GSA awards $4,039 for FIST Kits, including stationery and writing supplies, under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,039 ($4.0K)

Contractor: JL Darling, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $367/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT

Place of Performance

Location: FIFE, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98424

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,039.45 to JL DARLING, LLC for work described as: FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT Key points: 1. The contract is for FIST Kits, containing essential office supplies like notebooks and pens. 2. J.L. Darling, LLC is the sole awardee, though the contract was competed. 3. The contract runs through April 2026, with a duration of 11 months. 4. The award was made via a BPA Call under the Federal Acquisition Service. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 322230 (Stationery Product Manufacturing).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $4,039.45 appears reasonable for a kit of stationery and writing supplies. Benchmarking against similar office supply contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the quantity and nature of items suggest fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively small award amount suggests a minimal direct taxpayer impact. The use of competitive procurement ensures efficient use of funds for necessary supplies.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential office supplies for federal personnel. Supports the operational needs of agencies utilizing these FIST Kits. The procurement process demonstrates adherence to competitive bidding principles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to Economic Price Adjustment clause.
Limited visibility into specific item quantities within the kit.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Procurement through GSA's Federal Acquisition Service ensures established processes.
Contract duration is relatively short, allowing for re-evaluation.

Sector Analysis

The stationery product manufacturing sector is characterized by a wide range of suppliers, from large corporations to smaller specialized firms. Spending in this sector typically focuses on recurring needs for office operations across various government agencies.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was competed, it was awarded to J.L. Darling, LLC, and there is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular award. Future procurements could explore opportunities for small businesses in this sector.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service, utilizing a BPA Call. This indicates established oversight mechanisms are in place for managing the contract and ensuring compliance.

Related Government Programs

Stationery Product Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment clause may lead to cost increases.
Lack of detailed itemization within the kit.
No explicit small business participation noted for this specific award.
Limited duration of the contract may require frequent re-competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,039.45 to JL DARLING, LLC. FIST KIT - TAN CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4T-KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JL DARLING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,039.45.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the specific breakdown of items and quantities within the FIST Kit?

The provided data does not detail the exact contents and quantities of each item within the FIST Kit. Further inquiry with the contracting officer or review of the BPA call documentation would be necessary to ascertain the precise composition of the kit, which is crucial for a thorough value assessment.

What are the potential risks associated with the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause?

The Economic Price Adjustment clause allows for price changes based on economic factors, potentially increasing the cost to the government over the contract term. Without specific indices or caps defined in the contract, there's a risk of unforeseen cost escalations impacting the total expenditure for these kits.

How effectively does this procurement method serve ongoing needs for such kits?

Utilizing a BPA Call under full and open competition is an effective method for procuring recurring needs like office supplies. It leverages pre-competed agreements and competitive task orders, ensuring fair pricing and timely delivery while maintaining oversight through GSA.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Stationery Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2614 PACIFIC HWY E, FIFE, WA, 98424

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,039

Exercised Options: $4,039

Current Obligation: $4,039

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA22A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline