET: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12,062.75.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the quantity of toilet paper being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the quantity of toilet paper. The contract value is $12,062.75 for a 7-day delivery order. Knowing the quantity is crucial for accurately assessing the per-unit cost and comparing it to market benchmarks.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a limited competition basis?

The data states 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION', which typically implies a justification exists, such as a sole-source provider or specific statutory requirements. Without the detailed justification, it's impossible to assess if limited competition was truly necessary or if it resulted in a fair price.

How does the economic price adjustment clause impact the final cost to taxpayers?

The economic price adjustment clause allows for price changes based on specific economic indicators. This introduces uncertainty and potential for increased costs beyond the initial fixed price, making the final taxpayer impact difficult to predict without knowing the adjustment formula and market trends.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores › Office Supplies and Stationery Stores

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3000 POTOMAC AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22305

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,063

Exercised Options: $12,063

Current Obligation: $12,063

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02FW0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline