GSA awards $2,467.87 for a single medical storage cabinet, raising questions about unit price

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,468 ($2.5K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-05-02

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $82/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: MRX1000E MEDICAL STORAGE CABINET,13.7 LB CAPACITY

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKLAND, PLYMOUTH County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02370

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,467.87 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: MRX1000E MEDICAL STORAGE CABINET,13.7 LB CAPACITY Key points: 1. The contract's value appears high for a single unit of office supplies. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) contract type introduces some pricing risk. 5. The short duration of 30 days suggests a need for immediate supply. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339940 covers office supplies manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The awarded price of $2,467.87 for a single medical storage cabinet seems exceptionally high when compared to typical market prices for similar office or medical storage solutions. While the specific model 'MRX1000E' and its features are not detailed, standard cabinets of this nature are usually priced significantly lower. The economic price adjustment clause also introduces potential for cost increases beyond the initial award, further impacting value.

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 robust competitive environment. However, the high unit price despite open competition warrants further investigation into the specific requirements and the bidding landscape for this particular item.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value if the competitive process did not adequately drive down the price for this item, or if the item itself is over-specified for the need.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring medical storage solutions will benefit from the availability of this item. The contract delivers a specific medical storage cabinet, supporting operational needs. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as the General Services Administration (GSA) serves federal agencies across the US. Workforce implications are minimal, as this is a supply contract rather than a service contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High unit cost for a single item.
Potential for price escalation due to EPA clause.
Lack of detailed product specifications to justify the high price.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Short contract duration suggests timely fulfillment of a need.
Contract is managed by the General Services Administration, a central procurement agency.

Sector Analysis

The office supplies (except paper) manufacturing sector (NAICS 339940) encompasses a wide range of products used in federal offices. While this contract is for a specific medical storage cabinet, it falls under the broader category of office and facility supplies. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, with agencies like GSA procuring a vast array of goods to support government operations. Benchmarking this specific item's price against other similar GSA Schedule or agency-specific procurements would be crucial for assessing value.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. There is no information on subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as this does not appear to be a small business set-aside contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract, which typically undergoes a degree of pre-award review and is subject to GSA's oversight. The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) manages many of these schedules. Transparency is generally good for FSS contracts, with data available on contract awards. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Medical Equipment Procurement
Office Supplies Procurement
General Services Administration Contracts

Risk Flags

High Unit Cost
Potential Overpricing
Lack of Detailed Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,467.87 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. MRX1000E MEDICAL STORAGE CABINET,13.7 LB CAPACITY

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 $2,467.87.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-02.

What are the specific features and intended use of the MRX1000E Medical Storage Cabinet that justify its high unit price?

The provided data does not include detailed specifications for the MRX1000E Medical Storage Cabinet. To justify the $2,467.87 unit price, the cabinet would likely need to possess specialized features such as advanced security mechanisms (e.g., electronic locks, tamper-evident seals), specific material requirements (e.g., antimicrobial surfaces, high-grade stainless steel), precise environmental controls (e.g., temperature or humidity regulation), or compliance with stringent medical device storage regulations. Without this information, the price appears disproportionate to a standard storage cabinet. Further inquiry with the General Services Administration (GSA) or the contractor would be necessary to obtain these specifications and understand the value proposition.

How does the $2,467.87 unit price compare to similar medical storage cabinets procured by the federal government or available on the commercial market?

A direct comparison of the $2,467.87 unit price for the MRX1000E Medical Storage Cabinet to similar federal procurements or commercial market offerings reveals a significant discrepancy. Standard medical storage cabinets, even those with moderate security features or specific material requirements, typically range from a few hundred to perhaps $1,000-$1,500 for high-end models. Prices exceeding $2,000 for a single cabinet often indicate highly specialized equipment, such as refrigerated units, secure narcotics cabinets, or custom-built solutions. Given that this contract is a delivery order under a GSA schedule for 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing,' it suggests the item might be intended for broader office use rather than highly specialized medical storage, making the price particularly questionable without further justification.

What is the typical spending pattern for medical storage cabinets under GSA schedules?

Spending patterns for medical storage cabinets under GSA schedules can vary widely depending on the specific type of cabinet and its intended use. General-purpose storage cabinets for office or clinic supplies might be procured at prices ranging from $200 to $800. More specialized cabinets, such as those designed for secure storage of medications, controlled substances, or sensitive medical equipment, can command higher prices, potentially reaching $1,000 to $2,500 or more, especially if they include features like electronic locking systems, temperature control, or specific regulatory compliance certifications. The $2,467.87 price point for a single cabinet suggests it might fall into the higher end of specialized items, or potentially be an outlier if it's a more standard item.

What are the implications of the 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' (FP EPA) contract type for this procurement?

The 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' (FP EPA) contract type for this medical storage cabinet procurement introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the final cost. While an initial fixed price is established, the EPA clause allows for adjustments based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as labor or material costs. This means the final price paid could be higher than the initial $2,467.87 if these economic indicators rise during the contract period. For taxpayers, this presents a risk of increased expenditure beyond the initially awarded amount. The inclusion of an EPA clause is typically justified when significant price volatility is anticipated over the contract's term, or for long-duration contracts, which is less common for a 30-day delivery order, raising further questions about its necessity and potential impact.

What is the track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for items in the NAICS code 339940?

Information regarding the specific track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, especially for items categorized under NAICS code 339940 (Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing), is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their reliability and performance history, one would typically examine their past contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. A thorough review would help determine if they have a consistent record of delivering quality goods on time and at competitive prices, which is crucial given the high unit price in this particular award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QSMD20R0001

Offers Received: 999

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MARINA PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220, BOSTON, MA, 02210

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,468

Exercised Options: $2,468

Current Obligation: $2,468

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA19D00AY

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline