Department of Energy awards $28.5K for printer supplies, highlighting potential for cost savings in IT hardware procurement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,481 ($28.5K)
Contractor: Transource Services Corp.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2026-02-11
End Date: 2026-02-26
Contract Duration: 15 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: HP LASERJET PRINTERS FOR UGP SUBSTATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: LAKEWOOD, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80228
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $28,480.61 to TRANSOURCE SERVICES CORP. for work described as: HP LASERJET PRINTERS FOR UGP SUBSTATIONS Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting it may be for a limited quantity or specific type of printer. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The short duration of the contract (15 days) suggests an immediate need or a pilot program. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334111 points to the manufacturing of electronic computers, which may include printer components. 5. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 6. The geographic location of the delivery order is Colorado.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $28,480.61 for printer supplies is modest. Without more information on the quantity and specific models of HP LaserJet printers or associated supplies, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the relatively low total cost suggests that the unit prices, if competitive, could represent good value for the specific needs of the UGP substations. Further benchmarking against similar procurements for office equipment would be necessary for a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 16 bids (indicated by 'no': 16) further supports a robust competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for printer supplies helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the personnel at the Department of Energy's UGP substations who require functional printing capabilities. The service delivered is the provision of essential IT hardware supplies, specifically HP LaserJet printers and potentially related consumables. The geographic impact is localized to the UGP substations, which are located in Colorado. There are minimal direct workforce implications, as this is a procurement of goods rather than services requiring significant labor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed specifications for the printers and supplies makes it difficult to assess if the procured items are the most cost-effective or technologically appropriate.
- The short delivery window could indicate a rushed procurement, potentially leading to less favorable pricing or product selection.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition with a significant number of bids, suggesting a competitive market.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
- The use of a well-known brand (HP LaserJet) implies a degree of reliability and standardization.
Sector Analysis
The procurement of IT hardware, such as printers, falls within the broader Information Technology sector. This specific contract is for office equipment essential for operational functions within a government agency. The market for printers and related supplies is mature and highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers and resellers. The spending benchmark for such items can vary widely based on volume, model, and service agreements, but this particular award appears to be for a relatively small quantity or specific need.
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 dollar value and the nature of the product (printer supplies), it is possible that small businesses could have participated in the bidding process, but it was not a targeted initiative. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely negligible for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Energy's contracting officers and potentially its Inspector General's office, especially if any irregularities were suspected. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed operational oversight of printer supply usage is likely managed internally by the agency's IT or facilities management departments.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy IT Hardware Procurement
- Federal Office Supply Contracts
- UGP Substation Operations Support
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed product specification
- Short delivery window may indicate urgency or potential for expedited shipping costs
Tags
it-hardware, printer-supplies, department-of-energy, ugp-substations, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, small-dollar-value, colorado, naics-334111
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $28,480.61 to TRANSOURCE SERVICES CORP.. HP LASERJET PRINTERS FOR UGP SUBSTATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRANSOURCE SERVICES CORP..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $28,480.61.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-11. End: 2026-02-26.
What is the specific quantity and model of HP LaserJet printers or supplies being procured under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact quantity or model of HP LaserJet printers or associated supplies. The contract is for 'HP LASERJET PRINTERS FOR UGP SUBSTATIONS' with a total award amount of $28,480.61. Without a detailed line-item breakdown or product list, it is impossible to determine the precise number of units or types of consumables (e.g., toner cartridges, paper). This lack of specificity makes it difficult to perform a granular analysis of unit costs or to compare the value proposition against alternative offerings.
How does the unit cost of these printers/supplies compare to market rates or similar government contracts?
A direct comparison of unit costs is not feasible without knowing the specific items and quantities procured. The total award of $28,480.61 for 'HP LASERJET PRINTERS FOR UGP SUBSTATIONS' is too broad. If this amount covers multiple printers and a significant supply of consumables, the unit prices might be competitive given the 'full and open competition' and 16 bids received. However, if it represents a few high-end printers or a large volume of expensive toner, the unit costs could be higher than average. Benchmarking would require itemized pricing data from comparable federal procurements or commercial price lists for the exact models and quantities.
What are the potential risks associated with this contract, given its nature and duration?
The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its small value and short duration. Potential risks include receiving outdated printer models if the procurement was not managed efficiently, or if the supplies procured do not meet the specific technical requirements of the UGP substations, leading to operational disruptions. The short 15-day delivery period could also pose a risk if there are supply chain issues or delays in fulfillment, potentially impacting the operational readiness of the substations. However, the firm-fixed-price structure mitigates financial risks for the government.
What is the historical spending pattern for printer supplies at the Department of Energy's UGP substations?
The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for printer supplies at the Department of Energy's UGP substations. To assess this, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar items to the same or related locations within the UGP substations. Understanding historical spending would help determine if this $28,480.61 award represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of expenditure for such needs. It would also help identify trends in pricing and vendor performance over time.
How does the number of bids (16) influence the perceived value for taxpayers?
Receiving 16 bids for a contract valued at $28,480.61 is a strong positive signal for taxpayers. A high number of bidders typically indicates a healthy and competitive market for the goods or services being procured. This level of competition generally drives down prices as vendors vie for the contract, leading to better value for the government and, by extension, the taxpayer. It suggests that the contracting agency cast a wide net and that the terms of the solicitation were attractive enough to draw significant interest, reducing the likelihood of paying an inflated price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2405 W UTOPIA RD, PHOENIX, AZ, 85027
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,481
Exercised Options: $28,481
Current Obligation: $28,481
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD55B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-11
Current End Date: 2026-02-26
Potential End Date: 2026-02-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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