GSA awards $147K BPA Call for 1lb machine hand tools, highlighting potential for broad federal use

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $147,544 ($147.5K)

Contractor: W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: AC SPCILST MCHNC HANDTOOL WEIGHT IS 1LBS

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE FOREST, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60045

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $147,544.25 to W.W. GRAINGER, INC. for work described as: AC SPCILST MCHNC HANDTOOL WEIGHT IS 1LBS Key points: 1. Value appears reasonable given the short duration and specific item type, but broader market comparison is needed. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these tools, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Short contract duration (7 days) may indicate a specific, immediate need rather than long-term strategic sourcing. 4. The contract falls under the broad 'Home Centers' NAICS code, suggesting a wide range of potential applications. 5. This BPA Call could serve as a model for other agencies needing similar hand tools through GSA. 6. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment (FPEPA) contract type offers some protection against market fluctuations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $147,544.25 for a 7-day BPA Call for 1lb machine hand tools seems within a reasonable range for specialized equipment. However, without specific details on the exact tools, quantities, and their intended use, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure is standard for goods subject to market volatility. Benchmarking against commercial catalog prices for similar weight and function hand tools would provide a clearer picture of value for money.

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 offers. This suggests a competitive marketplace for these types of machine hand tools. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition generally leads to better price discovery and a wider selection of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and access to a broader range of quality products, as vendors are incentivized to offer their best terms to win the contract.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring specialized 1lb machine hand tools for maintenance, repair, or operational needs will benefit. Services delivered include the provision of essential hand tools, supporting various operational and maintenance functions. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as GSA contracts can be accessed by federal agencies across the US. Workforce implications include ensuring that maintenance and operational personnel have access to the necessary tools for their tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific tool details makes it difficult to assess if the most cost-effective options were selected.
The short duration of the BPA Call might indicate a reactive procurement rather than proactive strategic sourcing.
Economic price adjustment clause could lead to cost increases if raw material prices for tools rise significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded through GSA's Federal Acquisition Service, leveraging established procurement channels.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
The use of a BPA Call streamlines the ordering process for agencies needing these specific tools.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial and commercial machinery sector, specifically related to hand tools. The 'Home Centers' NAICS code (444110) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in retailing hardware, paint and paint sundries, and supplies. While this is a small award, it highlights the government's reliance on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products procured through large-scale agreements like GSA Schedules. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other GSA Schedule awards for similar hand tools across different agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to W.W. GRAINGER, INC., a large business. There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this specific BPA Call. While Grainger may have subcontracting plans, the primary award does not directly benefit small businesses through set-aside provisions. The impact on the small business ecosystem is indirect, as Grainger's own supply chain might involve smaller manufacturers or distributors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the General Services Administration (GSA), which manages the Federal Acquisition Service and its associated schedules and agreements. Accountability is maintained through contract terms and conditions, performance monitoring, and the potential for future contract awards based on performance. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases where award information is available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supplies
Industrial Equipment Procurement
Tools and Hardware Procurement

Risk Flags

Lack of specific item details
Short contract duration
Potential for price escalation (E.P.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $147,544.25 to W.W. GRAINGER, INC.. AC SPCILST MCHNC HANDTOOL WEIGHT IS 1LBS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is W.W. GRAINGER, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $147,544.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-13.

What specific types of machine hand tools were procured under this BPA Call, and what were their unit prices?

The provided data indicates the procurement was for 'AC SPCILST MCHNC HANDTOOL WEIGHT IS 1LBS'. However, it does not specify the exact models, brands, or individual unit prices of the hand tools. The total award amount is $147,544.25 for a 7-day period. Without a detailed line-item breakdown, it's impossible to determine the specific tools or their unit costs. This level of detail is crucial for a thorough value analysis and comparison against market rates or other government contracts.

How does the total award amount of $147,544.25 compare to typical spending on similar hand tools by federal agencies?

Comparing the total award amount of $147,544.25 requires context regarding the quantity and specific types of 1lb machine hand tools. As a 7-day Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, this amount might represent a significant volume or a high-value specialized tool. Federal agencies often procure tools through GSA Schedules, which offer pre-negotiated pricing. Analyzing historical data for similar tool categories under GSA Schedules or other agency-specific procurements would be necessary for a meaningful comparison. Without more granular data on the tools themselves, it's difficult to benchmark this specific award against typical spending patterns.

What is the track record of W.W. GRAINGER, INC. in fulfilling federal contracts for tools and equipment?

W.W. GRAINGER, INC. is a well-established supplier with a significant history of serving federal government agencies through various contract vehicles, including GSA Schedules. They are known for providing a wide range of industrial and maintenance supplies, including hand tools. Their track record generally includes successful fulfillment of numerous orders and contracts. Performance metrics and past performance evaluations from previous federal contracts would offer a more detailed insight into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to delivery schedules for similar procurements.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' contract type for this procurement?

The 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (FPEPA) contract type for hand tools carries the risk of price escalation. While it protects the contractor from unforeseen increases in material, labor, or transportation costs, it shifts that risk to the government. If the market prices for raw materials used in tool manufacturing (e.g., steel, alloys) or shipping costs increase significantly during the contract period, the government will pay the higher adjusted price. This could lead to the total cost exceeding initial budget expectations, although it also provides predictability compared to purely cost-reimbursable contracts.

How does the short duration (7 days) of this BPA Call impact its strategic value and potential for cost savings?

The extremely short duration of 7 days for this BPA Call suggests it was likely intended to fulfill an immediate, specific need rather than serve as a long-term strategic sourcing solution. This brevity limits the opportunity for extensive price negotiation or leveraging volume discounts over a longer period. While it ensures rapid fulfillment, it may not represent the most cost-effective approach compared to longer-term agreements that allow for better demand forecasting and potentially more favorable pricing structures. The value lies in its speed and ability to meet urgent requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Building Material and Supplies Dealers › Home Centers

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100, GRAINGER PARKWAY, LAKE FOREST, IL, 60045

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $147,544

Exercised Options: $147,544

Current Obligation: $147,544

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline