GSA awards $11,310 BPA Call for stationery kits, highlighting potential for price adjustments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,310 ($11.3K)

Contractor: JL Darling, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-11

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT

Place of Performance

Location: FIFE, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98424

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $11,310.46 to JL DARLING, LLC for work described as: FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT Key points: 1. Value for money is assessed through the fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure, which may lead to cost fluctuations. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these supplies. 3. Risk indicators include the potential for price increases due to economic adjustments and the relatively short contract duration. 4. Performance context is limited by the short duration and the nature of the product (stationery kits). 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader office supplies and stationery manufacturing industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11,310.46 for stationery kits appears reasonable for a small quantity. However, the 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (FPEPA) clause introduces uncertainty regarding the final cost. Without specific unit cost data or comparison to similar GSA Schedule purchases, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The short duration (11 days) suggests a tactical purchase rather than a strategic sourcing effort.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This suggests a healthy competitive environment for stationery products. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a broad solicitation process, which generally promotes competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives competitive bids.

Public Impact

Federal agencies and military personnel requiring essential stationery supplies will benefit from this contract. The contract delivers essential office supplies such as notebooks, printer paper, markers, and pens. The geographic impact is primarily within Washington (WA), where the contract is managed, but supplies can be distributed nationwide. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving procurement and logistics personnel within the GSA and potentially the end-user agencies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause introduces potential for cost overruns beyond initial estimates.
Short contract duration (11 days) may limit opportunities for long-term planning and bulk discounts.
Lack of detailed unit pricing makes it difficult to benchmark value effectively.
Reliance on a single product kit (FIST KIT) might not meet diverse agency needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Procured through the General Services Administration (GSA), a centralized procurement body known for leveraging government-wide buying power.
The contract is a BPA Call, which is a streamlined method for fulfilling recurring needs.
The contractor, J.L. Darling, LLC, is a known entity in the stationery market.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader office supplies and stationery manufacturing sector, a mature market characterized by numerous suppliers. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 322230 (Stationery Product Manufacturing) applies. Spending in this category is consistent across federal agencies for day-to-day operations. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule purchases for office supplies would provide better context for value.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. J.L. Darling, LLC, is listed as the contractor. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities is not possible without further details on the award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal given the contract's size and the nature of the product.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA Call, it falls under the existing framework of the parent Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed performance metrics are not readily available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules Program
Office Supplies Procurement
Stationery and Paper Products
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment Clause
Short Contract Duration
Limited Transparency on Bidders
Lack of Detailed Unit Cost Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $11,310.46 to JL DARLING, LLC. FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JL DARLING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,310.46.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-11. End: 2026-04-22.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar stationery kits or office supply bundles procured by the GSA?

Analyzing historical spending for similar stationery kits or office supply bundles by the GSA would provide crucial context for evaluating the current award. Without this data, it's difficult to determine if $11,310.46 represents a competitive price point or if it aligns with established spending trends. Historical data could reveal average prices per kit, fluctuations over time, and the impact of different contract vehicles (e.g., GSA Schedules, direct buys). It would also highlight if this specific kit (FIST KIT) has been a recurring purchase and whether its price has remained stable or escalated. Understanding past procurement volumes and pricing strategies would enable a more robust assessment of the current contract's value and potential risks associated with its economic price adjustment clause.

How does the unit cost of items within the FIST KIT compare to market rates for comparable individual items?

To assess the value for money, a detailed breakdown of the unit costs for each component within the FIST KIT (notebooks, printer paper, markers, pens) is necessary. This would allow for a direct comparison against prevailing market rates for similar quality items purchased individually or in bulk through commercial channels or other government contracts. If the aggregated unit costs within the kit significantly exceed market prices, it could indicate a lack of competitive pricing or inefficiencies in the bundling strategy. Conversely, if the kit offers a cost advantage due to bulk purchasing or convenience, this would justify the award. The economic price adjustment clause further complicates this, as market fluctuations could impact the final cost of individual components over the contract period.

What is the track record of J.L. Darling, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts for similar office supplies?

J.L. Darling, LLC's track record in fulfilling federal contracts for similar office supplies is a key indicator of their reliability and performance. Information regarding past performance, such as on-time delivery rates, product quality, and adherence to contract terms, should be reviewed. Examining previous awards, contract values, and any reported issues or successes can provide insight into their capabilities. A history of successful contract completion suggests a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, any documented performance deficiencies or disputes could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the requirements of this BPA Call, potentially impacting the availability and quality of the essential stationery supplies.

What are the specific economic factors that could trigger price adjustments under this contract?

The 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (FPEPA) clause in this contract allows for modifications to the price based on specific economic factors. These typically include fluctuations in the cost of raw materials (e.g., paper pulp, ink components), labor costs, and transportation expenses. The contract's specific terms would define the index or formula used to calculate these adjustments. Understanding these triggers is crucial for assessing the potential financial risk to the government. For instance, a sharp increase in paper prices or fuel costs could lead to a significant rise in the contract's total expenditure beyond the initial $11,310.46 estimate, impacting budget predictability.

How does the short duration of the contract (11 days) impact the overall effectiveness and value proposition?

The extremely short duration of this contract, only 11 days from award to expiration, suggests it is intended for immediate, urgent needs rather than routine replenishment. This brevity limits the scope for extensive performance monitoring, strategic sourcing, or leveraging economies of scale. While it ensures rapid fulfillment of a specific, short-term requirement, it also means the government must re-compete or re-issue a similar requirement very soon. This frequent cycle of short-term contracts can be administratively burdensome and may prevent the establishment of longer-term, potentially more cost-effective, supply arrangements. The value proposition is thus focused on immediate availability rather than long-term cost savings or strategic partnership.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Stationery Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2614 PACIFIC HWY E, FIFE, WA, 98424

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,310

Exercised Options: $11,310

Current Obligation: $11,310

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA22A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline