GSA awards $27.7K for padlocks, highlighting potential for better pricing through competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,678 ($27.7K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-11

End Date: 2026-04-14

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $27,678.14 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the unit price, but competition could have yielded better terms. 2. Limited competition may have led to a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid. 3. The contract duration is very short, suggesting a need for frequent re-evaluation of market prices. 4. This contract falls under 'Other Warehousing and Storage,' a broad category with diverse needs. 5. The specific nature of the padlocks (keyed alike, corrosion resistant) suggests specialized requirements. 6. The award is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $27,678.14 for padlocks is relatively small. Without more specific details on the quantity and exact specifications of the padlocks, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the unit price, if calculable, should be benchmarked against commercial equivalents and similar government contracts. The lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a 'not available for competition' basis, which typically implies a sole-source or limited competition scenario. This means that only one vendor was solicited or deemed capable of fulfilling the requirement. The lack of a competitive bidding process limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to drive down costs and ensure the most innovative solutions are considered.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure, potentially missing out on cost savings that a more open bidding process could have generated.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring secure locking mechanisms for assets or facilities will benefit from this contract. The contract delivers specific types of padlocks with features like corrosion resistance and keyed-alike options. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as GSA's Federal Acquisition Service supports various federal agencies across the country. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting procurement and logistics personnel involved in the acquisition and distribution of these items.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition could lead to inflated prices.
Short contract duration may indicate uncertainty or a need for frequent market checks.
Reliance on a single source for essential items can create supply chain vulnerabilities.

Positive Signals

GSA's involvement suggests adherence to procurement regulations.
Specific requirements (corrosion resistant, keyed alike) indicate a focus on functional needs.
Delivery order structure allows for flexibility in ordering quantities as needed.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Other Warehousing and Storage' sector, which encompasses a wide range of logistical and supply chain activities. The market for security hardware like padlocks is mature, with numerous commercial and industrial suppliers. Government procurement in this area often focuses on durability, security features, and compliance with specific standards. Benchmarking against commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pricing for similar industrial-grade padlocks would be a key analytical step.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any small business set-aside provisions (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. There is no information provided on subcontracting plans. Without set-aside goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is likely limited, though larger prime contractors may utilize small businesses in their broader supply chains.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA has established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and accountability. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Federal Supply Schedules
Security Equipment Procurement
Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Potential for overpricing
Limited market research evident

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $27,678.14 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3

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 $27,678.14.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-11. End: 2026-04-14.

What is the unit price of the padlocks awarded under this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly state the quantity of padlocks or the unit price. The total contract value is $27,678.14. To determine the unit price, the quantity of padlocks must be known. For example, if 1,000 padlocks were purchased, the unit price would be approximately $27.68. If 5,000 were purchased, the unit price would be approximately $5.54. Without the quantity, a precise unit cost cannot be calculated, making direct price comparisons challenging. This lack of detail hinders a thorough value-for-money assessment.

How does the pricing of these padlocks compare to similar commercial offerings?

A direct comparison to commercial offerings is difficult without knowing the exact quantity and specific model of padlocks. However, industrial-grade, corrosion-resistant padlocks with keyed-alike features can range significantly in price. Basic models might cost $5-$10, while high-security, specialized versions could exceed $30-$50 each. Given the contract value and the 'not available for competition' status, it is plausible that the government's price is at the higher end of the commercial spectrum or even above it, underscoring the potential disadvantage of limited competition.

What are the specific security features and intended use cases for these padlocks?

The description specifies 'SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE'. These features indicate a need for durable, weather-resistant locks suitable for outdoor or harsh environments. The 'keyed alike' feature is crucial for situations where multiple locks need to be opened by the same key, simplifying access for authorized personnel across various facilities or equipment. This suggests use in warehouses, storage facilities, or for securing equipment.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar padlocks by the General Services Administration?

Historical spending data for similar padlocks by GSA is not provided in the current data extract. To analyze historical patterns, one would need to query contract databases (like FPDS) for previous awards using relevant Product Service Codes (PSCs) or Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) categories related to padlocks and security hardware, filtering by GSA as the issuing agency. Examining past contract values, quantities, competition levels, and pricing trends over several fiscal years would reveal patterns in GSA's procurement of such items.

What are the risks associated with awarding this contract on a non-competitive basis?

The primary risk of awarding this contract on a non-competitive basis ('not available for competition') is the potential for paying a higher price than necessary. Without competition, there is less incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price. Additionally, the government may miss out on potentially superior products or innovative solutions that other vendors might have offered. This approach can also set a precedent for future non-competitive awards, potentially eroding overall procurement efficiency and value.

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: $27,678

Exercised Options: $27,678

Current Obligation: $27,678

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