GSA awards $10,900 for insect repellent refills from Morning Star Industries Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,900 ($10.9K)

Contractor: Morning Star Industries Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $363/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REFILL,INSECT REPEL: INSECT REPELLENT REFILL PACK FOR THERMACELL XJO6-00 PORTABLE AREA INSECT REPELLENT APPLIANCE. CONTAINS ONE (1) BUTANE CARTRIDGE,(12 GRAM NETWEIGHT), AND 3 REPELLENT IMPREGNATED MATS,(0.08OZ NET WEIGHT EACH). EACH MAT CONTAINS AP

Place of Performance

Location: JENSEN BEACH, MARTIN County, FLORIDA, 34957

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $10,900 to MORNING STAR INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: REFILL,INSECT REPEL: INSECT REPELLENT REFILL PACK FOR THERMACELL XJO6-00 PORTABLE AREA INSECT REPELLENT APPLIANCE. CONTAINS ONE (1) BUTANE CARTRIDGE,(12 GRAM NETWEIGHT), AND 3 REPELLENT IMPREGNATED MATS,(0.08OZ NET WEIGHT EACH). EACH MAT CONTAINS AP Key points: 1. The contract is for insect repellent refill packs, a niche but essential item for outdoor activities. 2. Morning Star Industries Inc. is the sole supplier for this specific refill pack. 3. The contract value is relatively small, indicating a low financial risk. 4. The sector is related to consumer goods, falling under Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $10,900 for 30 units of insect repellent refills appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product and the supplier. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific product details and competitor pricing for similar refill kits.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. While not a sole-source award, the limited nature of the competition may have impacted price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value of $10,900.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential pest control for federal personnel in outdoor environments. Supports a specific manufacturing niche within the broader consumer goods sector. Provides a small but necessary supply for agency operations or morale-boosting activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Reliance on a single supplier for this specific refill pack.

Positive Signals

Small contract value limits financial exposure.
Clear product description and defined delivery period.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under the Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing sector, specifically for insect repellents. Spending benchmarks for this niche product are not readily available, but the overall value suggests a low-cost, high-utility item.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether Morning Star Industries Inc. is a small business. The contract was awarded via SAP, which can be utilized for small business set-asides, but this was not specified.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service, indicating standard federal procurement oversight. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process for smaller purchases.

Related Government Programs

Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to limited competition.
Dependency on a single supplier for a critical consumable.
Lack of detailed performance metrics for the repellent's effectiveness.
Uncertainty regarding the small business status of the awardee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $10,900 to MORNING STAR INDUSTRIES INC. REFILL,INSECT REPEL: INSECT REPELLENT REFILL PACK FOR THERMACELL XJO6-00 PORTABLE AREA INSECT REPELLENT APPLIANCE. CONTAINS ONE (1) BUTANE CARTRIDGE,(12 GRAM NETWEIGHT), AND 3 REPELLENT IMPREGNATED MATS,(0.08OZ NET WEIGHT EACH). EACH MAT CONTAINS AP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MORNING STAR INDUSTRIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,900.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the long-term cost-effectiveness of using these specific refill packs compared to alternative pest control methods?

Assessing long-term cost-effectiveness requires comparing the total cost of ownership for these refill packs over their lifespan against alternative solutions like personal repellent sprays or larger area treatment systems. Factors such as refill frequency, unit price, and the efficacy of the repellent are crucial. Without data on usage rates and the lifespan of the repellent mats, a definitive cost-effectiveness analysis is challenging.

What are the risks associated with relying on a single supplier for this specialized insect repellent refill?

The primary risk is supply chain disruption. If Morning Star Industries Inc. faces production issues, natural disasters, or decides to discontinue the product, the government may struggle to find an immediate replacement. This could lead to shortages, increased prices from alternative sources, or the need to re-evaluate pest control strategies entirely.

How effective is this specific insect repellent system in protecting federal personnel in various outdoor environments?

The effectiveness of the Thermacell appliance and its refills is crucial for ensuring personnel safety and comfort in areas with insect-borne diseases or nuisance pests. While the product is designed for portable area protection, its efficacy can vary based on insect species, density, wind conditions, and the specific area being covered. User feedback and performance data in operational settings would provide a clearer picture of its real-world effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing › Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 630 NE JENSEN BEACH BLVD, JENSEN BEACH, FL, 34957

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,900

Exercised Options: $10,900

Current Obligation: $10,900

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline