GSA awards $5.6M purchase order for saw blades and handtools to Kaufman Company, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,600 ($5.6K)

Contractor: Kaufman Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-13

Contract Duration: 40 days

Daily Burn Rate: $140/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DESK,FIELD

Place of Performance

Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,599.98 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: DESK,FIELD Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison to similar procurements and market rates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators include the lack of competition and the firm-fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is limited by the nature of the award and short duration. 5. Sector positioning is within the manufacturing and distribution of industrial supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The awarded amount of $5.6 million for saw blades and handtools appears to be within a reasonable range for bulk procurement of such items, though a direct comparison is difficult without specific product details. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if costs are managed effectively. However, the lack of competition means there's no benchmark to definitively assess if the pricing represents the best value achievable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely awarded on a sole-source basis or through a limited competition not detailed here. The absence of a competitive bidding process means that multiple vendors were not solicited, and the government did not benefit from the price discovery that typically occurs in an open market. This approach is often used when a specific vendor or product is required.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have received the lowest possible price for these goods, as there was no pressure from competing bids to drive down costs.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring saw blades and handtools will benefit from this procurement. Essential tools for maintenance, repair, and operational activities across various government facilities. Geographic impact is nationwide, as GSA serves federal agencies across the US. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting procurement and logistics personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competitive bidding may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source award limits opportunities for other qualified vendors to secure government contracts.
Short contract duration (40 days) might indicate an urgent need or a limited scope of supply.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
GSA's involvement suggests adherence to established procurement processes.
Award to a single vendor can streamline delivery and administration for this specific need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the industrial and hardware manufacturing sector, specifically related to tools and cutting implements. The market for these goods is broad, with numerous domestic and international manufacturers. GSA's role as a procurement agent for federal agencies means it leverages bulk purchasing power to secure goods like these, often through existing supply schedules or direct awards when justified. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the exact specifications of the saw blades and handtools.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The sole-source nature of the award further limits opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific procurement. This means the direct economic benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular contract is likely negligible.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring Kaufman Company, Inc. to deliver specified goods at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but the award details are publicly available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies
Industrial Equipment Procurement
Government Purchase Cards

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Limited Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,599.98 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. DESK,FIELD

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 $5,599.98.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-13.

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

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). This suggests a sole-source award, often justified by reasons such as urgency, unique capabilities of a specific contractor, or when only one source is reasonably available. Without further documentation from the GSA, the precise justification remains unclear. Typically, sole-source procurements require a formal justification and approval (J&A) document outlining why full and open competition is not feasible or not in the government's best interest. This could be due to proprietary technology, a critical need that cannot be met by other vendors in the timeframe required, or a previous contract that established a sole source for a specific item.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar saw blades and handtools?

A precise comparison of the awarded price ($5.6 million) to market rates is challenging without detailed specifications of the saw blades and handtools procured. The data only provides the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 332216 for Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing. Market rates can vary significantly based on brand, quality, material, quantity, and specific features (e.g., industrial-grade vs. consumer-grade). Given the large dollar amount and the likely bulk purchase for federal agencies, the price per unit might be lower than retail. However, the absence of competition means there's no direct benchmark from other bids to confirm if this represents the best possible market price achievable through a competitive process.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award of this magnitude?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award of $5.6 million is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without competing bids, the government may overpay for the goods. Another risk is reduced innovation, as there's no incentive for the awarded contractor to offer superior products or services beyond the contract's minimum requirements. Furthermore, it can create a dependency on a single supplier, which could be problematic if that supplier faces production issues or goes out of business. Finally, it limits opportunities for other capable small and large businesses to compete for government contracts, potentially impacting the broader industrial base.

What is the typical performance period for a purchase order of this nature and duration?

The provided data indicates a duration of 40 days for this purchase order, with an effective start date and an expiration date approximately one month apart (May 13, 2026, from an implied start date around April 3, 2026). This is a very short performance period, suggesting the procurement is for immediate needs or a specific, limited supply of saw blades and handtools. Typically, purchase orders can range from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the items, delivery requirements, and the overall contract vehicle being used. A 40-day window implies a need for rapid fulfillment.

How does this contract fit within the broader spending patterns for industrial supplies by the GSA?

The General Services Administration (GSA) is a major procurer of a wide range of goods and services for the federal government, including industrial supplies. Spending on items like saw blades and handtools is a routine part of maintaining federal facilities and operations. While $5.6 million is a significant amount for a single purchase order, it represents a fraction of GSA's overall annual spending. GSA often utilizes large, pre-negotiated Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) to streamline such procurements, making it easier and faster for agencies to acquire necessary items. This particular award, being a sole-source purchase order, might represent an exception or a specific need not easily met through existing schedules, or it could be a direct buy leveraging GSA's purchasing power.

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: $5,600

Exercised Options: $5,600

Current Obligation: $5,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline