GSA awards $4.88M for packaging materials, raising questions about competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,877 ($4.9K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-06

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAPE PKGG 2 IN WOLIVEDRAB

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,877.11 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: TAPE PKGG 2 IN WOLIVEDRAB Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price discovery and potentially increasing costs. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible value. 3. The contract duration is short, suggesting a need for ongoing procurement and potential for future competition. 4. The specific nature of the 'packaging materials' is not detailed, making direct value comparison difficult. 5. The award to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC warrants scrutiny of their past performance and pricing. 6. The General Services Administration (GSA) is a major procurer, and this award reflects typical spending patterns in support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $4.88 million for packaging materials is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the items procured. Given the sole-source nature of the award, it is challenging to assess if the pricing is competitive. Without comparable contracts or market data, it's hard to definitively state if the government received excellent value. The short duration of the contract (3 days) also makes a comprehensive value assessment difficult, as it may represent an urgent need rather than a long-term strategic purchase.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, or in urgent situations. The lack of competition means that multiple bidders were not considered, which can limit the government's ability to negotiate the lowest possible price and may indicate a lack of market availability or a specific requirement that only one entity can meet.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher prices for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down costs. This limits the government's leverage in price negotiations.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal agencies requiring packaging materials for warehousing and storage operations. The services delivered include the provision of packaging materials, essential for the functioning of logistics and supply chains. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as GSA services support various federal entities across the country. Workforce implications are minimal for this specific contract, as it focuses on material supply rather than direct labor services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and value assessment.
Lack of detailed product specifications hinders benchmarking and value analysis.
Short contract duration may indicate an urgent, potentially less-planned procurement.

Positive Signals

GSA's role in federal procurement suggests adherence to established processes.
The contract is for essential warehousing and storage support materials.

Sector Analysis

The packaging and container manufacturing industry is a significant sector supporting various government functions, including logistics, defense, and general supply chain operations. Federal spending in this area is consistent, with agencies requiring a wide range of materials for shipping, storage, and protection of goods. This contract, valued at approximately $4.88 million, falls within the typical range for specialized packaging needs. Benchmarking this specific award is challenging without knowing the exact materials, but GSA's role indicates it's part of a broader strategy to ensure supply chain readiness.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the available data. The award to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC, a single entity, does not indicate a strategy to promote small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this type of procurement typically offers subcontracting avenues or if it's a direct award that bypasses the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including internal review processes and compliance checks. However, the sole-source nature of this award warrants specific attention to ensure the justification for non-competition was sound and that the pricing is fair and reasonable. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, but detailed justifications for sole-source awards are crucial for accountability. Inspector General oversight may be involved if specific concerns or allegations arise.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Acquisition Service Contracts
Warehousing and Storage Services
Packaging Material Procurement
Sole-Source Contract Justifications

Risk Flags

Sole-source award without clear justification.
Lack of detailed product specifications hinders value assessment.
Potential for non-competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,877.11 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. TAPE PKGG 2 IN WOLIVEDRAB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,877.11.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-06.

What specific types of packaging materials are being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Other Warehousing and Storage' (NAICS code 493190) and refers to 'TAPE PKGG 2 IN WOLIVEDRAB'. This suggests the procurement likely includes various types of packaging tape and potentially other related packaging materials used in warehousing and logistics operations. However, without a more detailed product description or line-item breakdown, the exact specifications, quantities, and types of materials remain unspecified. This lack of detail makes it difficult to perform a precise cost-benefit analysis or to compare the value against industry standards for specific packaging items.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The data explicitly states the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. The specific justification for this sole-source determination is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards require a formal justification, such as the existence of only one responsible source, an urgent and compelling need that precludes competition, or a specific national security requirement. Without this justification, it is impossible to assess the validity of the sole-source decision and whether competition was genuinely not feasible or if it was simply bypassed.

How does the contract value of $4.88 million compare to similar GSA packaging material procurements?

Direct comparison of the $4.88 million contract value to similar GSA packaging material procurements is challenging without more granular data. The contract is categorized under NAICS 493190 (Other Warehousing and Storage), and the description mentions 'TAPE PKGG 2 IN WOLIVEDRAB'. This suggests a focus on packaging supplies. However, the exact quantity, type of tape (e.g., industrial, specialized), and any other included packaging items are not specified. GSA procures a vast array of supplies, and contract values can vary significantly based on volume, duration, and specific product requirements. A comprehensive benchmark would require access to GSA's historical contract database with detailed itemization and competitive award data.

What is the track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for packaging materials?

Information regarding the specific track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, especially for packaging materials, is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would need to examine their contract history, including past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. A positive track record with timely delivery, quality products, and competitive pricing would support the current award. Conversely, a history of issues could raise concerns about the value and reliability of this sole-source contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for essential packaging materials?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for essential packaging materials is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, the government may pay more than necessary. Another risk is reduced innovation and service quality, as the awarded contractor faces less pressure to improve. Furthermore, reliance on a single supplier can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain if that supplier experiences disruptions. The short duration of this contract (3 days) might mitigate some long-term risks but could indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic sourcing.

How does the short contract duration (3 days) impact the assessment of this award?

The extremely short contract duration of three days (April 3rd to April 6th, 2026) significantly impacts the assessment of this award. It suggests this is likely an urgent, short-term requirement, possibly to fulfill an immediate need or bridge a gap until a more substantial contract can be awarded. This short timeframe might explain the sole-source nature, as a full competitive process may not have been feasible. However, it also means that the $4.88 million figure might represent a very high per-day cost or a rapid delivery requirement, rather than a sustained supply agreement. It raises questions about the planning and foresight in managing the government's packaging material needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Warehousing and Storage › Other Warehousing and Storage

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MARINA PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220, BOSTON, MA, 02210

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,877

Exercised Options: $4,877

Current Obligation: $4,877

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC25D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline