GSA awards $1,282 for custom filing cabinets, highlighting domestic manufacturing and specific security features

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,820 ($12.8K)

Contractor: American Made Safe & Security LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-18

Contract Duration: 45 days

Daily Burn Rate: $285/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FILING CABINET, BLACK, CLASS-6, WITH HANGERS AND SUSPENSION, STYLE-1 KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK

Place of Performance

Location: BATAVIA, CLERMONT County, OHIO, 45103

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $12,820 to AMERICAN MADE SAFE & SECURITY LLC for work described as: FILING CABINET, BLACK, CLASS-6, WITH HANGERS AND SUSPENSION, STYLE-1 KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK Key points: 1. Contract value appears low, suggesting a focus on specialized or limited-quantity needs. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear due to the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, potentially limiting broader market engagement. 3. The use of a Firm Fixed Price contract indicates clear cost expectations and risk transfer to the contractor. 4. Performance period is short (45 days), implying a quick turnaround requirement for these specific items. 5. The contract aligns with GSA's mission to procure goods and services efficiently for federal agencies. 6. Focus on 'AMERICAN MADE' and specific security features (Class-6, combination lock) suggests adherence to stringent federal standards.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1,282 for custom filing cabinets is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the exact specifications and quantity. However, given the description of 'CLASS-6, WITH HANGERS AND SUSPENSION, STYLE-1 KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK', the price seems reasonable for a highly specialized, American-made product. The fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar custom security cabinet procurements, which are often niche.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves smaller dollar value procurements. While this indicates some level of competition, the exact number of bidders and the specific solicitation method are not detailed. SAP procedures are designed for efficiency but may not always achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition. The limited information suggests that the competition might have been restricted to pre-qualified vendors or those capable of meeting the specialized requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' can mean a balance between efficient procurement and potentially higher prices if competition is limited. Without knowing the number of bids, it's hard to definitively assess if the best possible price was achieved.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring secure storage solutions for sensitive documents will benefit from this contract. The contract delivers specialized, American-made filing cabinets with specific security features. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic manufacturing. The contract supports the manufacturing workforce involved in producing specialized metal fabrication products.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information under SAP makes it difficult to confirm optimal value for money.
The specific security classification (Class-6) and lock type suggest a niche requirement that may limit broad applicability or future scaling.
Short performance period could indicate potential urgency, which sometimes leads to premium pricing.

Positive Signals

Contract emphasizes 'AMERICAN MADE', supporting domestic industry and potentially higher quality standards.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Specific security features (Class-6, combination lock) indicate adherence to stringent federal requirements for sensitive information.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing sector (NAICS 332999). This sector includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing fabricated metal products, except machinery, equipment, and supplies. The market for specialized security cabinets is a niche within this broader sector, often driven by government and high-security industry demands. Benchmarking spending in this specific sub-sector is challenging due to its specialized nature, but GSA's role suggests a standardized approach to procuring such items across federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (SB = false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award, unless the prime contractor, AMERICAN MADE SAFE & SECURITY LLC, is itself a small business and utilizes other small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a competed award under SAP, standard procurement regulations and GSA's internal policies would apply. Transparency is limited by the SAP designation, but contract award details are typically available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General oversight would be applicable if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) - Secure Furnishings
General Services Administration - Office Supplies and Furniture Procurement
Department of Defense - Secure Storage Solutions

Risk Flags

Limited competition information under SAP.
Potential for higher cost due to specialized nature and SAP.
Short performance period may indicate risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $12,820 to AMERICAN MADE SAFE & SECURITY LLC. FILING CABINET, BLACK, CLASS-6, WITH HANGERS AND SUSPENSION, STYLE-1 KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN MADE SAFE & SECURITY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12,820.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-18.

What is the specific definition and requirement for 'CLASS-6' filing cabinets, and how does this impact cost and availability?

The term 'CLASS-6' likely refers to a specific security classification or standard for the filing cabinet, possibly related to fire resistance, ballistic protection, or data security. Without explicit documentation referenced in the award, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact standard. However, higher security classifications generally translate to increased manufacturing complexity, specialized materials, and rigorous testing, all of which contribute to a higher per-unit cost compared to standard office filing cabinets. Availability may also be more limited, often requiring specialized manufacturers capable of meeting these stringent requirements, potentially leading to longer lead times and fewer competitive options.

How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation typically affect pricing compared to full and open competition for similar items?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are used for purchases below the threshold for full and open competition (currently $250,000). While SAP aims for efficiency and can involve multiple bids, it often relies on pre-existing contract vehicles, GSA Schedules, or limited solicitations. This can result in less aggressive pricing compared to broad market solicitations where a larger pool of vendors competes. For highly specialized items like custom security cabinets, SAP might be appropriate if only a few vendors can meet the unique specifications. However, for more commoditized items, SAP could potentially lead to slightly higher prices due to reduced competitive pressure.

What is the typical lead time for custom-fabricated metal products with specific security features like those described?

Lead times for custom-fabricated metal products, especially those with specific security features like Class-6 ratings and combination locks, can vary significantly. Factors influencing lead time include the complexity of the design, the availability of specialized materials, the manufacturer's current production schedule, and any required testing or certification processes. Generally, custom orders take longer than off-the-shelf items. For a specialized item like this, a lead time of several weeks to a few months would not be unusual, depending on the manufacturer's capacity and the specific requirements. The 45-day performance period in this contract suggests either a very efficient manufacturer or a pre-existing inventory.

What are the potential risks associated with a short performance period (45 days) for a custom fabrication contract?

A short performance period like 45 days for a custom fabrication contract carries several potential risks. Firstly, it can put pressure on the contractor to expedite production, potentially leading to quality control issues if corners are cut. Secondly, it might limit the pool of potential bidders, as fewer companies may be able to guarantee delivery within such a tight timeframe, potentially reducing competition and increasing price. Thirdly, unforeseen delays in material sourcing or production could lead to contract non-compliance, requiring contract modifications or penalties. The government also faces a risk if the delivered product does not meet specifications due to the rushed timeline.

How does GSA's role as the procuring agency influence the procurement of specialized items like these filing cabinets?

GSA plays a crucial role in streamlining the procurement of goods and services for federal agencies. For specialized items like custom security filing cabinets, GSA leverages its expertise and existing contract vehicles (like GSA Schedules or Blanket Purchase Agreements) to facilitate efficient acquisition. By establishing standards and pre-vetting vendors, GSA aims to ensure compliance, quality, and competitive pricing, even for niche requirements. Their involvement suggests that this procurement likely aligns with established federal acquisition regulations and potentially utilizes pre-negotiated terms, simplifying the process for the end-user agency and providing a degree of oversight.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FURNITURE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 47QSSC25Q1707

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4235 CURLISS LN, BATAVIA, OH, 45103

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,820

Exercised Options: $12,820

Current Obligation: $12,820

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC25T000T

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline