GSA awards $5.4M purchase order for saw blades and handtools to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,405 ($5.4K)

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: $135/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CREAM,SHAVING

Place of Performance

Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,405 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: CREAM,SHAVING Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison to similar contracts and market rates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators include the sole-source nature and limited contract duration. 4. Performance context is a short-term purchase order for immediate needs. 5. Sector positioning within manufacturing and tool supply chain. 6. Limited duration suggests a tactical, rather than strategic, procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.4 million for a 40-day period is substantial for a purchase order of this nature. Without specific details on the quantity and type of saw blades and handtools, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the sole-source nature raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule awards for tools would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source purchase order, meaning it was not competed. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it may have bypassed standard competitive processes. The lack of competition means there were no alternative bidders to drive down prices or offer different solutions, potentially leading to a higher cost for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The government did not leverage market forces to ensure the most cost-effective acquisition.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring saw blades and handtools will benefit from this procurement. Essential tools for maintenance, repair, and operational activities across various government facilities. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting federal operations wherever these tools are needed. Workforce implications include ensuring federal employees have the necessary equipment to perform their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially value.
Short contract duration (40 days) may indicate urgency or a stop-gap measure.
Lack of detailed specifications makes it difficult to assess the exact nature of goods procured.
No indication of small business subcontracting goals.

Positive Signals

Procurement of essential tools ensures operational readiness.
KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. is an established entity, suggesting some level of reliability.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader manufacturing sector, specifically the production and distribution of cutting tools and hand tools (NAICS 332216). The market for these goods is competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. GSA's Federal Acquisition Service often procures such items through various mechanisms, including MAS (Multiple Award Schedule) contracts, to meet agency needs efficiently. The value of this specific award is significant for a short-term need, suggesting a substantial quantity or specialized items.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false) and there is no indication of a small business set-aside (sb: false). Furthermore, there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC., will likely fulfill the order directly or through its own supply chain, with limited direct benefit or opportunity for the small business ecosystem in this specific transaction.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the General Services Administration's (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order issued under the MAS program, it is subject to GSA's internal procurement policies and regulations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and short duration. Accountability rests with GSA to ensure the goods meet specifications and the price is reasonable, though the lack of competition makes independent verification challenging. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule
Tools and Hardware Procurement
Manufacturing Equipment
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Short contract duration
Lack of detailed product specification
No small business subcontracting noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,405 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. CREAM,SHAVING

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 $5,405.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific nature and quantity of saw blades and handtools being procured under this purchase order?

The provided data does not specify the exact types, models, or quantities of saw blades and handtools included in this $5.4 million purchase order. The NAICS code 332216 covers a broad range of products, from basic hand tools to specialized cutting blades. Without this detailed information, it is impossible to assess the appropriateness of the price or the specific needs being met. Further investigation into the contract's line item details or associated documentation would be required to understand the precise goods procured and their intended application within federal agencies.

How does the $5.4 million award compare to typical spending on similar tools by the GSA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $5.4 million award requires context regarding the duration and scope. As a 40-day purchase order, this represents a significant expenditure over a short period. Typical GSA Schedule spending on tools can vary widely, from small individual purchases to larger bulk orders. If this represents a single order for a large quantity of standard tools, it might be within a reasonable range for a large federal requirement. However, if it covers a more limited set of specialized items or is part of ongoing, routine procurement, the value could be disproportionately high, especially given the sole-source nature. Comparative analysis with historical GSA MAS awards for similar tool categories and quantities would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for essential tools?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for essential tools is the potential for inflated pricing. Without competition, the government loses the leverage to negotiate better terms or discover more cost-effective alternatives. This can lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for the required equipment. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or an over-reliance on a single supplier, which could pose supply chain risks if that supplier encounters issues. While it can expedite procurement in urgent situations, it bypasses the opportunity to foster broader market participation and innovation.

What is KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. has been awarded this purchase order by the General Services Administration (GSA). While the provided data indicates the award itself, it does not detail the company's broader federal contracting history, past performance ratings, or previous experience with GSA. A comprehensive assessment of the contractor's track record would involve reviewing their contract history, including any prior awards, task orders, and performance evaluations within federal databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. Understanding their history with similar procurements and their overall performance reliability is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this current award.

Given the short duration (40 days), is this purchase order intended to meet an immediate, temporary need or a longer-term requirement?

The 40-day duration strongly suggests that this purchase order is intended to meet an immediate, short-term need rather than a long-term requirement. Such short-term procurements are often used to address urgent operational demands, supplement existing inventories during unexpected shortages, or fulfill specific project-based tool requirements with a defined end date. It is unlikely to represent a strategic, ongoing supply agreement. Agencies typically use longer-term contracts, like Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts or multi-year MAS agreements, for sustained tool provisioning.

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: $5,405

Exercised Options: $5,405

Current Obligation: $5,405

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline