GSA Awards $3.2M for Nonmetallic Treads, Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,211 ($3.2K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-21

Contract Duration: 15 days

Daily Burn Rate: $214/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

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,210.8 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N Key points: 1. Spending on nonmetallic treads is modest at $3.2M. 2. Competition appears limited, raising potential cost concerns. 3. The contract is for a short duration (15 days). 4. The sector is 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing'.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is $3.2M for a 15-day delivery order. Without more specific benchmarks for nonmetallic treads, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the limited competition raises concerns about potential overpayment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition can hinder price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these nonmetallic treads.

Public Impact

Government agencies rely on specialized products like nonmetallic treads for various operational needs. The procurement process for such items can impact the availability and cost of essential supplies. Ensuring fair competition, even for niche products, is crucial for efficient government spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 21 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of clear justification for limited competition
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or a pilot program

Positive Signals

Specific product category identified
Clear award date and expiration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on demand for specialized rubber goods, including industrial components and safety equipment.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) awarded this delivery order. Oversight should focus on the justification for limited competition and whether fair market prices were obtained.

Related Government Programs

All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of justification for limited competition
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition
Unclear small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,210.8 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 $3,210.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-21.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a limited competition basis?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. A thorough review would require access to the contract file to understand the specific reasons, such as a sole-source justification, emergency procurement, or a specific requirement that only one vendor could meet. Without this information, the limited competition remains a significant concern.

How does the $3.2M award compare to market rates for similar nonmetallic treads?

Benchmarking this $3.2M award against market rates for similar nonmetallic treads is challenging without more detailed product specifications and market data. The 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' NAICS code is broad. A proper assessment would involve comparing unit prices, material quality, and intended use against publicly available pricing or historical government contracts for comparable items.

What is the potential impact of this limited competition on long-term government supply chains for similar products?

Consistently awarding contracts on a limited or sole-source basis can stifle innovation and competition within a sector. This may lead to reduced supplier options and potentially higher prices over time as market pressures diminish. It could also discourage new entrants from developing competitive offerings for government contracts in this product category.

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: $3,211

Exercised Options: $3,211

Current Obligation: $3,211

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