GSA awards $3,261 contract for gray filing cabinets, highlighting competition and value in office supply procurement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,262 ($3.3K)

Contractor: Alpha Safe and Vault, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 14 days

Daily Burn Rate: $233/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FILING CABINET, GRAY, CLASS-6, 2-DRAWER, LEGAL SIZE, SINGLE LOCK, STYLE-1, KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK

Place of Performance

Location: VIENNA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22182

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,261.82 to ALPHA SAFE AND VAULT, INC. for work described as: FILING CABINET, GRAY, CLASS-6, 2-DRAWER, LEGAL SIZE, SINGLE LOCK, STYLE-1, KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized office equipment. 2. Procurement was competed, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Short duration indicates a tactical purchase rather than a long-term strategic need. 4. Product specifications are detailed, suggesting a focus on specific functional requirements. 5. Contracting activity falls within the broader category of miscellaneous fabricated metal products.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3,261.82 for 6 legal-size, 2-drawer filing cabinets seems within a reasonable range for specialized security-rated office furniture. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for office equipment suggests that pricing for such items can vary significantly based on features like security, material, and brand. Given the fixed-price nature and the competitive award, the pricing is likely fair, though a precise per-unit cost comparison would require more granular market data for Class-6 rated cabinets.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition for this requirement. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, the use of SAP suggests that multiple offers were solicited and evaluated. This competitive process is designed to ensure fair market prices and encourage a range of suppliers to participate, leading to better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces, even for smaller procurements.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring secure storage solutions will benefit from the availability of these Class-6 rated filing cabinets. The services delivered include the provision of essential office furniture meeting specific security and size requirements. The geographic impact is likely localized to the region served by the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service in Virginia. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving the manufacturing and delivery of the cabinets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited duration may require follow-on procurements if needs persist.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for specific security-rated items could pose a future supply risk.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process suggests good market engagement.
Clear product specifications indicate a well-defined requirement.
Use of established GSA schedules or BPA calls streamlines procurement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader fabricated metal product manufacturing sector, specifically related to office and institutional furniture. The market for office furniture is diverse, ranging from basic supplies to highly specialized security-rated equipment. Government spending in this area is often managed through large indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or GSA schedules, with individual task orders like this one representing specific needs. Benchmarking against broader manufacturing indices, this segment is characterized by established players and varying levels of customization.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The awardee, ALPHA SAFE AND VAULT, INC., is not identified by size. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or if this procurement opportunity was accessible to them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is provided by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Federal Acquisition Service. As a competed contract awarded under SAP, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Office Furniture Procurement
Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption for specialized security-rated items.
Short contract duration may necessitate future procurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,261.82 to ALPHA SAFE AND VAULT, INC.. FILING CABINET, GRAY, CLASS-6, 2-DRAWER, LEGAL SIZE, SINGLE LOCK, STYLE-1, KEY CHANGE COMBINATION LOCK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALPHA SAFE AND VAULT, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,261.82.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the track record of ALPHA SAFE AND VAULT, INC. with federal contracts?

Information regarding ALPHA SAFE AND VAULT, INC.'s specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would involve searching federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS-NG for past awards, contract performance ratings, and any history of disputes or terminations. Understanding their history, particularly with similar items or agencies, would provide context for their reliability and performance on this current contract. Without this data, assessing their track record relies solely on the successful award of this specific BPA call.

How does the unit cost of these filing cabinets compare to similar government purchases?

The provided data does not include the per-unit cost, only the total award amount for six cabinets. To compare unit costs, we would need to divide the total award ($3,261.82) by the number of units (6), yielding approximately $543.64 per cabinet. Benchmarking this against similar government contracts for legal-size, 2-drawer, Class-6 rated filing cabinets would require accessing historical procurement data. Factors such as security ratings, material, brand, and delivery location significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests this price point might be on the higher end, reflecting specialized security features, but a definitive comparison needs more granular data.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low given its small value and short duration. Potential risks include delivery delays, although the 14-day period is brief. Another consideration is the potential for obsolescence if technology or agency needs change rapidly, though this is unlikely for basic filing cabinets. Supply chain disruptions for specialized components could also pose a minor risk. Ensuring the cabinets meet the exact Class-6 security specifications is crucial to mitigate performance risk. The competitive nature of the award helps to mitigate risks related to contractor performance and pricing.

How effective is the GSA in procuring office supplies like filing cabinets?

The General Services Administration (GSA) is generally considered effective in procuring a wide range of office supplies, including furniture like filing cabinets, through established schedules and competitive processes. Their expertise in market research, contract negotiation, and managing large volumes allows agencies to acquire goods and services efficiently and often at competitive prices. The use of Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) streamlines the acquisition process. However, effectiveness can vary depending on the specific item, market conditions, and the diligence applied to each individual procurement action, such as the competition level and performance monitoring.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar filing cabinets by the GSA?

Historical spending patterns for similar filing cabinets by the GSA would typically show consistent procurement activity driven by the needs of federal agencies. Spending often occurs through GSA's Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) or through IDIQ contracts. The volume and value can fluctuate based on agency budget cycles, furniture replacement schedules, and specific security requirements (like Class-6 ratings). Analyzing past data would reveal trends in average prices, popular models, and the number of vendors actively supplying these items. This specific $3,261.82 award represents a small, discrete purchase within a potentially larger, ongoing category of spending.

What does the 'Class-6' rating signify for these filing cabinets?

The 'Class-6' rating for these filing cabinets likely refers to a specific security standard, potentially related to fire resistance or physical security against unauthorized access or tampering. Different classification systems exist, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) ratings for fire endurance or GSA's own specifications for security containers. For example, UL Class 6-1998 typically denotes a fire resistance rating for 1 hour at temperatures up to 1700°F. If it pertains to physical security, it might indicate resistance to forced entry for a specified duration. Understanding the exact standard referenced by 'Class-6' is crucial for assessing the cabinets' suitability and value for protecting sensitive documents.

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

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1656 GELDING LN, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,262

Exercised Options: $3,262

Current Obligation: $3,262

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC25T000D

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline