GSA awards $58.7K for Nomex curtain sets, highlighting potential for price adjustments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $58,740 ($58.7K)

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: $8.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: 20X40-50 BERTH CURTAIN SET,NOMEX

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE FOREST, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60045

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $58,740 to W.W. GRAINGER, INC. for work described as: 20X40-50 BERTH CURTAIN SET,NOMEX Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized safety equipment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these goods. 3. Short duration may indicate a need for immediate supply or a pilot purchase. 4. Economic price adjustment clause warrants monitoring for cost escalation. 5. Contractor has a broad catalog, suggesting potential for future needs. 6. Focus on specific material (Nomex) indicates a safety-critical application.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $58,740 for 20 sets of Nomex curtain sets seems within a reasonable range for specialized safety equipment. While direct comparisons are difficult without more granular data on specific curtain types and quantities, the price per set is not immediately alarming. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) structure allows for some flexibility but also introduces a risk of cost increases over the short contract period. Benchmarking against similar safety material procurements would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to access a wider range of suppliers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the chosen method suggests a robust market for these specialized curtain sets.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its expenditure.

Public Impact

Federal facilities requiring specialized fire-resistant materials for safety will benefit from this procurement. The curtains are intended for use in areas where fire safety is paramount, such as loading docks or workshops. The contract supports the General Services Administration's mission to provide efficient and cost-effective workspace solutions. The procurement ensures compliance with safety regulations for federal buildings.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause could lead to increased costs if material prices rise significantly.
Short contract duration (7 days) might limit long-term supplier relationships or bulk purchasing advantages.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the curtains beyond material compliance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contractor (W.W. Grainger) is a well-established supplier with a wide range of industrial products.
Use of Nomex material indicates adherence to high safety standards.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial supplies and materials sector, specifically catering to safety and protective equipment. The market for specialized textiles like Nomex is driven by stringent safety regulations in industries such as aerospace, defense, and emergency services. While the dollar amount is modest, it represents a typical procurement for specific safety components within federal agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in procurements for personal protective equipment (PPE) or specialized industrial fabrics.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a large corporation, suggesting that the primary focus of this award was on fulfilling the specific product need rather than promoting small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small businesses were part of the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) generally has robust oversight mechanisms for its procurements, including contract administration and compliance checks. This award, being a BPA Call, likely falls under existing GSA Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) policies. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts
Procurements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Industrial safety equipment contracts
GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment Clause
Short Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $58,740 to W.W. GRAINGER, INC.. 20X40-50 BERTH CURTAIN SET,NOMEX

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 $58,740.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical price range for Nomex curtain sets of similar specifications?

Determining the precise typical price range for Nomex curtain sets requires access to a broader dataset of government and commercial procurements for identical or highly similar items. Factors such as dimensions, specific weave density, certifications (e.g., NFPA standards), and any additional features (like grommets or reinforced edges) significantly influence cost. W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a large distributor, and their pricing can vary based on volume and existing contract vehicles. Without specific comparable contract data or detailed specifications for these 20 curtain sets, a definitive benchmark is challenging. However, the award amount of $58,740 for 20 sets suggests a per-set cost of approximately $2,937. This price point is plausible for specialized, high-performance safety materials like Nomex, which is known for its fire-resistant properties and is used in demanding environments.

What is the significance of the 'BPA CALL' contract type?

A 'BPA CALL' signifies that this contract is a task order placed against a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). A BPA is a simplified way to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing 'charge accounts' with qualified sources of supply. It's not a contract in itself but an agreement outlining terms and conditions under which future orders can be placed. A 'BPA CALL' is essentially an order issued against that established BPA. This method is often used for recurring needs, allowing agencies to streamline the procurement process for common items, potentially securing better pricing through pre-negotiated terms and conditions established in the underlying BPA. It implies that the need for these curtain sets was anticipated and pre-arranged.

How does the 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' clause impact cost certainty?

The 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (EPA) clause introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the final cost of the contract. While the base price is fixed, the EPA allows for adjustments to that price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, typically the cost of raw materials or labor. In this case, the price of Nomex fabric or associated manufacturing costs could increase, leading to a higher final payment. This clause is often included when there's a significant risk of price volatility over the contract period, especially for longer-term contracts or those involving commodities with fluctuating markets. For this short 7-day contract, the potential for significant price adjustment is limited, but it still introduces a variable that warrants monitoring to ensure the government does not overpay if market prices surge unexpectedly.

What is W.W. Grainger, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts?

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a prolific federal contractor, frequently awarded contracts across various agencies and product categories, often through the General Services Administration (GSA) schedules. Their extensive catalog includes a wide array of industrial supplies, safety equipment, and maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products. Grainger's federal contracting history generally reflects a capacity to meet government requirements for a diverse range of goods. Analysis of their past performance would typically involve reviewing contract awards, delivery timeliness, and any reported issues or disputes. Given their market position and consistent federal engagement, they are generally considered a reliable supplier for many standard industrial and safety items.

What are the potential risks associated with a 7-day contract duration?

A contract duration of only 7 days, as seen with this BPA Call, suggests a need for immediate fulfillment or a very specific, short-term requirement. The primary risks associated with such a short duration include potential delays in delivery if the contractor faces unforeseen production or logistical issues, as there is little buffer time. It may also limit the government's ability to thoroughly vet the product's performance or the contractor's responsiveness before the contract concludes. Furthermore, such short contracts might not attract the most competitive pricing if suppliers perceive limited long-term value or if the procurement process itself is rushed. For specialized items like Nomex curtains, a rapid turnaround requirement could also increase costs due to expedited manufacturing or shipping.

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: $58,740

Exercised Options: $58,740

Current Obligation: $58,740

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSCC21A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline