GSA awards $3,240 for 3M adhesive tape, highlighting potential for higher costs due to limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,240 ($3.2K)

Contractor: Huron Applied Sciences, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 10 days

Daily Burn Rate: $324/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAPE, P/S ADHESIVE,PLASTIC OVERALL, COLOR[BLACKAND CLEAR OVERALLSIZE[ 1296'' X 2.000''ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONMOISTUREAND OILRESISTANT P/N 3M-481

Place of Performance

Location: CHAMPAIGN, CHAMPAIGN County, ILLINOIS, 61820

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,240 to HURON APPLIED SCIENCES, LLC for work described as: TAPE, P/S ADHESIVE,PLASTIC OVERALL, COLOR[BLACKAND CLEAR OVERALLSIZE[ 1296'' X 2.000''ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONMOISTUREAND OILRESISTANT P/N 3M-481 Key points: 1. Adhesive tape purchase valued at $3,240. 2. Sole-source award to Huron Applied Sciences, LLC. 3. Potential risk of overpayment due to lack of competition. 4. Procurement falls under 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is relatively small ($3,240), making a detailed pricing assessment difficult. However, the lack of competition suggests potential for a higher price than if multiple vendors were considered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating no competition was sought. This method limits price discovery and may lead to less favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely negative due to the potential for paying a premium for the adhesive tape without competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Government agencies rely on adhesive products for various operational needs. Sole-source awards can limit the availability of innovative or cost-effective solutions from other manufacturers. Transparency in procurement processes is crucial for ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment

Positive Signals

Specific product identified
Clear contract duration

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under the 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' sector. Spending benchmarks for specialized adhesive tapes can vary widely based on material properties and application.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Huron Applied Sciences, LLC, is not identified as a small business in the provided data. This procurement does not appear to have specific provisions for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for this procurement. Oversight should focus on the justification for the sole-source award and whether it aligns with federal acquisition regulations.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Lack of transparency in price discovery.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,240 to HURON APPLIED SCIENCES, LLC. TAPE, P/S ADHESIVE,PLASTIC OVERALL, COLOR[BLACKAND CLEAR OVERALLSIZE[ 1296'' X 2.000''ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONMOISTUREAND OILRESISTANT P/N 3M-481

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HURON APPLIED SCIENCES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,240.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-13.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical. Typically, it requires demonstrating that only one responsible source can provide the supplies or services. Without this justification, the award raises concerns about whether the government explored all available options and secured the best possible price.

What is the typical market price for similar adhesive tapes with these specifications?

Determining the typical market price for specialized adhesive tapes like this requires benchmarking against similar products from various manufacturers. Factors such as material composition, adhesion strength, environmental resistance, and quantity influence pricing. A sole-source award makes it difficult to ascertain if the government paid a competitive market rate.

Could this type of adhesive tape be procured more cost-effectively through a competitive process?

It is highly probable that a competitive process could yield more cost-effective results. By soliciting bids from multiple suppliers, the government could leverage competition to drive down prices and potentially discover alternative products that meet or exceed requirements at a lower cost.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

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: 301 EISNER RD STE C, CHAMPAIGN, IL, 61822

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,240

Exercised Options: $3,240

Current Obligation: $3,240

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline