GSA awards $1.12M contract for shipping containers to Connecticut Container Corp., highlighting potential value concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,238 ($11.2K)

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: $803/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: BOX, SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

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

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $11,238 to CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP. for work described as: BOX, SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. The contract's value appears high relative to its short duration, warranting further investigation into unit pricing. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces a risk of cost escalation. 4. The award to Connecticut Container Corp. is for a specific product category (Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing), which may limit broader market comparisons. 5. The contract's short duration (14 days) suggests a need for immediate supply, potentially impacting negotiation leverage. 6. The absence of small business set-aside indicates a focus on larger prime contractors for this specific award.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $1.12 million for a 14-day period raises questions about the per-unit cost of the shipping containers. Without detailed specifications or quantity information, it is difficult to benchmark against similar procurements. The economic price adjustment clause also introduces uncertainty regarding the final cost. Further analysis of the attached documentation is needed to assess if this represents a fair and reasonable price for the goods and services provided.

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 method generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and value for the government. However, the number of bidders and the specific terms of the competition are not detailed in the provided data, making it difficult to fully assess the extent of the competition's effectiveness in driving down costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible prices through market forces. However, the ultimate benefit depends on the robustness of the competition and the government's ability to negotiate effectively.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal agencies requiring shipping containers for logistical operations. The services delivered include the provision of shipping containers, essential for the transport and storage of goods. The geographic impact is primarily within Connecticut, where the contractor is based, but the containers may be distributed nationally. Workforce implications are likely minimal for this specific contract, primarily involving manufacturing and logistics personnel at the contractor's facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause introduces risk of cost increases beyond initial estimates.
Short contract duration may indicate urgent need, potentially limiting negotiation leverage and increasing price.
Lack of detailed product specifications makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Limited contract duration might not reflect long-term needs or opportunities for economies of scale.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a potentially competitive process.
Contractor is based in Connecticut, potentially supporting regional economic activity.
The contract specifies a fixed-price component, offering some cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the manufacturing sector, specifically related to packaging and containers. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 326111, Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing, suggests a focus on plastic-based containers. The market for shipping containers is broad, encompassing various materials and types, and this contract appears to be for a specific niche. Benchmarking would require detailed specifications of the containers procured.

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 for this particular award appears limited. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as suppliers or subcontractors, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability would be managed through contract performance monitoring and potential recourse for non-performance. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Acquisition Service Contracts
Shipping and Logistics Support Services
Plastics Manufacturing Contracts
Fixed-Price Contracts with Economic Price Adjustment

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Economic Price Adjustment clause.
Lack of detailed specifications hinders value-for-money assessment.
Short contract duration may imply urgency and potentially higher costs.
Limited data on contractor's past performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $11,238 to CONNECTICUT CONTAINER CORP.. BOX, SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

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 $11,238.

What is the period of performance?

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

What are the specific types and quantities of shipping containers being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact types or quantities of shipping containers. The description 'BOX, SHIPPING: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL' indicates that this crucial information is contained within an external document. Without access to this document, it is impossible to determine the scale of the procurement, the materials used, or the specific dimensions and features of the containers, which are essential for a thorough value assessment.

How does the unit price of these containers compare to market rates for similar products?

A precise unit price comparison is not feasible with the current data. The total award amount is $1.12 million over 14 days. If we assume this is for a significant quantity, the implied unit cost could be high or low depending on the number of units. The NAICS code 326111 (Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing) suggests plastic containers, which may have different pricing structures than metal or wood containers. A detailed breakdown of quantities and specifications from the attached document is necessary to benchmark against industry pricing.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar shipping container procurements by the GSA or other agencies?

Historical spending data for similar shipping container procurements by GSA or other agencies is not provided. Analyzing past contracts for comparable items, considering factors like quantity, material, duration, and competition level, would offer valuable context. Without this historical perspective, it is challenging to determine if the current $1.12 million award represents an increase, decrease, or alignment with previous spending trends for such supplies.

What are the specific risks associated with the 'Economic Price Adjustment' (EPA) clause in this contract?

The Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause allows for adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as material costs or labor rates. The primary risk for the government is potential cost escalation if these factors increase significantly during the contract period. This can lead to the final price exceeding the initially anticipated budget, impacting overall value for money. The specific indices or formulas governing the EPA are critical to quantifying this risk.

What is the track record of Connecticut Container Corp. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for shipping containers?

Information regarding Connecticut Container Corp.'s specific track record in fulfilling government contracts, especially for shipping containers, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance history, including on-time delivery rates, quality of goods provided, and any past issues or disputes with government agencies. This information is typically available through government contract performance databases.

How many bids were received, and what was the range of pricing offered during the 'Full and Open Competition'?

The provided data confirms that the contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' but does not specify the number of bids received or the range of pricing offered by competitors. This information is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the competition. A higher number of bids and a tighter price range generally indicate a more competitive market and potentially better value for the government. Without these details, the assessment of price discovery is limited.

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: $11,238

Exercised Options: $11,238

Current Obligation: $11,238

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC26A000D

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline