GSA awards $5.68M contract for box shipping services to Connecticut Container Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,681 ($5.7K)

Contractor: Connecticut Container Corp.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 14 days

Daily Burn Rate: $406/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: BOX SHIPPING

Place of Performance

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

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,681 to CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP. for work described as: BOX SHIPPING Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in logistics support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces some cost variability. 4. Contract duration of 14 days is relatively short-term. 5. The awardee's specialization in plastics bag and pouch manufacturing may offer unique capabilities. 6. Geographic focus on Connecticut could indicate regional supply chain needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.68 million for a 14-day period is substantial. Without specific details on the quantity and type of boxes or shipping services required, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure suggests an attempt to balance cost certainty with market fluctuations. Benchmarking against similar short-term, high-volume shipping contracts would be necessary for a more precise evaluation of pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, which limits the ability to fully assess the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a robust bidding process.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring shipping and packaging solutions will benefit from this contract. The services delivered will likely include the provision and transportation of boxes. The geographic impact is primarily focused on Connecticut, suggesting support for operations within or originating from that state. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities within Connecticut Container Corp. and its supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment introduces potential for cost overruns if market prices rise significantly.
Short contract duration may necessitate rapid mobilization and could limit long-term strategic planning.
Lack of detail on specific service requirements makes it difficult to assess performance risks.
Reliance on a single awardee for a significant value contract warrants close monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and accessible process.
Contractor's specialization in plastics bag and pouch manufacturing could lead to innovative packaging solutions.
Fixed-price element provides some level of cost control.
Clear contract end date allows for future re-evaluation of needs.

Sector Analysis

The logistics and transportation sector is a critical component of government operations, encompassing a wide range of services from freight forwarding to specialized delivery. This contract falls within the broader category of support services, specifically focusing on the provision and movement of goods. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 326111 for Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing suggests a potential focus on specialized packaging materials, which could be a niche within the larger box shipping market. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the 'box shipping' services, whether it includes manufacturing, distribution, or transportation.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Connecticut Container Corp. voluntarily engages small businesses in its supply chain. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist or are being utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational oversight information may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Department of Defense Logistics Support
US Postal Service Mail and Package Delivery
Transportation and Distribution Services

Risk Flags

Potential cost increases due to economic price adjustment.
Short contract duration may limit efficiency and increase per-day costs.
Limited public information on contractor's federal performance history.
Scope of 'box shipping' services is not fully detailed, hindering risk assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,681 to CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP.. BOX SHIPPING

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 $5,681.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the historical spending pattern for box shipping services by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for box shipping services by the GSA requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Without specific historical data for this contract type or the specific services rendered, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, GSA generally procures a vast array of supplies and services, including logistics and transportation, through various contract vehicles like Federal Supply Schedules and task orders against indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on agency needs, economic conditions, and the availability of competitive offerings. A review of GSA's annual procurement reports and contract databases would be necessary to identify trends, average contract values, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., fixed-price, cost-reimbursement) for similar services.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to market rates for similar shipping services?

Determining the per-unit cost comparison for this contract is challenging without knowing the specific units of service. The contract value is $5.68 million over 14 days, and the NAICS code suggests a focus on 'Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing,' which might imply the cost is related to the packaging materials themselves rather than just the shipping. If 'box shipping' refers to the transportation of goods, the 'unit' could be a package, a pallet, or a mile traveled. Market rates for shipping vary widely based on weight, distance, speed, and type of goods. Without these specifics, benchmarking against industry standards or similar government contracts is not feasible. The economic price adjustment clause also introduces variability that complicates a static per-unit comparison.

What is the track record of Connecticut Container Corp. in fulfilling federal contracts?

Information regarding Connecticut Container Corp.'s specific track record in fulfilling federal contracts is not readily available in the provided data. While the company is awarded this contract by the General Services Administration (GSA), its past performance with federal agencies, including the number and types of previous contracts, their values, and performance ratings, would need to be accessed through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing past awards, any reported issues or disputes, and contractor performance evaluations (CPEs) if available. Understanding their history is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this new award.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' contract type?

The 'Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment' (FPEPA) contract type aims to provide price stability while acknowledging potential fluctuations in certain economic factors, such as labor or material costs. For the government, the primary risk is that the economic price adjustment could lead to higher costs than initially anticipated if the specified economic indicators rise significantly. This contrasts with a firm fixed-price contract, which offers greater cost certainty. However, FPEPA can be beneficial when market volatility is high, as it may prevent contractors from inflating their initial bids to account for uncertain future costs. The specific economic factors tied to the adjustment and the mechanisms for calculating the adjustments are critical to managing this risk effectively.

How does the short duration (14 days) of this contract impact its overall effectiveness and value?

The 14-day duration of this contract suggests it is intended for a specific, short-term need rather than ongoing operational support. This short timeframe can impact effectiveness by potentially limiting the contractor's ability to fully optimize logistics or establish efficient workflows. It may also require rapid deployment and execution, increasing the risk of logistical challenges. From a value perspective, a short duration might mean higher per-day costs due to setup and mobilization expenses being spread over fewer days. However, it also allows the government to quickly address an immediate requirement and reassess needs without long-term commitment, potentially offering flexibility. The effectiveness will largely depend on whether the scope of work can realistically be completed within this period.

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: $5,681

Exercised Options: $5,681

Current Obligation: $5,681

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A000D

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline