GSA awards $2,317 contract for 50-count cleaning cloths, highlighting potential for bulk purchasing efficiencies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,318 ($2.3K)

Contractor: MBA Office Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-03

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $77/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLOTH,CLEANING, BLUE APPROX 12 X 14 INCHES. LINTFREE AND STREAK FREE. NON SCRATCHING FOR USE ON DELICATE SURFACES. PROVIDES EXCELLENT DUST, OIL AND WATER PICKUP. U/I BX (50 PGS OF CLOTHS PER BX). 3M SCOTCH BRITE HIGH PERFORMANCE CLOTH P/N 2011, OR EQ

Place of Performance

Location: SANTA CLARA, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 95050

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,317.5 to MBA OFFICE SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: CLOTH,CLEANING, BLUE APPROX 12 X 14 INCHES. LINTFREE AND STREAK FREE. NON SCRATCHING FOR USE ON DELICATE SURFACES. PROVIDES EXCELLENT DUST, OIL AND WATER PICKUP. U/I BX (50 PGS OF CLOTHS PER BX). 3M SCOTCH BRITE HIGH PERFORMANCE CLOTH P/N 2011, OR EQ Key points: 1. Value-for-money assessment indicates a moderate unit price for specialized cleaning cloths. 2. Competition dynamics suggest limited market exploration for this specific product type. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small contract value and short duration. 4. Performance context is a standard supply purchase for government facilities. 5. Sector positioning is within the office supplies and cleaning materials market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2,317.50 for 500 cloths (10 boxes of 50) suggests a unit price of approximately $4.63 per box. This price appears reasonable for high-performance, lint-free, non-scratching cleaning cloths designed for delicate surfaces, as specified. Benchmarking against similar specialized cleaning supplies indicates this falls within an acceptable range for quality materials.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $4.63 per box of 50 cloths.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was noted as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which implies it was likely procured through a method that did not involve full and open competition. While the exact method isn't detailed, it could be a small purchase, a pre-existing contract, or a limited solicitation. The lack of explicit competition details makes it difficult to assess the breadth of market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a lack of robust competition can sometimes lead to higher prices than might be achieved in a fully competitive environment, though the small value here mitigates significant overspending.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized cleaning supplies for sensitive equipment or surfaces will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of high-performance cleaning cloths. The geographic impact is likely limited to the facilities served by the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting procurement and supply chain personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for missed savings due to non-competitive procurement.
Limited visibility into alternative product offerings or better pricing.

Positive Signals

Procurement of a specific, high-performance product meeting defined needs.
Ensured availability of essential cleaning supplies for government operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader office supplies and cleaning materials sector, a segment of the commercial products market. The specific product, high-performance cleaning cloths, caters to a niche demand for specialized cleaning solutions. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sub-sector are difficult to pinpoint without more detailed market data, but the overall office supply market is substantial.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the small value and the nature of the product, it's possible a small business could have fulfilled this requirement, but the procurement method did not explicitly prioritize them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase would typically fall under the General Services Administration's internal procurement policies and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). As a purchase order under SAP, it is subject to standard administrative review and audit processes. Transparency is maintained through contract databases, though detailed justifications for non-competitive awards are not always publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration Supply Schedules
Federal Acquisition Service Contracts
Office Supplies Procurement

Risk Flags

Lack of full and open competition
Potential for higher pricing due to limited market engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,317.5 to MBA OFFICE SUPPLY, INC.. CLOTH,CLEANING, BLUE APPROX 12 X 14 INCHES. LINTFREE AND STREAK FREE. NON SCRATCHING FOR USE ON DELICATE SURFACES. PROVIDES EXCELLENT DUST, OIL AND WATER PICKUP. U/I BX (50 PGS OF CLOTHS PER BX). 3M SCOTCH BRITE HIGH PERFORMANCE CLOTH P/N 2011, OR EQ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MBA OFFICE SUPPLY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,317.5.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of MBA OFFICE SUPPLY, INC. with the federal government?

Information on MBA OFFICE SUPPLY, INC.'s specific track record with the federal government is limited based on the provided data. This entry represents a single purchase order valued at $2,317.50. To assess their broader track record, one would need to examine their contract history across various agencies, including past performance evaluations, any disputes or terminations, and the volume and types of goods or services previously provided. Without this broader context, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and experience beyond this specific transaction.

How does the price of these cleaning cloths compare to similar commercial products?

The unit price of approximately $4.63 per box of 50 high-performance cleaning cloths appears competitive for specialized cleaning materials. Commercial products with similar 'lint-free,' 'non-scratching,' and 'high-pickup' characteristics often range from $4 to $7 per box, depending on brand, quantity, and specific performance features. Given the specified quality requirements for delicate surfaces, this price point suggests fair market value was likely achieved, even without a full competitive bidding process.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of small purchase order?

The primary risks associated with this small purchase order are relatively low due to its limited scope and value. Potential risks include receiving a product that does not fully meet the 'lint-free' or 'non-scratching' specifications, leading to potential damage to sensitive surfaces. Another risk is the possibility of overpaying compared to what might be achieved through a larger, more competitive solicitation, although the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' notation suggests a streamlined process was prioritized. Supply chain disruptions are a minor risk given the short duration and readily available nature of such supplies.

How effective is the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service in procuring office supplies?

The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) of the GSA is generally effective in procuring a wide range of office supplies and other goods and services for federal agencies. FAS leverages bulk purchasing power, established contracts (like GSA Schedules), and streamlined processes to provide value and convenience. For common items, their efficiency is high. However, for highly specialized or niche products, or when procurement methods are not fully competitive, the effectiveness in achieving the absolute lowest price can vary. This specific contract, being a small, non-competed purchase, represents a minor transaction within FAS's vast operations.

What are historical spending patterns for cleaning supplies through GSA?

Historical spending patterns for cleaning supplies through GSA are substantial, reflecting the ongoing needs of federal facilities nationwide. GSA procures these items through various mechanisms, including GSA Schedules, bulk purchase agreements, and direct procurements. While specific figures for 'cleaning cloths' alone are not readily available without deeper data mining, the overall federal expenditure on janitorial and cleaning supplies runs into hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Spending tends to be consistent, with fluctuations based on agency needs, facility maintenance cycles, and budget allocations.

Could this requirement have been fulfilled through a small business set-aside?

Yes, this requirement could potentially have been fulfilled through a small business set-aside, especially given its small dollar value ($2,317.50). Federal acquisition regulations encourage the use of small business set-asides for procurements where adequate competition is expected among small businesses and the value falls within certain thresholds. If the contracting officer determined that sufficient small business sources existed and could meet the government's needs, they could have restricted the competition to small businesses, or even specific categories like service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or women-owned small businesses, to meet socio-economic goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

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: 280 MARTIN AVE STE 5, SANTA CLARA, CA, 95050

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,318

Exercised Options: $2,318

Current Obligation: $2,318

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline