GSA awards $4,200 for men's and women's medium brown synthetic leather gloves

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,200 ($4.2K)

Contractor: MAY Tool Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $200/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GLOVES,MEN'S AND WOMEN'S, SIZE MEDIUM, COLOR BROWN, SYNTHETIC LEATHER PALM AND FINGER MATERIAL, RIENFORCED THUM AND INDEX FINGER. U/I PG (5 PAIR). MECHANIX WEAR MG-72-009, OR EQUAL.

Place of Performance

Location: PARAMOUNT, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90723

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,200 to MAY TOOL INC for work described as: GLOVES,MEN'S AND WOMEN'S, SIZE MEDIUM, COLOR BROWN, SYNTHETIC LEATHER PALM AND FINGER MATERIAL, RIENFORCED THUM AND INDEX FINGER. U/I PG (5 PAIR). MECHANIX WEAR MG-72-009, OR EQUAL. Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the unit price for specialized work gloves. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for this specific item. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small contract value and short duration. 4. Performance context suggests a need for durable, specific-material gloves for operational use. 5. Sector positioning is within the general industrial supplies category for government procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4,200 for 200 pairs of gloves suggests a unit price of $21 per pair. This price point is within a reasonable range for specialized work gloves, considering material quality (synthetic leather, reinforced areas) and brand equivalency (Mechanix Wear). Benchmarking against similar government procurements for industrial gloves indicates that prices can vary significantly based on material, features, and quantity. Without more granular data on specific glove features and market prices for identical items, a precise value assessment is challenging, but the current price does not appear excessively high.

Cost Per Unit: $21 per pair

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for streamlined procurement for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While the specific competition details (number of offers received) are not provided, SAP generally encourages competition among vendors. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, which typically leads to better price discovery and value for the government compared to sole-source awards. However, the level of competition within SAP can vary.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment, even for smaller procurements. This process aims to secure the best possible price and quality for the government.

Public Impact

Government employees or contractors requiring durable, specialized work gloves for various tasks. Services delivered include the provision of safety and protective equipment. Geographic impact is likely localized to the receiving agency or facility within California. Workforce implications involve ensuring personnel have appropriate safety gear for their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition details provided for SAP procurement.
Potential for price fluctuations in specialized glove market.
Dependence on specific material and design for performance.

Positive Signals

Procured under competitive SAP procedures.
Clear product specifications ensure suitability for intended use.
Short duration minimizes long-term commitment risk.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial and safety equipment sector. The market for work gloves is diverse, ranging from basic utility gloves to highly specialized protective gear for specific industries like construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Government procurement of such items is common to equip personnel across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks for industrial supplies can be found within GSA schedules and other federal procurement data, though specific glove types can command different price points.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a competed contract under SAP, there is a possibility that small businesses could have participated, but no specific set-aside was applied. The value of this contract is relatively small, which might not attract significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless it's part of a larger overall requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order issued under SAP, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal GSA oversight. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where such awards are typically reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Acquisition Service
Industrial Safety Equipment Procurement
Purchase Orders
Simplified Acquisition Procedures

Risk Flags

Limited competition details available for SAP procurement.
Potential for price variance in specialized glove market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,200 to MAY TOOL INC. GLOVES,MEN'S AND WOMEN'S, SIZE MEDIUM, COLOR BROWN, SYNTHETIC LEATHER PALM AND FINGER MATERIAL, RIENFORCED THUM AND INDEX FINGER. U/I PG (5 PAIR). MECHANIX WEAR MG-72-009, OR EQUAL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAY TOOL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the track record of MAY TOOL INC. as a federal contractor?

Information regarding MAY TOOL INC.'s specific track record as a federal contractor is not detailed in the provided data. Federal contractor performance is typically assessed through past performance evaluations within contract databases like the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). For a small purchase order like this, extensive past performance data might not be as critical as for larger, more complex contracts. However, agencies often review a contractor's history for responsiveness, quality, and adherence to terms and conditions on previous awards. Without access to specific performance records for MAY TOOL INC., it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability on this particular contract.

How does the unit price of $21 per pair compare to similar government contracts for work gloves?

The unit price of $21 per pair for men's and women's synthetic leather gloves (Mechanix Wear MG-72-009 or equal) appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized work gloves procured by the government. Prices for work gloves can vary widely based on material (e.g., leather, synthetic, nitrile), features (e.g., insulation, cut resistance, dexterity), brand, and quantity. For example, basic cotton or canvas gloves might cost under $5 per pair, while highly specialized, certified safety gloves could exceed $50 per pair. A unit price of $21 suggests a mid-tier product with specific material and reinforcement features, consistent with industrial or tactical use. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule or other federal contract awards for comparable industrial gloves would provide a more precise comparison, but $21 is not inherently indicative of overpricing for this type of item.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract award are relatively low due to its nature. Key risks include: 1. **Product Suitability:** The risk that the specified gloves (synthetic leather, medium size, brown color) may not be precisely what the end-users require in terms of fit, comfort, or specific performance characteristics, despite being 'or equal' to a named brand. 2. **Delivery Delays:** Although the duration is short (21 days), there's a minor risk of delays in receiving the gloves, which could impact operational readiness if the need is immediate. 3. **Quality Issues:** The risk of receiving gloves that do not meet the specified quality standards or durability expectations, potentially leading to premature wear and tear. 4. **Contractor Performance:** While MAY TOOL INC. was selected through competition, there's always a residual risk that the contractor may not perform as expected regarding delivery or product quality. However, the small dollar value and short term mitigate the overall impact of these risks.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for money for this type of purchase?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to promote efficiency and reduce administrative burden for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000). For a purchase of $4,200, SAP is generally effective in ensuring value for money by allowing for streamlined competition and award processes. The requirement to solicit offers from multiple sources, even if informally, encourages price competition. However, the level of competition achieved under SAP can vary depending on the specific item and market. For common items like work gloves, SAP can be quite effective. For highly specialized or niche items, the pool of potential bidders might be smaller, potentially limiting the competitive pressure. The firm fixed-price nature of this award also provides cost certainty, contributing to effective value realization.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar industrial gloves by the General Services Administration?

Historical spending patterns for similar industrial gloves by the General Services Administration (GSA) indicate consistent procurement to support various federal agencies. GSA, through its Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), manages numerous contracts for office supplies, equipment, and operational necessities, including personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves. Spending on gloves typically occurs through multiple contract vehicles, including GSA Schedules (e.g., Schedule 811 002 - Industrial Products and Services), open market procurements under SAP, and potentially other agency-specific contracts. The total annual spending on industrial gloves by GSA can run into millions of dollars, reflecting the widespread need across government operations. Specific spending figures for particular types of gloves (e.g., synthetic leather, medium size) would require detailed analysis of federal procurement data, but the overall pattern shows a steady demand for such items.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing › Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 15145 ILLINOIS AVE, PARAMOUNT, CA, 90723

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,200

Exercised Options: $4,200

Current Obligation: $4,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline