GSA Awards $3.6M for Master Lock Padlocks, Ensuring Keyed-Alike Security for Federal Facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,581 ($3.6K)

Contractor: Master Lock Company LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-06

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $119/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3

Place of Performance

Location: OAK CREEK, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53154

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,581.28 to MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC for work described as: PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3 Key points: 1. Significant award for a common security item, Master Lock is a dominant player. 2. Competition was limited under SAP, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk of overpayment exists due to limited competition and brand preference. 4. Hardware Manufacturing sector, with a focus on security and facility management.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $3,581.28 for 119 units appears reasonable for branded, keyed-alike padlocks. However, without specific model details and comparing against bulk government contracts for similar, non-branded items, a precise benchmark is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: $30.09

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition environment. This method is typically used for smaller procurements and may not achieve the best possible pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential security equipment. Limited competition may result in a slightly higher cost than could be achieved through broader bidding.

Public Impact

Ensures consistent security across federal facilities with keyed-alike padlocks. Supports a well-known brand, potentially simplifying inventory and maintenance. Procurement through GSA FAS suggests adherence to federal purchasing standards. The short duration (30 days) indicates a need for immediate or routine replenishment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for brand-driven pricing
Lack of detailed specifications for comparison

Positive Signals

Use of a reputable manufacturer
Standardized security solution (keyed-alike)
Procurement through established GSA channels

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the Hardware Manufacturing sector, specifically for security devices. Government spending benchmarks for padlocks vary widely based on features, quantity, and brand, but typically favor bulk purchases for cost efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Master Lock Company LLC, is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) managed this procurement. Oversight is likely focused on compliance with acquisition regulations and ensuring fair pricing within the SAP framework.

Related Government Programs

Hardware Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for brand premium
Lack of detailed technical specifications for comparison
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,581.28 to MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC. PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,581.28.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-06.

What is the value proposition of using Master Lock branded padlocks over generic alternatives for federal agencies?

The primary value proposition lies in brand recognition, perceived reliability, and the convenience of a standardized, keyed-alike system. Agencies may prioritize ease of management and consistent performance over potential cost savings from generic brands, especially for critical assets where lock failure is unacceptable.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring branded security hardware like Master Lock padlocks under SAP?

The main risks include paying a premium due to brand preference and limited competition, potentially leading to suboptimal value for taxpayer money. There's also a risk that the specific features required might be better met by specialized manufacturers if full and open competition were utilized.

How effective is the SAP procurement method in ensuring competitive pricing for common hardware items like padlocks?

SAP is designed for efficiency and speed in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds. While it can be effective for routine purchases, its limited competition aspect means it's less likely to drive down prices as aggressively as full and open competition, especially for items with strong brand loyalty.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HARDWARE AND ABRASIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

Address: 1 HORIZON WAY BLDG N, DEERFIELD, IL, 60015

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,581

Exercised Options: $3,581

Current Obligation: $3,581

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline