National Industries for the Blind awarded $2.39M contract for rubber products, raising questions on competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,392 ($2.4K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 15 days

Daily Burn Rate: $159/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 $2,392.35 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, limiting competitive price discovery. 2. Limited competition may lead to above-market pricing. 3. Contract duration is short, suggesting potential for future re-competition. 4. The product category is standard, implying readily available market alternatives. 5. Performance is tied to a specific delivery order, indicating a focused scope. 6. The awardee is a known entity in the manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.39 million for a 15-day delivery order is moderate. Without specific product details or comparable contract data, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the lack of competition suggests a potential for inflated pricing compared to a fully competed scenario. Benchmarking against similar rubber product manufacturing contracts would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This significantly limits the opportunity for price competition and may not yield the best possible pricing for the government. The absence of multiple bidders suggests that either the specific requirements were highly specialized or there were other factors leading to a non-competitive award.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can result in higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the downward pressure that competition typically creates on pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the National Industries for the Blind, an organization that provides employment for blind and visually impaired individuals. The contract delivers essential rubber products, though the specific use is not detailed. The geographic impact is likely localized to where the products are manufactured and delivered. The contract supports employment opportunities within the manufacturing sector, particularly for individuals with visual impairments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Limited transparency on specific product requirements and quality standards.
Potential for over-reliance on a single supplier for this product category.

Positive Signals

Supports a mission-driven organization focused on employment for the visually impaired.
Contract is for a defined period and scope, limiting long-term risk.
Awardee has a known presence in the manufacturing sector.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' sector (NAICS 326299). This is a broad category encompassing the production of various rubber goods. The market size for such products is substantial, serving numerous industries. This specific contract represents a small portion of overall federal spending in this sector, but highlights the government's reliance on specialized manufacturers for specific needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the National Industries for the Blind, which is not a small business. There is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements associated with this award. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in fulfilling this contract are likely limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which helps control costs. Transparency is moderate, as the award is publicly listed, but detailed justifications for the sole-source award and specific product specifications are not readily available without further inquiry.

Related Government Programs

Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Procurement of Manufacturing Goods
Contracts supporting individuals with disabilities

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for non-competitive pricing
Limited transparency on product specifics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,392.35 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 $2,392.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-22.

What specific rubber products are being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N' within the 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' sector (NAICS 326299). However, the exact specifications, dimensions, intended use, and material composition of these rubber products are not detailed in the summary data. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or associated documentation would be required to ascertain the precise nature of the goods being acquired. This lack of specificity makes it difficult to benchmark pricing or assess the criticality of the items.

What is the typical price range for similar non-metallic rubber treads in the federal market?

Determining a typical price range for 'TREAD,NONMETALLIC,N' without more specific product details is challenging. The 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' category is broad. Factors such as material, size, durability requirements, and intended application significantly influence pricing. For a sole-source award like this, benchmarking against publicly available data for similar items procured through competitive means is crucial. If comparable competitively awarded contracts exist, their per-unit costs, adjusted for inflation and quantity, could serve as a reference point. However, the absence of such comparative data in the provided summary necessitates a deeper dive into GSA Advantage or other procurement databases.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis?

The data explicitly states the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. The specific justification for this non-competitive award is not provided in the summary data. Common reasons for sole-source procurements include unique capabilities of a single contractor, urgent and compelling needs where only one source can meet the requirement, or specific statutory authorities that permit non-competitive awards, such as those supporting the National Industries for the Blind. Without access to the Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) document, the precise rationale remains unknown.

What is the track record of National Industries for the Blind in fulfilling federal contracts?

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a well-established organization that partners with a network of associated agencies, many of which are non-profit agencies employing blind individuals. NIB has a long history of fulfilling federal contracts, particularly those mandated under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act, which provides preferences for products and services from these agencies. Their track record generally involves providing a wide range of products and services, often with a focus on quality and mission fulfillment. Specific performance metrics for this particular contract would require reviewing past performance evaluations, if available.

How does this contract compare to other federal spending on rubber products?

The $2.39 million value for this specific delivery order is relatively modest when compared to the overall federal spending on rubber products, which can encompass a vast array of items from tires for military vehicles to specialized seals and gaskets for infrastructure projects. Federal agencies procure billions of dollars worth of goods annually, and rubber products form a segment of that. This contract's value is likely a small fraction of the total federal expenditure in this category. Its significance lies more in its specific nature and the award mechanism (sole-source) rather than its overall dollar amount in the broader federal procurement landscape.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for rubber products?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for rubber products is the potential for paying a premium price due to the lack of competition. Without competing bids, the government may not achieve the most cost-effective outcome. Additionally, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single supplier, potentially limiting flexibility in future procurements. If the sole-source provider experiences production issues or quality control problems, it could lead to supply chain disruptions for critical items. Ensuring robust contract management and performance monitoring becomes even more critical in sole-source situations.

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: $2,392

Exercised Options: $2,392

Current Obligation: $2,392

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