GSA awards $3.1M purchase order for handtools and saw blades to Lawson Products, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,098 ($3.1K)

Contractor: Lawson Products, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-07-02

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PARTSMASTER-PM77350701

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75227

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,097.81 to LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: PARTSMASTER-PM77350701 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the firm fixed price contract type. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award under simplified acquisition procedures. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short duration and standard nature of the goods. 4. Performance context suggests routine procurement of essential maintenance supplies. 5. Sector positioning is within the industrial supplies category for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.1 million for a 90-day period for handtools and saw blades is within a reasonable range for federal procurement of such items. Without specific itemized pricing or detailed market research, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the award to Lawson Products, Inc., a known supplier in this space, suggests a degree of market validation. The firm fixed price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting that the award process likely involved multiple quotes from pre-qualified vendors or a broader solicitation within a specific procurement vehicle. The presence of two bids indicates some level of competition, but it is not considered full and open competition. This limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a full and open solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not be receiving the absolute lowest possible price, as the pool of potential bidders was restricted.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies will benefit from this contract. The contract delivers essential handtools and saw blades, supporting the operational readiness of government facilities. The primary geographic impact is within Texas, where the contractor is located, but supplies are likely distributed nationwide. The contract supports the workforce of Lawson Products, Inc. and potentially its supply chain partners.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future procurements due to limited competition.
Reliance on a single supplier for a broad range of tools could lead to supply chain vulnerabilities if not managed.

Positive Signals

Award to a known supplier with established product lines.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Short contract duration limits long-term financial commitment and allows for re-evaluation of needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the industrial and commercial machinery and equipment sector, specifically focusing on handtools and cutting tools. The federal market for these types of supplies is substantial, driven by the maintenance and operational needs of various government agencies. Spending benchmarks for similar procurements vary widely based on quantity, specific tool types, and contract vehicles used, but this award represents a significant single purchase order for these essential items.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the contractor, Lawson Products, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific purchase order. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular award is likely minimal, though Lawson Products may engage small businesses in its broader supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would primarily fall under the General Services Administration's (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service. GSA has established procurement regulations and policies that govern the award and administration of such contracts. Transparency is provided through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability rests with GSA contracting officers to ensure compliance with procurement laws and regulations. Inspector General oversight may be involved if specific concerns or allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) IT
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Price Variation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,097.81 to LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.. PARTSMASTER-PM77350701

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,097.81.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-07-02.

What is the historical spending pattern for handtools and saw blades by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for handtools and saw blades by the GSA requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, GSA procures these items through various contract vehicles, including GSA Schedules and other indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, as well as through simplified acquisition procedures for smaller purchases. Spending can fluctuate based on agency needs, budget allocations, and the availability of competitive pricing. Without specific data queries on platforms like FPDS-NG, it's difficult to provide precise historical figures. However, it is reasonable to assume consistent demand for these essential MRO items across federal agencies, suggesting a steady, albeit variable, spending trend over time. Factors like infrastructure investments or new facility openings could temporarily increase demand and spending.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar GSA Schedule awards for handtools?

A direct comparison of pricing for this specific $3.1 million purchase order to similar GSA Schedule awards is challenging without itemized lists and quantities. GSA Schedules often contain thousands of line items with pre-negotiated prices. This purchase order, awarded under SAP, may represent a bulk purchase of specific items that differ from standard catalog offerings. However, generally, GSA Schedule prices are considered competitive due to the volume and pre-negotiation involved. If this purchase order's unit prices are significantly higher or lower than comparable items on active GSA Schedules, it could indicate either a favorable negotiation by GSA or a potential overpricing/underpricing issue. Further analysis would require comparing specific product codes and quantities.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low given its nature. One potential risk is the quality and durability of the tools, although awarding to a known supplier like Lawson Products, Inc. mitigates this to some extent. Another risk is the possibility of receiving less competitive pricing due to the limited competition under SAP, compared to a full and open solicitation. Supply chain disruptions, though less likely for standard items, could also pose a risk if Lawson Products faces unforeseen issues. Finally, ensuring the delivered items precisely meet the required specifications is crucial to avoid performance issues in the end-user agencies.

What is the track record of Lawson Products, Inc. as a federal contractor?

Lawson Products, Inc. has a history of serving the federal government, primarily through contracts awarded by agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA). Their participation in federal procurement indicates an established capability to meet government requirements, including quality standards, delivery timelines, and administrative processes. Publicly available data often shows a pattern of awards for industrial supplies, tools, and related maintenance equipment. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their continued presence in the federal marketplace suggests a generally satisfactory performance history. Agencies often rely on past performance evaluations when making future award decisions.

How does the $3.1 million award compare to the total federal spending on handtools and saw blades annually?

Estimating the total annual federal spending on handtools and saw blades requires aggregating data across all agencies and contract types. This $3.1 million award represents a significant single purchase order, likely fulfilling a substantial portion of demand for a specific period or set of agencies. However, it is a fraction of the overall annual federal expenditure in this category. Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, GSA, and others, procure these items continuously through various channels, including GSA Schedules, other IDIQ contracts, and direct purchases. Total annual spending could easily reach tens or hundreds of millions of dollars when all procurements are considered. This award highlights a specific procurement action rather than the entirety of federal spending in this domain.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing › Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4695 CLOVER HAVEN ST, DALLAS, TX, 75227

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,098

Exercised Options: $3,098

Current Obligation: $3,098

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline