GSA awards $3,959 contract for silicon carbide abrasive wheels to F&M Micro Products Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,960 ($4.0K)

Contractor: F & M Micro Products Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-02

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WHEEL, ABRASIVE, SILICON CARBIDE, EXTRA COARSE, 3-DIMENSIONAL RIGID CLOTH, FIBER FLEECE, WATERPROOF, 1.875 INCH ARBOR HOLE, 7.00 INCH DIAMETER, 1.250 INCH WHEEL THICKNESS

Place of Performance

Location: VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91406

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,959.52 to F & M MICRO PRODUCTS INC for work described as: WHEEL, ABRASIVE, SILICON CARBIDE, EXTRA COARSE, 3-DIMENSIONAL RIGID CLOTH, FIBER FLEECE, WATERPROOF, 1.875 INCH ARBOR HOLE, 7.00 INCH DIAMETER, 1.250 INCH WHEEL THICKNESS Key points: 1. The contract value of $3,959.52 appears to be for a small quantity of specialized abrasive wheels. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear as the contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a less formal bidding process. 3. The short duration of 60 days for performance raises questions about the urgency or scale of the requirement. 4. The specific nature of the abrasive wheels (3-dimensional rigid cloth, fiber fleece) suggests a niche application, potentially limiting the number of qualified bidders. 5. The award to F&M Micro Products Inc. requires further investigation into their track record for similar specialized materials. 6. The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) is the awarding agency, indicating a focus on common-use items for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $3,959.52 for 60 days of performance seems low for a federal contract, suggesting a small-scale or urgent need for these specific abrasive wheels. Without knowing the quantity or specific application, it's difficult to benchmark the value effectively. However, the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) implies the value is below the threshold for full and open competition, which can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal solicitation process than full and open competition. While the exact number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally allows for a limited number of quotes or proposals to be solicited, often from pre-approved vendors or through online portals. This level of competition may not guarantee the lowest possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP means that while administrative costs are lower, there's a reduced assurance of obtaining the absolute best price compared to a fully competed contract with numerous bidders.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized abrasive wheels for maintenance, repair, or operational needs will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of specific silicon carbide abrasive wheels with unique material and dimensional characteristics. The geographic impact is likely limited to the locations where the procuring federal agencies operate, with the primary delivery point being California. Workforce implications are minimal, as this contract primarily involves the supply of goods rather than significant labor services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed quantity and unit pricing makes value assessment difficult.
Competition under SAP may not have yielded the most cost-effective outcome.
Short performance period could indicate an urgent, potentially unplanned, need.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), a reputable federal agency.
The specific nature of the product suggests a targeted solution for a particular need.
Awarded to a specific company, F&M Micro Products Inc., indicating a potential specialization.

Sector Analysis

The market for abrasive products is diverse, ranging from consumer goods to highly specialized industrial applications. This contract falls into the latter category, focusing on specific silicon carbide abrasive wheels with unique material properties and dimensions. The manufacturing sector for abrasives is competitive, but niche products like these often have fewer suppliers. Federal spending in this area is typically driven by maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) needs across various government facilities and equipment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a small value contract competed under SAP, it's possible that larger businesses were not actively pursuing it, or that F&M Micro Products Inc. is a small business itself. However, without explicit set-aside information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though it represents a potential opportunity for a small supplier.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). As a purchase order under SAP, the oversight mechanisms are likely less intensive than for larger, more complex contracts. Accountability would be managed through standard procurement regulations and performance monitoring by the GSA contracting officer. Transparency is limited by the nature of SAP, with less public detail available compared to full and open competition.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Industrial Supplies Procurement
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP
Lack of detailed quantity and unit pricing
Short performance period may indicate urgency or planning issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,959.52 to F & M MICRO PRODUCTS INC. WHEEL, ABRASIVE, SILICON CARBIDE, EXTRA COARSE, 3-DIMENSIONAL RIGID CLOTH, FIBER FLEECE, WATERPROOF, 1.875 INCH ARBOR HOLE, 7.00 INCH DIAMETER, 1.250 INCH WHEEL THICKNESS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is F & M MICRO PRODUCTS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,959.52.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-02.

What is the specific application or end-use for these specialized silicon carbide abrasive wheels?

The provided data describes the physical characteristics of the abrasive wheels, including their material (silicon carbide, fiber fleece), dimensions (7.00 inch diameter, 1.250 inch thickness), and arbor hole size (1.875 inch). However, the specific application or end-use is not detailed. Given the '3-dimensional rigid cloth' and 'waterproof' properties, these wheels are likely intended for specialized industrial grinding, polishing, or finishing tasks where precision, durability, and resistance to moisture are critical. Potential uses could include metal fabrication, composite material processing, or maintenance of specific equipment within federal agencies.

How does the price of these abrasive wheels compare to similar products in the market?

Benchmarking the price of these specific abrasive wheels is challenging without knowing the exact quantity purchased under this $3,959.52 contract. The description points to a niche product with specialized features. Generally, specialized industrial abrasives command higher prices than standard commodity items due to their performance characteristics and manufacturing complexity. To perform a true comparison, one would need to identify comparable products from other manufacturers, ascertain their unit prices for similar specifications, and then factor in potential volume discounts or different procurement channels. The use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests the price may not have been subjected to the most rigorous competitive pressure.

What is F&M Micro Products Inc.'s track record with the federal government for similar procurements?

Information regarding F&M Micro Products Inc.'s specific track record with the federal government for similar procurements is not detailed in the provided data. As the awardee of this purchase order, they have demonstrated the ability to meet the requirements of this specific solicitation. Further analysis would involve searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards to F&M Micro Products Inc., particularly those involving abrasive products or industrial supplies. Assessing the value, competition, and performance of their previous federal contracts would provide insight into their reliability and pricing competitiveness for future requirements.

What is the significance of the contract being competed under SAP for taxpayers?

Competing this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) means it was likely solicited from a smaller pool of vendors and involved less formal documentation and evaluation than a full and open competition. For taxpayers, this can have mixed implications. On one hand, SAP reduces administrative costs for the government, potentially leading to faster procurement cycles. On the other hand, a less competitive environment might mean that the government did not secure the absolute lowest price possible for these abrasive wheels. The threshold for SAP is typically up to $250,000, and while this contract is well below that, the principle of limited competition applies.

What are the potential risks associated with a short performance period (60 days)?

A 60-day performance period for a supply contract can indicate several potential risks. It might suggest an urgent operational need, implying that delays in delivery could disrupt essential government functions. It could also mean that the quantity required is small, or that the items are readily available off-the-shelf. From a risk perspective, a short window increases the pressure on the contractor to deliver promptly and on the government to manage the process efficiently. If the requirement was underestimated or if unforeseen issues arise, the short duration could lead to contract modifications or necessitate a rapid re-solicitation, potentially at a higher cost.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Plastics Product Manufacturing › Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FOOD PREPARATION/SERVING EQPT

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: 6917 WOODLEY AVE, VAN NUYS, CA, 91406

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,960

Exercised Options: $3,960

Current Obligation: $3,960

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline