GAO awards $71,991 contract for Apple MacBooks to V3GATE, LLC under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $71,991 ($72.0K)
Contractor: V3gate, LLC
Awarding Agency: Government Accountability Office
Start Date: 2026-04-15
End Date: 2027-04-14
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $198/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO PROCURE SOLICITATION FOR APPLE MACBOOK PROS.
Place of Performance
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80921
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Government Accountability Office obligated $71,991.35 to V3GATE, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO PROCURE SOLICITATION FOR APPLE MACBOOK PROS. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against market prices for similar devices. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a fair market approach was utilized. 3. Risk indicators are low given the nature of the procurement. 4. Performance context is a single delivery order for IT hardware. 5. Sector positioning is within IT hardware procurement for government agencies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $71,991 for Apple MacBook Pros appears reasonable when benchmarked against typical commercial pricing for these devices. While specific configurations are not detailed, the price per unit, if calculated, would likely fall within expected ranges for enterprise-grade laptops. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited. The presence of 12 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this IT hardware requirement. This competitive process is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure the government receives a good value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the $71,991 spent on these MacBooks was achieved through a process that likely yielded the best possible price and terms.
Public Impact
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the direct beneficiary, receiving the necessary IT equipment. The services delivered are the provision of Apple MacBook Pro laptops. The geographic impact is primarily within the GAO's operational locations, likely Washington D.C. Workforce implications include equipping GAO staff with updated technology to perform their analytical and oversight functions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement.
- Multiple bidders (12) participated, suggesting a competitive marketplace.
- Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
- Delivery order structure is common for IT hardware procurement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader IT hardware procurement sector, specifically focusing on the acquisition of high-performance laptops. The market for enterprise-grade laptops is competitive, with major manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and HP vying for government contracts. Government spending on IT hardware is substantial, with agencies consistently needing to refresh their technology to maintain operational efficiency and security. This procurement aligns with typical agency needs for reliable computing devices.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it does not appear to have been specifically set aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if V3GATE, LLC, the awardee, is a small business or if subcontracting opportunities were mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) itself is an oversight body, suggesting internal controls are likely robust. The procurement process would have followed federal acquisition regulations, subject to standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically reside within the GAO's own Inspector General office.
Related Government Programs
- Government IT Hardware Procurement
- Apple Product Purchases by Federal Agencies
- General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts (potential vehicle)
Risk Flags
- Potential for outdated models if specifications are not precise.
- Risk of delivery delays impacting operational timelines.
- Need for robust warranty and support to mitigate hardware failure.
Tags
it-hardware, apple-macbook-pro, government-accountability-office, v3gate-llc, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, colorado, information-technology, laptops
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Government Accountability Office awarded $71,991.35 to V3GATE, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO PROCURE SOLICITATION FOR APPLE MACBOOK PROS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is V3GATE, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Government Accountability Office (GAO, Except Comptroller General).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $71,991.35.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-15. End: 2027-04-14.
What is the track record of V3GATE, LLC in securing federal contracts, particularly for IT hardware?
A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess V3GATE, LLC's track record. Without specific historical contract data, it's difficult to ascertain their experience level with government IT hardware procurements. However, winning a contract under full and open competition with 12 bidders suggests they possess the capability to meet government requirements and navigate the procurement process. Further investigation into past performance evaluations and contract awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this domain.
How does the price of these MacBook Pros compare to similar government or commercial bulk purchases?
Benchmarking the $71,991 contract value against similar government or commercial bulk purchases requires detailed specifications of the MacBook Pros procured. Assuming these are standard enterprise models, the price per unit can be estimated. For instance, if 50 units were purchased at approximately $1,440 each, this would be competitive with commercial bulk pricing, especially when considering potential government discounts negotiated through GSA schedules or other large-volume agreements. A direct comparison would involve analyzing the specific model numbers, configurations, and any included support or warranty services against publicly available pricing from major resellers and government IT purchasing portals.
What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?
The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low, given the nature of the procurement. Potential risks include the possibility of receiving outdated models if the solicitation did not specify current generation hardware, or if delivery timelines are not met, impacting the GAO's operational readiness. Another minor risk could be related to the specific configurations not perfectly aligning with all user needs, although this is mitigated by the competitive bidding process which allows vendors to propose solutions. Ensuring proper warranty and support agreements are in place would further mitigate risks related to hardware malfunction or obsolescence.
How effective is the GAO in leveraging competitive bidding for IT hardware acquisitions?
The GAO's use of full and open competition for this MacBook Pro procurement, attracting 12 bidders, indicates an effective strategy for leveraging competitive bidding in IT hardware acquisitions. This approach is designed to foster price discovery and ensure that the government obtains goods and services at the best possible value. The high number of bidders suggests that the solicitation was well-defined and accessible to a broad range of vendors, leading to a competitive environment. This practice aligns with federal procurement best practices aimed at maximizing taxpayer return on investment for technology purchases.
What are the historical spending patterns of the GAO on IT hardware, and how does this contract fit?
Analyzing historical spending patterns of the GAO on IT hardware would reveal trends in their technology acquisition strategies. Typically, agencies like the GAO require regular refresh cycles for their computing devices to maintain productivity and security. This $71,991 contract for MacBook Pros represents a specific instance of such a refresh. Without historical data, it's difficult to place this contract within a larger trend, but it is indicative of ongoing investment in essential IT infrastructure. Comparing this award's value and scope to previous years' IT hardware budgets would provide context on whether spending is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 05GA0A26Q0026
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 555 MIDDLE CREEK PKWY STE 120, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80921
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $71,991
Exercised Options: $71,991
Current Obligation: $71,991
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD27B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-15
Current End Date: 2027-04-14
Potential End Date: 2027-04-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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