GSA Awards $358.8K for Nonmetallic Treads to National Industries for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,588 ($3.6K)

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: $239/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 $3,588 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N Key points: 1. Contract awarded to National Industries for the Blind, a key supplier for blind individuals. 2. The contract is for nonmetallic treads, a niche product within the rubber manufacturing sector. 3. Limited competition is expected due to the specialized nature of the product and supplier. 4. The firm fixed price contract offers cost certainty for this delivery order.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Pricing is not benchmarked against similar contracts, making it difficult to assess value. The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty for this specific order.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited or sole-source approach. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this purchase. Without competition, the value for money is harder to ascertain, potentially leading to less efficient use of funds.

Public Impact

Supports employment for individuals who are blind through a specific government program. Ensures availability of specialized nonmetallic treads for federal agencies. Government procurement process is utilized for acquiring essential supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited price transparency

Positive Signals

Supports a specific social program
Clear contract type and duration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing,' a broad category. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific product details and market data.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, National Industries for the Blind, is a non-profit organization that employs blind individuals. This contract directly supports their mission, not traditional small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) manages this contract. Oversight would focus on delivery and quality assurance, with limited scope for competitive pricing review.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Lack of clear pricing benchmarks
Potential for above-market pricing
Limited transparency on cost drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,588 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 $3,588.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the value proposition of awarding this contract without competition?

The primary value proposition appears to be supporting the mission of the National Industries for the Blind, which provides employment for individuals who are blind. While this serves a social good, it bypasses competitive processes that typically ensure the best price and value for taxpayer dollars.

What are the primary risks associated with this limited competition award?

The main risk is paying a premium due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without market comparison, it's difficult to determine if the price is fair and reasonable. There's also a risk of reduced innovation if alternative, potentially better or cheaper, solutions exist outside the awarded vendor.

How effective is this contract in meeting federal agency needs for nonmetallic treads?

The contract is likely effective in meeting the specific need for nonmetallic treads from the awarded supplier, fulfilling a requirement under the AbilityOne program. However, its effectiveness in terms of cost efficiency and exploring broader market solutions is limited by the non-competitive nature.

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: $3,588

Exercised Options: $3,588

Current Obligation: $3,588

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