GSA Awards $5.1M for Tactical IED Tool Kits to Kaufman Company, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,099 ($5.1K)

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: $127/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,098.98 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. Spending on tactical IED tool kits totals $5.1M. 2. Kaufman Company, Inc. secured the contract. 3. The contract was not competed under SAP, raising potential competition concerns. 4. The sector is Manufacturing (Saw Blade and Handtool).

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is $5.1M for a 40-day duration. Without specific unit details or comparison data, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is competitive. The lack of competition under SAP further complicates value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not have achieved the best possible price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition approach may result in a higher cost to taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to limited competition. The specific use and necessity of these 'tactical IED tool kits' are not detailed, impacting public understanding. The contract duration is short (40 days), suggesting an urgent need or a pilot program.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited transparency on pricing
Urgent need implied by short duration

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a single vendor

Sector Analysis

The manufacturing sector, specifically saw blade and handtool production, is diverse. A $5.1M award for specialized tool kits is significant, but benchmarks are difficult without knowing the exact specifications and quantities.

Small Business Impact

Information on whether Kaufman Company, Inc. is a small business is not provided. The contract was not competed under SAP, which often includes provisions for small business set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) awarded this contract. Oversight would involve ensuring the delivered tool kits meet specifications and that the pricing is justified, especially given the limited competition.

Related Government Programs

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed product information
Potential for overpricing
Short contract duration implies urgency or limited scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,098.98 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

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 $5,098.98.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific components and capabilities are included in these 'tactical IED tool kits' to justify the $5.1M price tag?

The provided data lacks specific details about the components and capabilities of the 'tactical IED tool kits.' The attached document is referenced for detail, but its content is not available here. Understanding the exact nature of the tools, their intended use, and any specialized technology involved is crucial for assessing the value and justifying the $5.1M expenditure.

What are the risks associated with awarding a $5.1M contract with limited competition for critical tactical equipment?

The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive bidding, leading to inefficient use of taxpayer funds. There's also a risk that the selected vendor may not be the most capable or innovative, potentially impacting the quality or effectiveness of the tool kits. Lack of transparency can also hinder accountability.

How will the effectiveness of these tactical IED tool kits be measured, given the short 40-day contract duration?

Effectiveness measurement will likely depend on the contract's performance work statement (PWS). Given the short duration, it might focus on timely delivery and initial functionality checks. However, true effectiveness in operational use would require post-delivery evaluation and feedback from end-users, which may extend beyond the contract period.

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: $5,099

Exercised Options: $5,099

Current Obligation: $5,099

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline