GSA awards $12,960 for carabiners to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. under a non-competed BPA Call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,960 ($13.0K)

Contractor: THE Lighthouse for the Blind, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-16

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: PETZL, HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98144

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $12,960 to THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INCORPORATED for work described as: PETZL, HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a limited scope or specific need. 2. The award to a single entity without competition raises questions about potential price efficiencies. 3. The short duration of the contract (7 days) indicates an immediate or short-term requirement. 4. The product category, carabiners, falls under general office supplies. 5. The awarding agency, GSA, typically procures a wide range of goods and services for the federal government. 6. The contract type, Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment, offers some flexibility for price changes.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $12,960 for 1851 carabiners is difficult to benchmark without more specific product details and market data. However, given the non-competed nature and the relatively small dollar amount, a thorough value assessment is challenging. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a recognized provider, but the lack of competitive bidding prevents a direct comparison of pricing against other potential suppliers. The economic price adjustment clause adds a layer of uncertainty regarding the final cost.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $7.00 per unit (1851 units / $12,960). This per-unit cost requires further market research for accurate benchmarking, especially considering the specific type and quality of the carabiners.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a BPA Call under a non-competed arrangement, indicating that it was not openly competed. The specific details of why it was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) are not provided. The lack of competition means that multiple potential suppliers were not evaluated, which can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. This could result in a higher expenditure for these essential items than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., a social enterprise that employs individuals with blindness. The services delivered involve the provision of HD Carabiners, D Lock GD, likely for use by federal agencies. The geographic impact is primarily within Washington D.C., where the contract is registered. The contract supports the employment of individuals with blindness within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential savings for taxpayers.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
Economic Price Adjustment clause introduces potential for cost increases over the contract term.

Positive Signals

Award to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. supports a social mission and employment for visually impaired individuals.
The contract falls under GSA's Federal Acquisition Service, which aims for efficient procurement.
The product is specified as 'HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD', suggesting a defined need for specific equipment.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of office supplies, including items like carabiners, falls under the broad category of general supplies. The General Services Administration (GSA) manages a vast array of such contracts to support federal agencies. While specific market data for 'HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD' is not readily available, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 453210 (Office Supplies and Stationery Stores) suggests a market that includes a wide range of suppliers. The contract value is minimal in the context of overall federal spending on supplies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a non-profit organization, and while it employs individuals with blindness, it is not typically classified as a small business in the traditional sense for set-aside purposes. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA Call, it is a task order against an existing Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA). Oversight would focus on ensuring the terms of the BOA are met and that the call order is justified and properly executed. Transparency is limited due to the non-competed nature, and specific accountability measures beyond standard contract close-out procedures are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Office Supplies Procurement
Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs)
Procurement for Individuals with Disabilities

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Potential for above-market pricing
Lack of detailed justification for sole-source award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $12,960 to THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INCORPORATED. PETZL, HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12,960.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-16.

What is the track record of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for similar items?

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, often through mechanisms that support their social mission. While specific data on their performance for 'HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD' is not detailed here, their established presence suggests experience in supplying various goods. Federal procurement databases would need to be consulted for a comprehensive review of their past performance, including on-time delivery, quality compliance, and overall customer satisfaction across all contract types. Their unique status as an employer of individuals with blindness often influences procurement decisions, sometimes leading to sole-source or limited competition awards.

How does the per-unit cost of these carabiners compare to similar items purchased by the government or available on the commercial market?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of approximately $7.00 for these carabiners is challenging without precise specifications and market data. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) carabiners vary widely in price based on brand, material, load rating, and safety certifications (e.g., climbing vs. general utility). GSA Advantage! or other federal procurement portals might list comparable items, but direct comparisons require matching features. If these are specialized 'D Lock GD' carabiners with specific industrial or safety ratings, the price could be justified. However, if they are standard utility carabiners, this price point might be higher than competitively sourced alternatives.

What are the specific risks associated with a non-competed contract of this nature?

The primary risk associated with a non-competed contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government cannot be assured it is receiving the best value or the lowest possible price. There's also a risk of reduced innovation or quality if the contractor faces no incentive to improve beyond the contract's minimum requirements. Furthermore, it raises concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other potential suppliers who were not given a chance to bid. Transparency is diminished, making it harder for oversight bodies to assess the procurement's efficiency.

What is the intended use of these 'HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD' by the General Services Administration?

The specific intended use of these 'HD CARABINER, D LOCK GD' by the General Services Administration (GSA) is not detailed in the provided data. However, carabiners are versatile tools used in various applications, including securing equipment, climbing, safety harnesses, and general utility tasks. Given that the NAICS code is 'Office Supplies and Stationery Stores,' it is plausible these are intended for general office or facility management use, perhaps for organizing supplies, securing items in storage, or for maintenance personnel. The 'HD' likely denotes 'Heavy Duty,' and 'D Lock GD' refers to a specific locking mechanism and possibly a gate type, indicating a need for secure fastening.

How does the short 7-day duration impact the overall value and risk assessment of this contract?

The extremely short duration of this contract (7 days) suggests an urgent, immediate need for the specified carabiners. This short timeframe often necessitates expedited procurement processes, which can sometimes limit the feasibility of full and open competition. From a value perspective, it implies the government needed these items very quickly, potentially prioritizing speed over achieving the absolute lowest price through a lengthy bidding process. The risk associated with the short duration is minimal in terms of long-term commitment or performance issues, but it reinforces the assessment that this was likely an emergency or critical short-term requirement rather than a strategic, long-term supply agreement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores › Office Supplies and Stationery Stores

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2501 S PLUM ST, SEATTLE, WA, 98144

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,960

Exercised Options: $12,960

Current Obligation: $12,960

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23FGA014

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline