GSA awards $36,448 contract for 75-foot tank gauging measuring tapes to Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,448 ($36.4K)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-18

Contract Duration: 8 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAPE, MEASURING: IAW CID A-A-52216 DATED FEBRUARY 28,1997. (TAPES, MEASURING: TANK GAUGING TYPE, WITH REEL AND PLUMB BOB). TYPE: I (PLUMB BOB FOR MEASURING LIQUIDS) SZ: 3 (75 FEET) FINISH: I (LIGHT BACKGROUND) THIS MEASURING TAPE MAY BE USED IN TANKS

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKLAND, PLYMOUTH County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02370

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $36,448 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: TAPE, MEASURING: IAW CID A-A-52216 DATED FEBRUARY 28,1997. (TAPES, MEASURING: TANK GAUGING TYPE, WITH REEL AND PLUMB BOB). TYPE: I (PLUMB BOB FOR MEASURING LIQUIDS) SZ: 3 (75 FEET) FINISH: I (LIGHT BACKGROUND) THIS MEASURING TAPE MAY BE USED IN TANKS Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of tank gauging tapes. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration is short (8 days), indicating a need for immediate supply. 4. The contract is a BPA Call, suggesting it's part of a larger pre-negotiated agreement. 5. The specific technical requirements (IAW CID A-A-52216) suggest a niche market. 6. The award to Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC is for a relatively small dollar amount.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36,448 for 22 units of specialized measuring tapes seems appropriate for the specified requirements. Benchmarking against similar niche equipment is difficult without more data, but the price per unit ($1,656.73) reflects the specialized nature of tank gauging equipment, which often includes features for accuracy and durability in industrial environments. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: $1,656.73 per unit (75-foot tank gauging tape)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The record shows 22 offers were received, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this specific requirement. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal agencies that operate tanks requiring precise liquid level measurements, such as those in the energy or logistics sectors. The service delivered is the provision of specialized measuring tapes essential for accurate inventory management and safety in tank operations. The geographic impact is national, as the General Services Administration (GSA) serves federal agencies across the United States. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and distribution of the tapes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition in the future if specialized manufacturers exit the market.
Reliance on a single supplier for specific tape components could pose a risk.
Ensuring ongoing compliance with the dated CID A-A-52216 standard may require future updates.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential bidder pool.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
GSA's Federal Acquisition Service expertise in procuring specialized equipment.
Short contract duration suggests a responsive supply chain.

Sector Analysis

The market for specialized measuring tapes, particularly those designed for tank gauging, is a niche segment within the broader hardware manufacturing industry (NAICS 332510). This sector is characterized by specific technical standards and demanding applications. While overall hardware manufacturing is a large industry, contracts for highly specialized items like these tapes are typically awarded to a smaller pool of manufacturers with the requisite expertise and certifications. Benchmarking spending is difficult due to the specialized nature, but GSA's role suggests a consolidated approach to procuring such items for various federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within this specific BPA Call. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore likely minimal for this particular transaction, though GSA generally aims to promote small business participation across its broader contracting portfolio.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract falls under the purview of the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA Call, it is governed by the terms of the underlying Blanket Purchase Agreement. GSA's internal policies and procedures, along with standard federal procurement regulations (FAR), provide the framework for accountability. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Industrial Supplies Procurement
Measurement and Control Equipment
Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Risk Flags

Dated Technical Standard
Niche Product Market

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $36,448 to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. TAPE, MEASURING: IAW CID A-A-52216 DATED FEBRUARY 28,1997. (TAPES, MEASURING: TANK GAUGING TYPE, WITH REEL AND PLUMB BOB). TYPE: I (PLUMB BOB FOR MEASURING LIQUIDS) SZ: 3 (75 FEET) FINISH: I (LIGHT BACKGROUND) THIS MEASURING TAPE MAY BE USED IN TANKS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $36,448.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-04-18.

What is the track record of Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for specialized equipment?

Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily through GSA schedules. While specific details on their performance for highly specialized items like tank gauging tapes require deeper investigation into past performance reviews and contract completion data, their ability to secure this BPA Call suggests they meet basic eligibility and capability requirements. Analyzing their award history across different agencies and contract types would provide a more comprehensive view of their reliability and expertise in delivering specialized industrial supplies. Further review of contract close-out data and any reported disputes or terminations would be necessary for a complete assessment.

How does the per-unit cost of these tank gauging tapes compare to similar items purchased by other federal agencies or commercial entities?

The per-unit cost of $1,656.73 for a 75-foot tank gauging tape is substantial, reflecting the specialized nature of the equipment. These tapes are not standard measuring tools; they are designed for precise liquid measurement in tanks, often requiring specific materials, calibration, and durability for industrial environments. Without direct access to commercial price lists for identical or highly comparable items, or data from other agencies' procurements of the same specific model (CID A-A-52216, Type I, Size 3), a precise benchmark is challenging. However, given the niche market and stringent requirements, this price point is likely within a reasonable range for such specialized industrial hardware, assuming the quality and specifications meet the government's needs.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential supply chain disruptions for these specialized tapes, the risk of obsolescence if the underlying standard (CID A-A-52216) is updated or retired, and the possibility of price increases in future procurements if competition diminishes. Mitigation strategies likely involve the GSA's established procurement processes, including vetting suppliers and potentially maintaining multiple sources under the BPA. The short duration of this specific call (8 days) suggests it's for immediate needs, reducing long-term supply risk for this instance. The firm fixed-price nature mitigates cost overrun risks for the government on this specific order.

How effective is the use of a BPA Call for procuring these types of specialized measuring tapes?

Utilizing a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call is generally an effective method for procuring recurring or anticipated needs for specific supplies or services, especially when pre-negotiated terms and conditions exist. For specialized items like tank gauging tapes, a BPA allows the government to streamline the ordering process while leveraging the competition that occurred during the establishment of the underlying BPA. This approach can lead to faster delivery and potentially better pricing than ad-hoc procurements. The effectiveness hinges on the initial competition for the BPA and the clarity of the specifications within the call itself.

What is the historical spending pattern for tank gauging tapes or similar measurement equipment by the General Services Administration?

Historical spending data for highly specific items like 'tank gauging tapes' under GSA contracts can be difficult to isolate without detailed analysis of procurement records. GSA procures a vast array of industrial and hardware items. Spending on such specialized equipment is likely project-dependent and may fluctuate based on agency needs for infrastructure maintenance, inventory management, or specific operational requirements. Analyzing broader categories like 'measuring and controlling devices' or 'hardware manufacturing' within GSA's spending portfolio might reveal trends, but pinpointing consistent historical spending solely on this niche item would require a granular data query.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MARINA PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220, BOSTON, MA, 02210

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,448

Exercised Options: $36,448

Current Obligation: $36,448

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSHA21A0006

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline