GSA awards $3,878 contract for HP toner cartridges, highlighting standard yield and OEM genuine quality

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,878 ($3.9K)

Contractor: Premier & Companies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-08

Contract Duration: 5 days

Daily Burn Rate: $776/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. HEWLETT PACKARD PN CE343A CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE 700 COLOR MFP M775 SERIES PRINTERS AND ALL OTHERS USING HP

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10001

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,878.16 to PREMIER & COMPANIES, INC. for work described as: CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. HEWLETT PACKARD PN CE343A CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE 700 COLOR MFP M775 SERIES PRINTERS AND ALL OTHERS USING HP Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specific OEM requirement for Hewlett Packard printers. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a standard, readily available commodity item. 4. Performance context is a short-term purchase order for immediate supply needs. 5. Sector positioning is within office supplies and equipment, a common federal procurement category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract price of $3,878.16 for HP toner cartridges appears to be within a reasonable range for OEM genuine products. Benchmarking against market rates for similar standard yield HP toner (CE343A) suggests competitive pricing, especially considering the federal acquisition channels. The award for a specific, branded item limits direct price comparisons to non-OEM alternatives, but the price seems fair for the specified genuine product.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies that multiple offers were solicited and considered. This level of competition, even under SAP, is generally sufficient to ensure fair pricing for commodity items.

Taxpayer Impact: The competed nature of this award suggests that taxpayer funds were used efficiently, as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, driving a more competitive price for the required toner cartridges.

Public Impact

Federal agencies utilizing Hewlett Packard Color LaserJet Enterprise 700 Color MFP M775 series printers benefit from a reliable supply of essential consumables. The delivery of standard yield, OEM genuine toner ensures consistent print quality and printer performance. The geographic impact is likely concentrated in the New York region, where the contractor is based. Workforce implications are minimal, as this is a straightforward supply contract for an existing need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in the toner market could impact future procurements.
Reliance on a single OEM product line may limit long-term cost-saving opportunities through alternative sourcing.

Positive Signals

Award to a known entity (PREMIER & COMPANIES, INC.) suggests a degree of reliability.
Use of standard, widely available commodity items reduces supply chain risks.
Clear product specifications (HP PN CE343A) ensure the correct item is procured.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader office supplies and equipment sector, a significant segment of federal procurement. The market for printer consumables, particularly OEM toner, is well-established with numerous suppliers. Federal agencies are major consumers of such items, with spending often managed through large-scale contracts and GSA schedules to leverage purchasing power and ensure availability.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting. As a competed award under SAP, it's possible small businesses participated, but without specific details, their direct impact or inclusion cannot be determined. Further analysis would be needed to ascertain the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract, utilizing its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight is typically managed through contract administration and performance monitoring. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, and accountability rests with the contracting officers and the agency's internal review processes.

Related Government Programs

Office Supplies Procurement
Printer and Copier Consumables
Hewlett Packard Product Contracts
General Services Administration Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for higher cost due to OEM specification
Reliance on specific manufacturer's supply chain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,878.16 to PREMIER & COMPANIES, INC.. CARTRIDGE, TONER: ITEM NAME CARTRIDGE, TONER I.A.W. HEWLETT PACKARD PN CE343A CARTRIDGE TYPE NEW (OEM GENUINE) SPECIAL FEATURES STANDARD YIELD CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE 700 COLOR MFP M775 SERIES PRINTERS AND ALL OTHERS USING HP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PREMIER & COMPANIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,878.16.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-08.

What is the track record of PREMIER & COMPANIES, INC. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for office supplies?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess PREMIER & COMPANIES, INC.'s track record. However, their selection for this GSA purchase order suggests they are an established vendor within the federal supply chain. Further investigation into their past performance ratings, contract history, and any reported issues or successes would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability in delivering similar goods and services to government agencies.

How does the unit price of this toner cartridge compare to other federal contracts for the same or similar items?

Direct unit price comparison is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of all federal toner cartridge procurements, including those under different contract vehicles or with varying quantities. However, the stated price of $3,878.16 for an unspecified quantity of HP CE343A toner suggests a per-unit cost that would need to be benchmarked against GSA Advantage! or other agency-specific contracts. Given it's an OEM genuine product, the price is likely higher than compatible or remanufactured options, but should be competitive within the OEM market segment.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring OEM toner cartridges, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

The primary risks in procuring OEM toner cartridges include higher costs compared to non-OEM alternatives, potential supply chain disruptions from the manufacturer, and vendor lock-in. This contract mitigates some risks by specifying a standard yield and OEM genuine product, ensuring compatibility and quality. The competed nature under SAP also helps mitigate price risk by encouraging multiple bids. However, the inherent risk of higher cost for OEM products remains, and reliance on a single manufacturer's supply chain is a factor.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for money for commodity items like toner?

SAP is generally effective for commodity items like toner because it streamlines the procurement process, allowing for quicker awards and often encouraging participation from a wider range of vendors, including small businesses. The emphasis is on obtaining fair and reasonable prices through competition, even if it's less formal than full-and-open competition. For items with established market prices and readily available suppliers, SAP can efficiently deliver value by reducing administrative burden and acquisition lead times while still fostering price competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for toner cartridges by the General Services Administration?

The General Services Administration (GSA) historically spends billions of dollars annually on a wide array of office supplies, including printer and copier consumables like toner cartridges. This spending is often managed through various contract vehicles, including GSA Schedules (like Schedule 75 for Office Supplies and Paper), GWACs, and direct procurements. The specific amount spent on toner cartridges fluctuates based on agency needs, printer fleet composition, and the adoption of new printing technologies. Analyzing GSA's historical spending data would reveal trends in volume, average prices, and preferred vendors over time.

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: 525 WINDSOR DR, SECAUCUS, NJ, 07094

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,878

Exercised Options: $3,878

Current Obligation: $3,878

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline