GSA awards $3.8M purchase order for saw blades and handtools to Lawson Products, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,832 ($3.8K)

Contractor: Lawson Products, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-03

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $128/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PARTSMASTER-DY81100905

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75227

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,831.6 to LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: PARTSMASTER-DY81100905 Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding process. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement for common tools. 3. Risk indicators are low given the nature of the product and contract type. 4. Performance context is a short-term supply of essential maintenance items. 5. Sector positioning is within the industrial supplies category for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.8 million for a one-month duration appears reasonable for the procurement of saw blades and handtools. As a competed purchase order under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), it suggests a level of price discovery. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule contracts for industrial supplies indicates that pricing is likely competitive, though specific per-unit cost data is not provided here. The firm fixed-price nature further mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under SAP, indicating a full and open competition process suitable for acquisitions below certain thresholds. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery and value. While not a large-scale competitive solicitation, SAP procedures are designed to ensure fair opportunity and reasonable pricing for smaller value procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this procurement, even under SAP, helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by securing tools at market-driven prices.

Public Impact

Federal agencies, particularly those utilizing GSA's Federal Acquisition Service, will benefit from access to necessary tools. The services delivered include the supply of saw blades and handtools essential for maintenance, repair, and operations. The geographic impact is primarily within Texas, where the order is being fulfilled. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting the logistics and distribution personnel involved in fulfilling the order.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited product variety if only two bidders participated.
Short contract duration may require frequent re-solicitation for ongoing needs.

Positive Signals

Procured through a competitive process under SAP.
Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Lawson Products, Inc. is an established supplier in this category.

Sector Analysis

The industrial supplies sector, specifically the manufacturing and distribution of tools and hardware, is a significant component of government procurement. Agencies rely on these supplies for a wide range of operational needs, from facilities maintenance to specialized equipment repair. Spending in this category is consistent across various federal agencies, with GSA acting as a key aggregator and facilitator for common use items. Benchmarks for similar tool procurements vary widely based on quantity, type, and specific requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was competed under SAP and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. Lawson Products, Inc. is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as this appears to be a direct award to a large business supplier.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order falls under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability is maintained through the firm fixed-price contract terms and the standard procurement regulations governing SAP procurements. Transparency is facilitated by the availability of contract data, though detailed justifications for award are not publicly accessible in this format. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules Program
Industrial Supplies Procurement
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may necessitate frequent re-procurement.
Limited competition (2 bidders) could potentially impact price optimization.
No explicit small business subcontracting plan mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,831.6 to LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.. PARTSMASTER-DY81100905

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 $3,831.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-03.

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

Historical spending data for saw blades and handtools by the GSA can be extensive, reflecting the continuous need for these items across various federal agencies. Analyzing past purchase orders and GSA Schedule contracts would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and supplier diversity. For instance, GSA might award multiple smaller purchase orders throughout a year or larger contracts for specific agency needs. Understanding these patterns helps in forecasting future requirements and identifying potential cost savings through strategic sourcing or longer-term agreements. Without specific historical data for this exact product category, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but it's a consistent area of expenditure for government operations.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to other similar procurements for saw blades and handtools?

Direct comparison of pricing for this $3.8 million purchase order is challenging without access to the specific line-item details and unit costs. However, the fact that it was competed under SAP with two bidders suggests a degree of market competitiveness. Generally, GSA aims to secure favorable pricing through its acquisition programs. If Lawson Products, Inc. is a GSA Schedule holder, their pricing would be subject to GSA's review and negotiation processes. Benchmarking against publicly available GSA Advantage! data or other federal procurement databases for similar tool categories could provide an indicative range. However, variations in quality, specifications, and quantities can significantly impact unit prices, making a precise apples-to-apples comparison difficult.

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

Lawson Products, Inc. has a history of serving government entities, including federal agencies. As a supplier of industrial and MRO products, their track record typically involves fulfilling orders for tools, safety equipment, and maintenance supplies. Federal procurement databases often show a history of purchase orders and contract awards to companies like Lawson. Their ability to secure contracts, including this recent GSA purchase order, suggests they meet basic requirements for performance, financial stability, and compliance. A deeper dive into past performance evaluations, if available, would provide more specific insights into their reliability, delivery timeliness, and product quality in previous federal engagements.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low given the nature of the goods and the contract type. Potential risks include delivery delays, receipt of non-conforming products, or price fluctuations if it were not a firm fixed-price contract. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the procurement process: the firm fixed-price (FFP) structure locks in the cost, protecting the government from price increases. The short 30-day duration minimizes the window for significant disruptions. Furthermore, GSA's oversight and Lawson Products' established presence in the market suggest a commitment to fulfilling the order as specified. Any deviations would be addressed through the terms of the purchase order and standard contract dispute resolution mechanisms.

How does this contract contribute to the overall mission of the General Services Administration?

This contract directly supports the GSA's mission to provide efficient and cost-effective procurement solutions for the federal government. By consolidating the need for essential tools like saw blades and handtools, GSA enables agencies to focus on their core missions rather than managing individual supply chains for common items. The use of SAP and competitive bidding aligns with GSA's goal of ensuring best value for taxpayer dollars. This specific purchase order facilitates the operational readiness of federal agencies that rely on these tools for maintenance, repair, and facility management, thereby contributing to the government's overall operational effectiveness.

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: $3,832

Exercised Options: $3,832

Current Obligation: $3,832

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline