GSA awards $5.3M contract for corrugated boxes to Ponderosa Packaging Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,294 ($5.3K)

Contractor: Ponderosa Packaging Corp.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $252/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SHIPPING AND STORAGTEM:- SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTFOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: MELVILLE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11747

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,293.75 to PONDEROSA PACKAGING CORP. for work described as: SHIPPING AND STORAGTEM:- SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTFOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for corrugated and solid fiber box manufacturing, a key component of logistics and supply chain operations. 3. Delivery order issued against an existing contract, indicating potential for follow-on work and established vendor relationships. 4. The contract duration is short (21 days), suggesting a specific, immediate need for these supplies. 5. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 6. The awardee, Ponderosa Packaging Corp., operates within the relevant manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.3 million for a 21-day delivery period for corrugated boxes appears to be within a reasonable range for bulk packaging supplies. Without specific details on the quantity, type, and dimensions of the boxes, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts for packaging materials would offer further insight into the pricing competitiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the competition was broad, there might have been specific exclusions based on pre-existing conditions or requirements. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive environment, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging vendors to offer their best terms.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring shipping and storage materials will benefit from the timely delivery of these essential packaging supplies. The contract supports the manufacturing sector, specifically corrugated and solid fiber box production. The services delivered are critical for the logistical operations of various government entities. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the delivery locations within New York, where the contract is managed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed specifications for the boxes makes it difficult to assess if the most cost-effective solution was procured.
The short delivery window could potentially limit the pool of qualified bidders or increase urgency-related costs.
The specific reason for excluding certain sources, if any, is not detailed, which could warrant further investigation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), a central procurement agency known for establishing competitive schedules.

Sector Analysis

The corrugated and solid fiber box manufacturing industry is a significant segment of the broader paper and packaging sector. This contract falls under NAICS code 322211. The market is characterized by numerous suppliers, ranging from large integrated manufacturers to smaller specialized firms. Government procurement of packaging materials is substantial, driven by the logistical needs of various agencies for shipping, storage, and supply chain management. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically be found within GSA's Federal Supply Schedules for packaging and packing supplies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Given the nature of the product (corrugated boxes), it's possible that small businesses could be involved as suppliers or subcontractors, depending on the specific requirements and the scale of the order. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) generally has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). This contract, being a delivery order, likely falls under the purview of GSA's internal audit and compliance programs. Transparency is typically maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedules
Packaging and Packing Supplies
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption due to short delivery window.
Need for detailed product specification review to ensure value for money.
Lack of specific past performance data for the awardee in the provided summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,293.75 to PONDEROSA PACKAGING CORP.. SHIPPING AND STORAGTEM:- SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTFOR DETAIL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PONDEROSA PACKAGING CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,293.75.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the specific quantity and type of corrugated boxes being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact quantity, dimensions, or specific types of corrugated and solid fiber boxes being procured. The contract details mention 'SHIPPING AND STORAGTEM:- SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTFOR DETAIL.' Without access to this attached document, a precise understanding of the product's specifications is not possible. This information is crucial for a thorough value-for-money assessment, as unit costs can vary significantly based on material strength, size, and design features. Future analysis should aim to obtain these details to benchmark pricing accurately against market rates for comparable box specifications.

How does the unit price of these boxes compare to similar government contracts or commercial market rates?

A direct unit price comparison is not feasible with the current data, as the total award amount ($5.3 million) is for a delivery order with a short duration (21 days) and lacks specific quantity details. To benchmark effectively, one would need to know the number of boxes, their specifications (e.g., strength, size, material), and compare this to prices on GSA Schedules or commercial price lists for identical or highly similar items. The 'full and open competition' suggests competitive pricing was sought, but without unit cost data, the degree of savings or competitiveness remains unquantified.

What is Ponderosa Packaging Corp.'s past performance record with the federal government, particularly for similar products?

Information regarding Ponderosa Packaging Corp.'s specific past performance on federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their contract history in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or other relevant databases. This would include examining the number of previous awards, their value, performance ratings, and any instances of disputes or contract terminations. Understanding their track record is essential for evaluating the risk associated with this award and ensuring reliable delivery of goods.

What is the strategic importance of this contract for the General Services Administration (GSA) and the agencies it serves?

This contract is strategically important as it ensures the availability of essential shipping and storage materials for federal agencies. GSA, through its Federal Acquisition Service, plays a critical role in consolidating procurement needs to achieve economies of scale and provide efficient access to common goods and services. By securing corrugated boxes, GSA supports the operational continuity of numerous government functions that rely on secure and effective packaging for mail, supplies, and equipment. The short delivery window suggests it addresses an immediate operational requirement.

Are there any potential risks associated with this contract, such as supply chain disruptions or quality control issues?

Potential risks include supply chain disruptions, especially given the short delivery period, which could impact timely fulfillment. Quality control is another area to monitor; ensuring the boxes meet required strength and durability standards is crucial to prevent damage to contents during transit or storage. While the fixed-price nature mitigates cost escalation, performance risks remain. The 'full and open competition' aspect generally reduces the risk of vendor non-performance compared to sole-source awards, but diligent oversight is still necessary.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box 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: 260 SPAGNOLI RD, MELVILLE, NY, 11747

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,294

Exercised Options: $5,294

Current Obligation: $5,294

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA23D005G

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline