GSA awards $1.6M contract for shipping boxes to Connecticut Container Corp., highlighting potential for reusable packaging solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,315 ($16.3K)

Contractor: Connecticut Container Corp.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 14 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: PALLET BASE, SHIPPING BOX: I.A.W. ATTACHED DRAWING(S) ITEM NAME PALLET BASE, SHIPPING BOX OVERALL WIDTH 40.00 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 48.00 INCHES GAUGE 0.300 INCHES LOCKING MECHANISM SLIDE LOCKING DEVICES FORKLIFT ENTRY TYPE FOUR WAY REUSABLE YES I.A.

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH HAVEN, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06473

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $16,315 to CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP. for work described as: PALLET BASE, SHIPPING BOX: I.A.W. ATTACHED DRAWING(S) ITEM NAME PALLET BASE, SHIPPING BOX OVERALL WIDTH 40.00 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 48.00 INCHES GAUGE 0.300 INCHES LOCKING MECHANISM SLIDE LOCKING DEVICES FORKLIFT ENTRY TYPE FOUR WAY REUSABLE YES I.A. Key points: 1. The contract value of $1.63 million for shipping boxes suggests a significant need for durable and potentially reusable packaging within federal agencies. 2. Connecticut Container Corp. secured this award, indicating their competitive positioning in the plastics bag and pouch manufacturing sector. 3. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces a moderate level of risk related to material cost fluctuations. 4. The short duration of 14 days for the call order suggests a need for immediate fulfillment or a pilot program. 5. The contract falls under the Federal Acquisition Service, indicating its role in supporting broader government procurement needs. 6. The use of a BPA Call indicates a pre-negotiated agreement, potentially streamlining future procurements for similar items.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.63 million for shipping boxes appears reasonable given the specifications for reusable, four-way forklift entry containers. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for specialized packaging would provide further insight into value for money. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure allows for some cost flexibility, which can be beneficial in managing material cost volatility.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure that the government receives the best value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among suppliers.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring durable shipping and storage solutions will benefit from the supply of these specialized boxes. The contract supports the manufacturing sector, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in plastics bag and pouch manufacturing. The reusable nature of the boxes could contribute to sustainability goals by reducing waste from single-use packaging. The contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), facilitating procurement for various federal entities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause.
Short call order duration may indicate a need for rapid deployment or a pilot phase, requiring close monitoring.
Reliance on a single awardee for this specific BPA Call, though the underlying BPA may have multiple awardees.

Positive Signals

Award to a single vendor under full and open competition suggests strong performance or competitive pricing.
The specification for reusable containers aligns with potential government sustainability initiatives.
The BPA Call mechanism can streamline future procurements for similar items, indicating efficiency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader manufacturing sector, specifically the plastics bag and pouch manufacturing industry (NAICS 326111). This industry supplies essential packaging materials to various sectors, including government, commercial, and industrial. The market for specialized industrial packaging is driven by needs for durability, reusability, and compliance with specific handling requirements, such as forklift compatibility. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other GSA procurements for industrial containers and packaging solutions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely limited unless Connecticut Container Corp. utilizes small business subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), which has established oversight mechanisms for federal procurement. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance requirements and payment schedules. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Industrial Packaging Supplies
Reusable Container Procurement
Federal Supply Schedule BPA Calls

Risk Flags

Potential cost overruns due to economic price adjustment.
Short call order duration may indicate urgency or a pilot program requiring close monitoring.
Limited visibility into the number of bidders in the full and open competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $16,315 to CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP.. PALLET BASE, SHIPPING BOX: I.A.W. ATTACHED DRAWING(S) ITEM NAME PALLET BASE, SHIPPING BOX OVERALL WIDTH 40.00 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 48.00 INCHES GAUGE 0.300 INCHES LOCKING MECHANISM SLIDE LOCKING DEVICES FORKLIFT ENTRY TYPE FOUR WAY REUSABLE YES I.A.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16,315.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-23.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar shipping boxes or industrial containers by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar items by the GSA is crucial for contextualizing the current award. While specific data for 'pallet bases, shipping boxes' is not readily available in aggregate, the GSA procures a vast array of industrial supplies through its Federal Supply Schedules. Spending on packaging materials, containers, and related logistics support can fluctuate based on agency needs, economic conditions, and strategic sourcing initiatives. For instance, GSA's spending on logistics and supply chain management services, which often include packaging components, has been in the billions annually. Examining past awards under relevant NAICS codes (like 326111 for Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing, or broader categories for warehousing and storage) can reveal trends in contract values, awardees, and pricing. A significant increase or decrease in spending on such items could indicate shifts in federal inventory management, a push towards reusable assets, or changes in overall government operational tempo. Without specific historical data for this exact item, a broader analysis of industrial supply procurement by GSA would be necessary to identify significant patterns or deviations.

How does the unit cost of these shipping boxes compare to market rates for similar industrial-grade, reusable containers?

Determining the precise unit cost and comparing it to market rates requires more granular data than is available in the provided summary. The contract value of $1.63 million is for a call order under a BPA, and the number of units procured is not specified. To perform a unit cost comparison, one would need to know the quantity of boxes purchased under this call. Assuming a hypothetical quantity, the average price per box could be calculated. This calculated price would then need to be benchmarked against prices from major industrial packaging suppliers (e.g., Uline, Grainger, or specialized container manufacturers) for containers with similar dimensions (40x48 inches), material gauge (0.300 inches), and features (reusable, four-way forklift entry, slide locking mechanism). Factors like bulk discounts, material costs at the time of procurement, and the specific terms of the economic price adjustment would influence the final price. A preliminary assessment suggests that specialized, reusable industrial containers can command a higher price than standard disposable ones, but a detailed market analysis is needed to confirm if this contract represents good value.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' (FPEPA) contract type for this procurement?

The 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' (FPEPA) contract type introduces specific risks for both the government and the contractor, primarily related to cost fluctuations. For the government, the primary risk is that the final price paid could be higher than initially anticipated if material costs (e.g., for plastics resins) increase significantly during the contract period. The economic price adjustment clause allows the contractor to pass on certain documented cost increases, potentially eroding the cost savings expected from a fixed-price agreement. This necessitates robust monitoring by the contracting officer to ensure that any price adjustments are justified according to the contract's formula and that the contractor provides adequate documentation. For the contractor, the risk is mitigated by the ability to adjust prices, but they still bear the risk of cost increases that exceed the adjustment formula or are not covered by the clause. Additionally, the administrative burden of tracking and justifying cost changes can be significant. The effectiveness of the FPEPA clause in this context depends heavily on the volatility of the underlying raw material markets and the specific indexing mechanism used.

What is Connecticut Container Corp.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

Connecticut Container Corp. has a history of federal contracting, as evidenced by this award from the General Services Administration (GSA). To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their contract history in federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. This would involve looking at the number of contracts awarded, their values, the agencies involved, and performance ratings if available. Key indicators of a strong track record include consistent performance, timely delivery, adherence to specifications, and positive past performance reviews. For this specific contract, the GSA's award suggests that Connecticut Container Corp. met the requirements and passed any pre-award assessments. However, a deeper dive into their history might reveal patterns of successful contract completion, any past disputes or contract terminations, and their experience with similar types of products (e.g., industrial containers, plastic manufacturing). A contractor with a proven history of successful federal engagements is generally considered a lower risk.

How does the specification for 'reusable' containers align with broader federal sustainability goals and initiatives?

The specification for 'reusable' shipping boxes directly aligns with broader federal sustainability goals and initiatives, such as those promoted by the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the General Services Administration (GSA) itself. Federal agencies are increasingly encouraged and mandated to reduce waste, conserve resources, and procure sustainable products. Reusable containers contribute to these goals by minimizing the need for single-use packaging, thereby reducing landfill waste and the consumption of raw materials. Furthermore, reusable packaging can lead to long-term cost savings by eliminating the recurring expense of purchasing disposable boxes. GSA, in particular, has been a leader in promoting sustainable procurement through its supply schedules and initiatives like the sustainable facilities marketplace. Contracts that specify durable, reusable items like these shipping boxes support the federal government's commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency, demonstrating a practical application of sustainability principles within the supply chain.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Plastics Product Manufacturing › Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONTAINERS/PACKAGING/PACKING SUPPL

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: 455 SACKETT POINT RD, NORTH HAVEN, CT, 06473

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,315

Exercised Options: $16,315

Current Obligation: $16,315

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A000D

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline