GSA Awards $32,315 BPA Call for Fist KIT - Multicam Case, Notebooks, Printer Paper, Markers & Pens to J.L. Darling, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,316 ($32.3K)

Contractor: JL Darling, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-11

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIST KIT - MULTICAM CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4M-KIT

Place of Performance

Location: FIFE, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98424

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $32,315.6 to JL DARLING, LLC for work described as: FIST KIT - MULTICAM CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4M-KIT Key points: 1. The contract value of $32,315 for a 11-day period suggests a focus on immediate or short-term supply needs. 2. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call indicates a pre-negotiated agreement, potentially streamlining procurement for common supplies. 3. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) contract type offers some protection against market fluctuations for the supplier. 4. The award to J.L. DARLING, LLC, a single entity, warrants a review of market concentration for these specific supplies. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 322230 points to the stationery product manufacturing sector. 6. The contract's duration of 11 days is exceptionally short, implying a very specific, time-sensitive requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32,315 for a 11-day period for a kit of office supplies appears to be within a reasonable range for a specialized, immediate need. However, without more detailed specifications of the kit's contents and quantities, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule procurements for office supplies would provide better context, but the short duration suggests this is not a bulk, long-term purchase.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific mechanism used, a BPA Call, suggests that J.L. DARLING, LLC was likely one of several pre-approved vendors under a broader GSA Schedule or BPA. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally promotes competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best prices, leading to potentially lower costs for the government.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely government personnel requiring the specific "FIST KIT - MULTICAM CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS" for operational or administrative tasks. The services delivered include the provision of essential office and field supplies, ensuring readiness and operational capability. The geographic impact is likely localized to the delivery point specified by the General Services Administration (GSA), potentially within Washington state given the 'ST' and 'SN' codes. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting the logistics and distribution personnel involved in fulfilling this specific order.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The extremely short duration (11 days) could indicate a rushed procurement process, potentially leading to less competitive pricing or overlooked alternatives.
The fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) clause, while protecting the contractor, can introduce uncertainty in final costs if market prices rise significantly.
The limited scope of a single BPA Call might obscure broader market trends or opportunities for consolidated purchasing of similar items.

Positive Signals

The use of a BPA Call under full and open competition suggests adherence to established procurement procedures for common supplies.
The award to J.L. DARLING, LLC, a known entity in office supply provision, implies a degree of reliability and established performance.
The contract's clear item description (FIST KIT) indicates a well-defined requirement, reducing ambiguity in fulfillment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the stationery product manufacturing sector, specifically related to office and field supplies. The General Services Administration (GSA) plays a significant role in procuring such items for federal agencies, often leveraging GSA Schedules and Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) to achieve economies of scale and streamline purchasing. The market for office supplies is generally competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. However, specialized kits like the 'FIST KIT' may have fewer direct suppliers.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false). There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Given the nature of the product (office supplies), it's possible that larger prime contractors may utilize small businesses for components or distribution, but this specific award does not highlight such a requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a BPA Call, it is a task order against a larger agreement, meaning oversight is integrated into the GSA's existing contract management framework. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the procurement or fulfillment.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedules
Office Supplies Procurement
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
Stationery and Office Equipment Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Short Contract Duration
Economic Price Adjustment Clause
Limited Specificity of Kit Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $32,315.6 to JL DARLING, LLC. FIST KIT - MULTICAM CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS, J.L. DARLING CORP P/N FIST4M-KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JL DARLING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32,315.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-11. End: 2026-04-22.

What is the typical track record of J.L. DARLING, LLC in fulfilling federal contracts for similar office supply kits?

J.L. DARLING, LLC has a history of federal contracting, primarily related to office supplies and organizational tools. Their awards often fall under GSA Schedules, indicating they are an established vendor within the federal procurement ecosystem. Analyzing their past performance on similar BPA calls or GSA Schedule orders would reveal their reliability in terms of on-time delivery, product quality, and adherence to contract terms. While specific data on 'FIST KIT' fulfillment isn't detailed here, their general presence suggests a capacity to meet such requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, including any past performance evaluations or disputes, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record.

How does the price of this FIST KIT compare to similar kits or individual components procured by other federal agencies or through different contract vehicles?

Direct price comparison for this specific 'FIST KIT' is challenging without knowing the exact quantity and detailed contents beyond the general description. The contract value of $32,315 for an 11-day period suggests a potentially higher per-unit cost if the quantity is small, or a reasonable cost for a larger quantity needed urgently. Benchmarking against other GSA Schedule purchases for similar multi-component kits or against open market prices for the individual items (notebooks, pens, markers, case) would be necessary. The 'Economic Price Adjustment' clause also introduces variability. Without access to a broader dataset of comparable procurements or detailed itemization, a definitive value assessment relative to market rates is difficult.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering its short duration and fixed-price with EPA structure?

The primary risks associated with this contract stem from its extremely short duration (11 days) and the Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) structure. The short duration could indicate a rushed requirement, potentially leading to less thorough vetting of the supplier or the price, and increasing the risk of delivery delays if unforeseen issues arise. The EPA clause, while protecting the contractor from significant market price increases, introduces cost uncertainty for the government, especially if commodity prices for paper, plastics, or metals fluctuate rapidly. There's also a minor risk of product substitution or quality issues if the supplier faces supply chain disruptions, although the 'full and open competition' aspect should mitigate this by allowing multiple vendors to bid.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'FIST KIT - MULTICAM CASE, NOTEBOOKS, PRINTER PAPER, MARKERS & PENS' or similar kits by the General Services Administration?

Historical spending data for this exact 'FIST KIT' is not readily available in the provided snippet. However, the General Services Administration (GSA) consistently spends significant amounts on office supplies, stationery, and related materials through various contract vehicles, including GSA Schedules and BPAs. Analyzing broader GSA spending categories for 'Stationery Product Manufacturing' (NAICS 322230) or specific office supply items would reveal trends. The use of a BPA Call suggests this might be a recurring need, but potentially fulfilled through different specific kits or vendors over time depending on evolving requirements and market availability. A comprehensive review of GSA's procurement history for office supplies would provide context on typical volumes and spending levels.

How does the competition level (full and open) for this BPA Call impact the government's ability to secure favorable pricing and terms?

The 'full and open competition' designation for this BPA Call is a positive indicator for securing favorable pricing and terms. It means that the government solicited bids from all responsible sources, maximizing the pool of potential offerors. This increased competition generally drives down prices as vendors strive to be the most attractive option. It also provides the government with a wider range of choices regarding product specifications, delivery timelines, and support services. While the specific number of bidders isn't provided, the principle of full and open competition inherently strengthens the government's negotiating position and increases the likelihood of obtaining best value for taxpayer dollars compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Stationery Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

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: 2614 PACIFIC HWY E, FIFE, WA, 98424

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,316

Exercised Options: $32,316

Current Obligation: $32,316

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA22A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline