GSA awards $433,330 contract for nonreflective vinyl lettering, highlighting potential for cost savings in supply chain management

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,333 ($43.3K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-11

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LETTER AND NUMERAL SET,SIGN: PLASTIC VINYL, BLACK, NONREFLECTIVE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE BACK

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $43,333 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: LETTER AND NUMERAL SET,SIGN: PLASTIC VINYL, BLACK, NONREFLECTIVE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE BACK Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized signage, but detailed cost breakdown is needed for definitive value-for-money assessment. 2. Limited competition dynamics suggest potential for higher pricing than a fully open market. 3. Risk indicators are low given the short duration and standard nature of the product. 4. Performance context is minimal due to the short delivery window and simple product. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader administrative and operational support services for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $433,330 for specialized vinyl lettering over a short period seems within a reasonable range for government procurement. Benchmarking against similar contracts for signage and labeling materials would provide a clearer picture of value. Without more detailed cost information, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value, but it does not appear excessively high for the specified goods.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. While the data does not specify the reason for the sole-source award (e.g., urgent need, unique capability), it suggests that the General Services Administration (GSA) did not solicit bids from multiple vendors. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if the contract had been competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not be getting the best possible price, as competition is a key driver for cost reduction in government contracting.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring identification and labeling for assets, facilities, or equipment will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of custom-made, nonreflective, pressure-sensitive vinyl lettering. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, as GSA contracts typically serve all federal entities. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving the manufacturing and logistics of the signage.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition could lead to inflated prices for taxpayers.
Limited transparency into the justification for a sole-source award.
Potential for vendor lock-in if this becomes a recurring sole-source procurement.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a specific entity, ensuring availability of a needed product.
Clear product specifications (nonreflective, vinyl, pressure-sensitive) suggest a well-defined requirement.
Short duration of the contract minimizes long-term financial commitment and risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Other Warehousing and Storage' NAICS code, but more specifically relates to the procurement of specialized supplies and materials. The market for custom signage and labeling is diverse, serving both government and commercial sectors. Federal spending in this area is often driven by asset management, safety regulations, and operational efficiency requirements across various agencies. Benchmarks for similar federal contracts would typically focus on per-unit costs for specific types of signage and materials.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business, nor does it appear to have a small business set-aside component. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses within this specific contract's execution are not explicitly facilitated through set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award; however, contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
Procurement of Office Supplies
Government Fleet Management Supplies

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Limited data on contractor's past performance for similar items.
Justification for sole-source award not publicly detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $43,333 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. LETTER AND NUMERAL SET,SIGN: PLASTIC VINYL, BLACK, NONREFLECTIVE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE BACK

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 $43,333.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-11.

What is the specific justification for this contract being awarded on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. The specific justification, such as urgent and compelling need, only one responsible source, or a national emergency, is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, agencies must document and justify sole-source procurements to ensure fair and reasonable pricing and to comply with federal acquisition regulations. Without this documentation, it is difficult to assess if the sole-source determination was appropriate and if taxpayers received fair value.

How does the contract value of $433,330 compare to typical spending on similar signage and lettering by federal agencies?

The contract value of $433,330 for nonreflective vinyl lettering is substantial, especially considering the short delivery period (April 8-11, 2026). However, without specific details on the quantity, size, and complexity of the lettering required, direct comparison is challenging. Federal agencies procure a wide range of signage, from simple identification labels to large-scale wayfinding systems. If this contract covers a significant volume or highly customized lettering for numerous assets or facilities, the price might be justified. A benchmark analysis against other GSA Schedule or competitively awarded contracts for similar materials would be necessary to determine if this represents good value for money.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of product?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for vinyl lettering is the potential for paying a premium price due to the lack of competition. Without competing bids, the vendor has less incentive to offer the lowest possible price. Additionally, there's a risk that the chosen vendor may not have the most efficient production or delivery capabilities, although the short contract duration mitigates some of this. Taxpayers could be overcharged compared to what might be achieved in a competitive bidding environment. Transparency is also reduced, making it harder to verify the fairness of the price.

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

Information regarding the specific track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for fulfilling federal contracts, especially for signage, is not detailed in the provided data. As a sole-source award, this might be a new relationship or a continuation of a previously established one where competition was deemed unnecessary or impossible. A deeper dive into the contractor's past performance databases (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be required to assess their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to delivery schedules on previous federal engagements.

Given the 'Other Warehousing and Storage' NAICS code, how does this specific contract for vinyl lettering fit into broader federal logistics and supply chain strategies?

While the NAICS code is 'Other Warehousing and Storage,' this contract for vinyl lettering serves a more specific purpose related to asset identification, labeling, and potentially safety or compliance marking within federal facilities or equipment. It supports the broader logistics and supply chain strategy by ensuring that items are properly identified, tracked, and managed. Effective labeling is crucial for inventory control, maintenance scheduling, and operational efficiency across various federal operations. This contract ensures a necessary component for maintaining organized and functional federal assets.

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

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