GSA awards $7.6K for specialized wrenches, highlighting potential for better price discovery in handtool procurement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,612 ($7.6K)

Contractor: Kaufman Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2027-01-28

Contract Duration: 300 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WRENCH, SPANNER: OVERALL LENGTH: 9-3/4 INCHES OUTSIDE DIAMETER: 3-3/4 INCHES LUG WIDTH: 1/2 INCH MATERIAL: STEEL (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION)

Place of Performance

Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $7,612.44 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: WRENCH, SPANNER: OVERALL LENGTH: 9-3/4 INCHES OUTSIDE DIAMETER: 3-3/4 INCHES LUG WIDTH: 1/2 INCH MATERIAL: STEEL (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION) Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focus on specific, potentially niche, tool requirements. 2. Limited competition data prevents a robust assessment of value for money. 3. The use of a Purchase Order indicates a streamlined acquisition process, but may bypass more rigorous competition. 4. The contract duration of 300 days is standard for this type of procurement. 5. The specific tool dimensions (9-3/4 inch length, 3-3/4 inch diameter) suggest a specialized application. 6. The material is identified as steel, a common and durable material for tools.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific wrench is challenging without more comparable contract data. The $7,612.44 award for a single purchase order of tools appears reasonable for specialized equipment, but the lack of competition makes it difficult to ascertain if it represents the best possible price. Further analysis would require comparing unit costs for similar specialized wrenches procured through competitive means.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. The data explicitly states 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. Without further details on the justification for not competing, it is difficult to assess the extent of competition. Typically, sole-source awards occur when only one vendor can provide the required item or service.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing that could have been achieved through an open bidding process.

Public Impact

The General Services Administration (GSA) benefits by acquiring necessary tools for its operations. Federal agencies utilizing the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) may receive these specialized wrenches. The procurement supports the manufacturing sector, specifically handtool production. The contract ensures operational readiness for personnel requiring these specific tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and missed opportunities for cost savings.
The sole-source nature of the award limits transparency into the procurement process.
Absence of detailed specifications beyond basic dimensions could lead to receiving non-optimal or less durable tools.

Positive Signals

The use of a Purchase Order suggests an efficient acquisition process for a relatively small dollar value.
The contract specifies a firm-fixed-price, which provides cost certainty for the government.
The vendor, KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC., is listed, allowing for potential future performance tracking.

Sector Analysis

The handtool manufacturing industry (NAICS 332216) is a mature sector within the broader manufacturing economy. This contract falls under the general category of industrial supplies. Spending in this sector by the federal government can fluctuate based on agency needs for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies, as well as specific project requirements. Benchmarking this specific award is difficult due to its specialized nature and limited competition, but overall federal spending on tools and hardware is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements (sb: false). Therefore, this award does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting. The prime contractor, KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC., is not specified as a small business in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). As a Purchase Order, it is likely subject to internal GSA procurement policies and reviews. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature. There is no explicit mention of an Inspector General's jurisdiction for this specific award, though GSA does have an Office of Inspector General that oversees its operations.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules (MAS)
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts
Industrial Supplies Procurement
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Limited transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $7,612.44 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. WRENCH, SPANNER: OVERALL LENGTH: 9-3/4 INCHES OUTSIDE DIAMETER: 3-3/4 INCHES LUG WIDTH: 1/2 INCH MATERIAL: STEEL (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7,612.44.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-01-28.

What is the typical price range for a 9-3/4 inch steel wrench with a 3-3/4 inch outside diameter and 1/2 inch lug width?

Determining a precise typical price range for such a specialized wrench is difficult without more specific details on its exact type (e.g., pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, torque wrench) and quality standards. However, based on general market data for industrial-grade steel tools of similar size and complexity, a single unit could range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on brand reputation, material grade, and any unique features. The total award of $7,612.44 for potentially multiple units suggests a unit cost in the range of $75-$150 if around 50-100 units were purchased, which aligns with specialized industrial tool pricing. Without knowing the exact quantity or specific type of wrench, a definitive benchmark is elusive.

What is the justification for this contract being sole-source?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and lists the contract type as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This strongly suggests a sole-source or limited competition award. The specific justification (e.g., unique capabilities of the vendor, urgent need, lack of other sources) is not detailed in the provided data. Federal regulations allow for sole-source procurements under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can provide the supplies or services. A formal justification document would typically be required and maintained by the contracting officer.

How does the duration of this contract compare to similar tool procurements?

The contract duration is 300 days (approximately 10 months), with an effective date of April 3, 2026, and an expiration date of January 28, 2027. This duration is relatively standard for a firm-fixed-price purchase order for specific supplies. Many similar procurements for tools and equipment, especially those not requiring extensive services or integration, often have durations ranging from a few months to a year. Longer durations might be seen for larger, more complex contracts or those involving ongoing support or maintenance, while shorter durations are typical for immediate, one-time needs.

What is the historical spending pattern for KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. with the GSA?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. with the GSA or any other federal agency. To assess their track record and relationship with the government, one would need to access contract databases like FPDS-NG or SAM.gov to review past awards, contract types, values, and performance history. Without this historical context, it's impossible to determine if this $7.6K award is typical, an outlier, or indicative of a long-standing relationship.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source procurement for tools?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source procurement for tools include the potential for paying a higher price than would be achievable through competition, reduced transparency in the acquisition process, and a lack of assurance that the selected vendor offers the best overall value (considering factors beyond just price, such as quality, delivery, and support). Taxpayers may bear the cost of this lack of competition. Additionally, sole-source awards can stifle innovation and limit opportunities for other capable vendors to enter the market or demonstrate their offerings.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEASURING TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19 WALKHILL RD, NORWOOD, MA, 02062

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,612

Exercised Options: $7,612

Current Obligation: $7,612

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline