GSA awards $2,311 for 31 abrasive disks, highlighting potential for cost savings in manufacturing supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,311 ($2.3K)

Contractor: F & M Micro Products Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-17

Contract Duration: 75 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DISK, ABRASIVE, ALUMINUM OXIDE, 24 GRIT, "Y" WEIGHT BACKING, PLAIN FLAT, NO ARBOR HOLE, FUNCTIONALLY COMPATIBLE WITH "TR" STYLE, QUICK CHANGE, FEMALE THREADED BACK-UP PADS, 2.00 INCH DIAMETER

Place of Performance

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

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,311.2 to F & M MICRO PRODUCTS INC for work described as: DISK, ABRASIVE, ALUMINUM OXIDE, 24 GRIT, "Y" WEIGHT BACKING, PLAIN FLAT, NO ARBOR HOLE, FUNCTIONALLY COMPATIBLE WITH "TR" STYLE, QUICK CHANGE, FEMALE THREADED BACK-UP PADS, 2.00 INCH DIAMETER Key points: 1. The purchase of 31 abrasive disks at $2,311 represents a small but specific procurement within the broader manufacturing sector. 2. Competition was achieved through Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a potentially competitive but not fully open market. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for this specific order. 4. The sector is related to manufacturing, specifically polystyrene foam product manufacturing, indicating a need for industrial supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $2,311 for 31 abrasive disks, averaging $74.55 per disk, appears high when compared to similar industrial abrasives. Further benchmarking against bulk purchases or alternative suppliers is recommended.

Cost Per Unit: $74.55

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, which allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source but is not as extensive as full and open competition. This method may have limited price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small scale of this purchase, but ensuring competitive pricing on all procurements is crucial for overall fiscal responsibility.

Public Impact

Consumers may indirectly benefit from efficient manufacturing processes enabled by these supplies. Small businesses in the manufacturing supply chain could be impacted by the demand for such components. The procurement process itself, while small, reflects standard federal purchasing practices for industrial goods.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for overpayment given the per-unit cost.
Limited competition may not have yielded the best possible price.
Lack of detailed specifications for 'TR' style compatibility could lead to usability issues.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost escalation.
Procurement through GSA ensures adherence to federal acquisition regulations.
Clear delivery dates are established.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the manufacturing sector, specifically related to industrial supplies. Benchmarks for similar abrasive disks vary widely, but the per-unit cost here warrants scrutiny against bulk industrial supply pricing.

Small Business Impact

While this specific purchase did not indicate direct small business involvement, the broader manufacturing sector relies on a network of small businesses for components and distribution. Ensuring fair access for SMBs in future, larger procurements is important.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) managed this procurement through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight is likely embedded in the SAP process, but detailed post-award monitoring for this small purchase may be limited.

Related Government Programs

Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost.
Limited competition.
Potential for better pricing through bulk purchase.
Lack of detailed technical specifications for compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,311.2 to F & M MICRO PRODUCTS INC. DISK, ABRASIVE, ALUMINUM OXIDE, 24 GRIT, "Y" WEIGHT BACKING, PLAIN FLAT, NO ARBOR HOLE, FUNCTIONALLY COMPATIBLE WITH "TR" STYLE, QUICK CHANGE, FEMALE THREADED BACK-UP PADS, 2.00 INCH DIAMETER

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 $2,311.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-17.

What is the typical price range for 2-inch diameter, 24-grit aluminum oxide abrasive disks with 'Y' weight backing and quick-change compatibility?

The typical price range for such abrasive disks can vary significantly based on brand, quantity, and specific features. However, prices often range from $5 to $25 per disk when purchased in moderate quantities. The $74.55 per disk in this contract appears to be at the higher end, suggesting potential for cost savings through further negotiation or broader competition.

What are the risks associated with procuring specialized abrasive disks under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Procuring specialized items under SAP carries risks such as limited price competition, potentially higher per-unit costs compared to large-scale competitive bids, and a reduced ability to negotiate favorable terms. While SAP is efficient for smaller purchases, it may not always secure the best value for the government, especially if the market for the specialized item is not robustly competitive.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money in this specific procurement?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is effective in locking in the price, thereby protecting the government from cost overruns and ensuring budget certainty for this specific order. However, it does not inherently guarantee the best value for money if the initial negotiated price was not competitive. The effectiveness in terms of value hinges on the initial price negotiation and the level of competition achieved.

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: $2,311

Exercised Options: $2,311

Current Obligation: $2,311

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline