GSA awards $3.6M for 3D printer and filament dryer equipment, with a 207-day performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,587 ($3.6K)

Contractor: Northern Management Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 207 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EP 47PC5126F0189 - PR# EQPMAB-26-0196 - WV0226ZZ RWA3791277 ADD RECEPTACLES FOR FILAMENT DRYER AND 3D PRINTER

Place of Performance

Location: MARTINSBURG, BERKELEY County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25405

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,587.2 to NORTHERN MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: EP 47PC5126F0189 - PR# EQPMAB-26-0196 - WV0226ZZ RWA3791277 ADD RECEPTACLES FOR FILAMENT DRYER AND 3D PRINTER Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized equipment and installation. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Short performance period indicates a focused, project-specific need. 4. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The award is for facilities support services, aligning with GSA's mission. 6. The contract is a BPA Call, indicating it's part of a larger agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3,587.20 for equipment and installation seems appropriate given the specialized nature of 3D printers and filament dryers. Without specific details on the exact models and quantities, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The award is a BPA Call, suggesting it leverages pre-negotiated terms and pricing from a broader agreement, which can often lead to better value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and terms. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the chosen method suggests a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives competitive rates for goods and services.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as 3D printing, will benefit from this acquisition. The contract will deliver essential equipment for prototyping, repair, and specialized fabrication. The geographic impact is limited to West Virginia, where the equipment will be installed. This acquisition supports the modernization of government facilities and technical capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence of 3D printing technology given rapid advancements.
Dependence on specific vendor for maintenance or consumables if not specified in contract.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of modern equipment to enhance agency capabilities.
Fixed-price contract limits financial risk for the government.
Competition ensures fair market pricing.

Sector Analysis

The acquisition of 3D printers and related equipment falls within the broader sector of advanced manufacturing and specialized facilities support. The market for industrial 3D printers is growing, with applications ranging from rapid prototyping to direct production. Government agencies are increasingly adopting these technologies to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and enable custom solutions. This contract represents a small but specific investment in modernizing federal operational capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor utilizes small businesses for installation or support services.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) generally has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including this BPA Call. The Public Buildings Service is responsible for managing federal facilities. Accountability is maintained through contract performance monitoring and adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases where such awards are recorded.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) - Facilities Management
Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Procurement
3D Printing Technology Acquisition

Risk Flags

Technology Obsolescence Risk
Vendor Support Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,587.2 to NORTHERN MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.. EP 47PC5126F0189 - PR# EQPMAB-26-0196 - WV0226ZZ RWA3791277 ADD RECEPTACLES FOR FILAMENT DRYER AND 3D PRINTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHERN MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,587.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-10-30.

What specific models of 3D printers and filament dryers were procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact models of the 3D printers and filament dryers acquired. The contract description, 'EP 47PC5126F0189 - PR# EQPMAB-26-0196 - WV0226ZZ RWA3791277 ADD RECEPTACLES FOR FILAMENT DRYER AND 3D PRINTER,' indicates the purpose is to add receptacles for this equipment, implying the equipment itself is part of the scope. To determine the specific models, one would need to access the detailed contract award documents or associated purchase requests (PR# EQPMAB-26-0196) which are not publicly available in this dataset. This information is crucial for assessing technological relevance and potential long-term supportability.

How does the $3,587.20 contract value compare to market rates for similar 3D printers and filament dryers?

The contract value of $3,587.20 appears to be for the acquisition and potentially installation of specialized equipment. Without knowing the exact specifications, quantity, and brand of the 3D printers and filament dryers, a precise market comparison is challenging. However, industrial-grade 3D printers can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, while filament dryers are typically less expensive, often in the hundreds of dollars. Given the total value, this likely represents a single or a small number of mid-range to professional-grade 3D printers, possibly bundled with filament dryers and installation services. The fact that it's a BPA Call suggests pricing might be pre-negotiated and potentially favorable due to bulk purchasing power under the larger BPA.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include the rapid obsolescence of 3D printing technology, potential vendor lock-in for consumables or maintenance, and ensuring the procured equipment meets the specific operational needs of the facility. Mitigation strategies are evident in the contract structure: the firm-fixed-price (FFP) type contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. The short performance period (207 days) limits the exposure to technological obsolescence. Awarding under full and open competition also encourages the selection of capable vendors. However, the long-term supportability and availability of parts and consumables would depend on the specific terms negotiated within the BPA and this call order.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the General Services Administration's (GSA) facilities support services in West Virginia?

This contract is expected to enhance the GSA's facilities support services in West Virginia by providing advanced manufacturing capabilities. The addition of 3D printers and filament dryers will enable on-site creation of prototypes, custom parts, and potentially repair components, reducing reliance on external vendors and lead times. This can lead to cost savings and increased operational flexibility for the facilities managed by GSA in the region. It signifies an investment in modernizing the tools available to facility managers and maintenance staff, improving their ability to address diverse needs efficiently.

How does this award fit into the broader context of federal spending on advanced manufacturing technologies?

This $3.6 million award is a relatively small component within the vast landscape of federal spending on advanced manufacturing. Federal agencies across defense, research, and civilian sectors are increasingly investing in additive manufacturing (3D printing) to accelerate innovation, improve supply chain resilience, and develop specialized components. While larger contracts often focus on research and development or large-scale production systems, awards like this one represent the operational adoption of these technologies at the facility or agency level. It reflects a trend towards equipping government operations with cutting-edge tools to improve efficiency and capability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: EQPMAB-26-0196

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 607 CHURCH ST, SANDPOINT, ID, 83864

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,587

Exercised Options: $3,587

Current Obligation: $3,587

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PD0321A0010

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline