GSA Awards $6.5M Contract for Nonmetallic Treads to National Industries for the Blind
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,497 ($6.5K)
Contractor: National Industries for the Blind
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-05
End Date: 2026-04-20
Contract Duration: 15 days
Daily Burn Rate: $433/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N
Place of Performance
Location: SHREVEPORT, CADDO County, LOUISIANA, 71103
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $6,497.1 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N Key points: 1. The contract is for nonmetallic treads, a niche product category. 2. National Industries for the Blind is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is short (15 days), suggesting a specific, immediate need. 4. The award is a delivery order under an unspecified contract. 5. The total award value is $6,497,100.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award value is relatively small for a federal contract. Without knowing the specific type and quantity of treads, it's difficult to assess pricing against similar contracts. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status suggests potential price discovery limitations.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no open competition. This limits the government's ability to ensure the best possible price and value through market forces.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this procurement. The lack of competition may result in a higher price than could be achieved through a competitive process.
Public Impact
Ensures supply of essential nonmetallic treads for federal agencies. Supports the mission of the National Industries for the Blind, which employs individuals with blindness. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Limited transparency on pricing benchmarks
Positive Signals
- Supports a specific mission-driven organization
- Short contract duration may indicate efficient fulfillment of a specific need
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls under 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing'. Federal spending in this sector can vary widely depending on agency needs for specialized materials and equipment. This award represents a small portion of overall federal spending in manufacturing.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, National Industries for the Blind, is a non-profit organization that prioritizes employing individuals who are blind. While not a traditional small business, its mission aligns with supporting a specific population.
Oversight & Accountability
The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for this award. Oversight would focus on ensuring the sole-source justification is valid and that the pricing, while not competitively determined, is reasonable.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing
- General Services Administration Contracting
- Federal Acquisition Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Lack of detailed justification for sole-sourcing.
- No clear benchmark for price reasonableness.
- Short contract duration may indicate urgency or a specific, limited need.
Tags
all-other-rubber-product-manufacturing, general-services-administration, la, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $6,497.1 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6,497.1.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-05. End: 2026-04-20.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure the price is fair and reasonable?
The justification for a sole-source award is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards require a documented rationale, such as a unique capability or a specific statutory authority. Agencies must still conduct price analysis to ensure the price is fair and reasonable, even without competition, by comparing it to historical prices, catalog prices, or prices for similar items.
What are the specific requirements and quantities of nonmetallic treads being procured under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact requirements or quantities of nonmetallic treads. The award value of $6,497,100 and the short duration (15 days) suggest a significant, time-sensitive need. Further details would be necessary to understand the scope and urgency of the requirement.
How does the pricing of these nonmetallic treads compare to market rates for similar products, given the sole-source nature of the award?
Without competitive bidding, it is challenging to definitively assess the pricing against market rates. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status and the sole-source award imply that a direct comparison to benchmark pricing from multiple vendors is not feasible. The government likely relied on internal cost analysis or historical data to deem the price fair.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Rubber Product Manufacturing › All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE
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: 3000 POTOMAC AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22305
Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,497
Exercised Options: $6,497
Current Obligation: $6,497
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS03FCA001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-05
Current End Date: 2026-04-20
Potential End Date: 2026-04-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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