GSA Awards $14.5K for Installation Tool, Ring to Curtiss-Wright, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,554 ($14.6K)
Contractor: Kaufman Company, Inc.
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-03
End Date: 2027-04-03
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $40/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INSTALLATION TOOL, RING: CURTISS-WRIGHT ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CORP. PN 14327N18A (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION)
Place of Performance
Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $14,553.5 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: INSTALLATION TOOL, RING: CURTISS-WRIGHT ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CORP. PN 14327N18A (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION) Key points: 1. The contract for an installation tool ring was awarded to Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corp. for $14,553.50. 2. The award was made via purchase order, indicating a direct procurement method. 3. The lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and limited market exploration. 4. The relevant sector is Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing, with a NAICS code of 332216.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if the $14,553.50 price is reasonable. Benchmarking against similar specialized tools would be necessary.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition approach. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying more than necessary for this installation tool, impacting taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying for a specialized tool due to a lack of competitive bidding. The government's procurement process for this item did not explore the full market, potentially missing out on better pricing or quality. Limited transparency in the award process makes it hard for the public to understand the value received.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 40 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Limited market exploration
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract type
- Clear end date for the contract
Sector Analysis
The Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing sector (NAICS 332216) involves the production of various cutting tools and implements. Spending benchmarks for specialized installation tools can vary widely based on complexity and application.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to confirm.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a purchase order without competition warrants further review by oversight bodies to ensure adherence to procurement regulations and best practices.
Related Government Programs
- Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing
- General Services Administration Contracting
- Federal Acquisition Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for price gouging
- Limited market research evident
- No small business participation identified
Tags
saw-blade-and-handtool-manufacturing, general-services-administration, ma, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $14,553.5 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. INSTALLATION TOOL, RING: CURTISS-WRIGHT ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CORP. PN 14327N18A (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 $14,553.5.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-04-03.
What is the justification for not competing this purchase under SAP, given the award value?
The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP.' This implies a deviation from standard competitive procedures for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. A formal justification, such as a sole-source determination or specific agency exception, would be required to explain this decision and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
How can the government ensure fair pricing for specialized tools when competition is limited?
When competition is limited, the government can employ several strategies to ensure fair pricing. This includes conducting thorough market research to identify potential sources, obtaining independent government cost estimates, negotiating aggressively, and leveraging historical pricing data for similar items. For highly specialized items, engaging technical experts to validate specifications and performance requirements is also crucial.
What is the potential impact of using a single supplier for specialized parts over time?
Relying on a single supplier for specialized parts can lead to several negative impacts over time. It can result in price escalation as the supplier faces no competitive pressure. It also creates a dependency, making the government vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or changes in the supplier's business. Furthermore, it limits opportunities for innovation and access to potentially better or more cost-effective solutions from other manufacturers.
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: $14,554
Exercised Options: $14,554
Current Obligation: $14,554
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-03
Current End Date: 2027-04-03
Potential End Date: 2027-04-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-05
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