Commerce Department's NOAA spent $10,821 on a Ricoh copier, awarded via a competed purchase order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,821 ($10.8K)

Contractor: NEW Tech Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2020-01-30

End Date: 2025-06-05

Contract Duration: 1,953 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE OF MULTI-FUNCTION STAND ALONE FLOOR MODEL COPIER, NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND SUPPLIES MFR PART # IMC4500G RICOH CORPORATION 45PPM B/W AND COLOR PRINTING AND SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: FREMONT, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94538

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $10,821.12 to NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: PURCHASE OF MULTI-FUNCTION STAND ALONE FLOOR MODEL COPIER, NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND SUPPLIES MFR PART # IMC4500G RICOH CORPORATION 45PPM B/W AND COLOR PRINTING AND SERVICE Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the purchase of a multi-function copier with printing and service. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low for this type of commodity purchase. 4. Performance context is a standard office equipment acquisition. 5. Sector positioning is within general office supplies and equipment for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10,821.12 for a multi-function copier with service appears to be within a reasonable range for such equipment. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for copiers of this class (45 PPM B/W and Color) would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the inclusion of service suggests a comprehensive package that could offer good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating that it was likely advertised and multiple bids were solicited. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, which is generally favorable for price discovery and obtaining competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market competition to secure a fair price for necessary office equipment.

Public Impact

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) benefits from this acquisition through the provision of essential printing and copying services. The service delivered is a multi-function copier capable of 45 pages per minute in both black and white and color, along with associated service. The geographic impact is localized to the NOAA facility where the copier is deployed, likely within California. Workforce implications include enabling staff to perform essential document management tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competed process, indicating potential for good pricing.
Includes service, which can reduce unexpected maintenance costs.
Acquisition of standard office equipment for operational needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Office Equipment sector, specifically the procurement of printing and copying machinery. The market for office equipment is mature and competitive, with numerous manufacturers and suppliers. Government agencies typically procure such items through various channels, including GSA schedules and competed solicitations, to ensure value.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. does not inherently exclude small business participation in the supply chain, but direct set-aside analysis is not possible with the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The procurement was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, which have streamlined oversight requirements compared to larger contracts. Accountability is maintained through the purchase order system and the terms of the contract. Transparency is generally provided through federal procurement databases where such awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule purchases
Office Equipment Procurement
Printing and Copying Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $10,821.12 to NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC.. PURCHASE OF MULTI-FUNCTION STAND ALONE FLOOR MODEL COPIER, NONPERSONAL SERVICE AND SUPPLIES MFR PART # IMC4500G RICOH CORPORATION 45PPM B/W AND COLOR PRINTING AND SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,821.12.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-30. End: 2025-06-05.

What is the track record of NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. with federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require reviewing their contract history across various agencies, including past performance evaluations, any disputes or terminations, and the types and values of contracts previously awarded. This would help assess their reliability and experience in fulfilling government requirements, particularly for office equipment and related services.

How does the price of this copier compare to similar market offerings?

The provided data does not include specific pricing details for comparable multi-function copiers from other manufacturers or resellers. To benchmark the value, one would need to research current market prices for Ricoh IMC4500G models or equivalent machines (45 PPM, B/W and Color) from competitors like Xerox, Canon, or HP, considering similar service agreements. Factors such as warranty length, included toner, and service level agreements significantly influence price comparisons.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low, typical for an office equipment purchase. These could include potential for equipment malfunction requiring service, delivery delays, or dissatisfaction with the service provider's responsiveness. Given it's a competed purchase order for a standard commodity, risks related to contractor performance or financial stability are generally mitigated by the procurement process itself. Ensuring clear service level agreements are met is key.

How effective is this type of copier acquisition for agency needs?

Acquiring multi-function copiers like the Ricoh IMC4500G is a standard and generally effective method for agencies to meet their document management needs. These devices consolidate printing, copying, and often scanning functions, improving office efficiency. The effectiveness hinges on the machine's reliability, the quality of service provided, and whether its capabilities (like 45 PPM speed and color printing) align with the agency's workflow demands. Regular maintenance and timely service are crucial for sustained effectiveness.

What are historical spending patterns for similar equipment at NOAA?

Historical spending patterns for similar office equipment at NOAA are not detailed in the provided data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past NOAA procurements for copiers and printers over several fiscal years, noting the types of machines, quantities, contract values, and award mechanisms. This would reveal trends in equipment refresh cycles, preferred vendors, and average costs, helping to contextualize the current $10,821.12 expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Industrial Machinery Manufacturing › Printing Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4179 BUSINESS CENTER DR, FREMONT, CA, 94538

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,821

Exercised Options: $10,821

Current Obligation: $10,821

Actual Outlays: $738

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline