GSA awards $2.34M for electrical testing instruments, with limited competition and a short performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,340 ($2.3K)

Contractor: Star Poly BAG, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $111/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BAG, PLASTIC: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: BROOKLYN, KINGS County, NEW YORK, 11207

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,340 to STAR POLY BAG, INC. for work described as: BAG, PLASTIC: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess due to the lack of competitive bidding and limited performance period. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source or limited competition award, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators include the short duration and lack of a robust competitive process. 4. Performance context is limited by the short delivery window and the nature of the product. 5. Sector positioning is within the instrument manufacturing for measuring and testing electricity and electrical signals industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2.34 million for a short 21-day delivery period for electrical testing instruments appears high without a competitive benchmark. Given the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, it suggests a lack of market research or a specific justification for limited competition. Without comparable contract data or a clear understanding of the specific instruments procured, assessing value for money is challenging. The firm fixed-price structure mitigates some cost overrun risk, but the initial pricing basis is unclear.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely awarded through other transaction authorities or a specific exception to full and open competition. The data explicitly states 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting a limited competition or sole-source award. The absence of multiple bidders means there was no direct price comparison to ensure the government received the best possible price. This limits the government's ability to leverage market forces for cost savings.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing available in the market. The lack of a bidding process could lead to higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely government agencies requiring specialized electrical testing and measurement instruments. The services delivered involve the provision of specific electrical testing instruments, crucial for maintaining and verifying electrical systems. The geographic impact is centered in New York (NY), where the contractor, STAR POLY BAG, INC., is located. Workforce implications are minimal, as this appears to be a procurement of goods rather than services requiring significant labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competitive bidding raises concerns about potential overpayment.
Short performance period may indicate urgency or limited availability, impacting planning.
Contractor's primary business may not be instrument manufacturing, requiring further investigation.
The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' status warrants scrutiny for justification.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is a reputable agency for federal procurement.
The specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code provides industry context.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals sector (NAICS 334515). This industry is characterized by specialized manufacturers producing a wide range of electronic testing equipment. Market size can vary significantly based on technological advancements and defense/infrastructure spending. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the exact specifications of the instruments, but GSA often procures such goods to support various federal agency needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The award to STAR POLY BAG, INC. does not appear to be a small business award based on the provided flags.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal GSA oversight. Transparency is limited by the lack of competitive bidding details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts
Procurements for electronic test equipment
GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts
Defense logistics and equipment procurement

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for overpayment
Contractor's primary business focus unclear
Short performance period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,340 to STAR POLY BAG, INC.. BAG, PLASTIC: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STAR POLY BAG, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,340.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the specific nature of the electrical testing instruments being procured, and why were they not competed more broadly?

The provided data does not specify the exact type of electrical testing instruments. The designation 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' suggests that the procurement either fell below the threshold for mandatory competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures or utilized a specific exception to full and open competition. Reasons for limited competition could include urgency, lack of available sources, or a specific government requirement that only one contractor could meet. Further investigation into the contract file or justification for other than full and open competition (J&A) would be necessary to understand the specific instruments and the rationale for the limited competition.

How does the price of $2.34 million for a 21-day delivery period compare to market rates for similar electrical testing instruments?

Without knowing the precise specifications of the electrical testing instruments, a direct price comparison is challenging. However, a value of $2.34 million for a delivery period of only 21 days suggests a potentially high unit cost or a large quantity of sophisticated equipment. Typically, such a short delivery window might also incur premium pricing. Benchmarking against similar procurements by other federal agencies or commercial entities, if specifications were known, would be crucial. The lack of competitive bidding further complicates a fair value assessment, as market forces were not leveraged to ensure competitive pricing.

What is STAR POLY BAG, INC.'s track record in manufacturing or supplying electrical testing instruments?

The provided data lists STAR POLY BAG, INC. as the contractor. While the data indicates the procurement is for 'Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals' (NAICS 334515), the contractor's name, 'STAR POLY BAG, INC.', suggests a primary business focus that may not be in high-tech instrument manufacturing. A deeper dive into the contractor's past performance, business registrations, and previous contracts would be necessary to ascertain their capabilities and experience in this specific product category. It is possible they are a reseller or have diversified their offerings.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source or limited competition award for these instruments?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source or limited competition award include higher costs for taxpayers due to the absence of competitive pressure, potential for reduced innovation, and a lack of transparency in the procurement process. Without multiple bidders, the government may overpay for the goods or services. Furthermore, it can create a perception of favoritism or an uneven playing field for other potential suppliers. There's also a risk that the chosen contractor may not be the most capable or efficient provider if a broader competition were held.

What is the historical spending pattern for electrical testing instruments by the General Services Administration?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single contract and does not offer historical spending patterns. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to broader procurement databases that track GSA's expenditures over time for specific product categories, such as electrical testing instruments (identified by relevant NAICS codes or Product Service Codes). Analyzing past spending would reveal trends, identify major suppliers, and provide context for the current contract's value and necessity. It would also help determine if this is a recurring need or an isolated purchase.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals

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: 200 LIBERTY AVE, BROOKLYN, NY, 11207

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, HUBZone Firm, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,340

Exercised Options: $2,340

Current Obligation: $2,340

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline