GSA awards $3M for dishwashing compound, with a 7-day duration and firm fixed price

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,996 ($3.0K)

Contractor: Ecolab Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-08

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $428/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DISHWASHING COMPOUN

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PAUL, RAMSEY County, MINNESOTA, 55102

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,996.35 to ECOLAB INC for work described as: DISHWASHING COMPOUN Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a short-term supply of cleaning compounds. 2. Competition dynamics are not fully detailed but the award was made under SAP. 3. The short duration and fixed price suggest limited risk for the government. 4. Performance context is minimal due to the short delivery window. 5. This contract falls within the broader janitorial and sanitation supplies sector. 6. The award was made to a single vendor, Ecolab Inc.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2,996.35 for a 7-day supply of dishwashing compound seems appropriate given the short duration and the nature of the product. Without specific unit quantities or detailed product specifications, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, for a short-term, immediate need, the price appears to be within a reasonable range for industrial cleaning supplies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves less formal competition than larger procurements. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is designed for smaller purchases and may involve a limited number of quotes or proposals. This approach can lead to faster award but may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP can be efficient for smaller needs, but the potential for less aggressive pricing means that value may not be maximized compared to more competitive scenarios.

Public Impact

Federal facilities requiring janitorial and sanitation supplies will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of essential dishwashing compounds. The geographic impact is likely localized to the delivery location in Minnesota. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving the delivery and stocking of the product.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information for this SAP award.
Short contract duration limits opportunities for performance evaluation.
No specific sustainability or environmental impact data provided for the compound.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known supplier (Ecolab Inc.) with a likely established track record.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Short delivery window suggests an urgent need was met efficiently.

Sector Analysis

This contract for dishwashing compound falls under the broader category of janitorial and sanitation supplies, which is a significant segment within the facilities maintenance and support services sector. The market for these supplies is competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. Federal agencies are consistent purchasers of such goods to maintain operational hygiene and safety across various facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide information on subcontracting opportunities. Given the nature of the product and the supplier, it is possible that larger, established companies are the primary providers in this market segment. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or had opportunities to participate.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order under SAP, the oversight mechanisms are generally less intensive than for larger, more complex contracts. Accountability is primarily ensured through the firm fixed price and the short delivery schedule, with potential for recourse if the product does not meet specifications.

Related Government Programs

Janitorial Supplies
Cleaning Compounds
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Procurements

Risk Flags

Limited competition information available for SAP awards.
Short contract duration restricts performance evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,996.35 to ECOLAB INC. DISHWASHING COMPOUN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECOLAB INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,996.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-08.

What is Ecolab Inc.'s track record with the federal government for similar supplies?

Ecolab Inc. is a well-established company that frequently contracts with the federal government for cleaning and sanitation products. While this specific award is for a small dollar amount and short duration, Ecolab has a history of supplying various government agencies with a range of products, including detergents, sanitizers, and water treatment chemicals. Their participation in federal contracts often spans multiple contract vehicles, including GSA Schedules and other agency-specific procurements. Analyzing their broader federal contract portfolio can provide insights into their pricing structures, performance history, and ability to meet government requirements, though this specific award is too limited to draw broad conclusions from.

How does the price of this dishwashing compound compare to market rates or other federal contracts?

Benchmarking the price of this dishwashing compound is difficult without specific product details (e.g., concentration, volume, specific formulation) and the exact delivery location's market conditions. The total award is $2,996.35 for a 7-day supply, which is a relatively small amount. For industrial-grade cleaning compounds, prices can vary significantly. If this represents a bulk purchase for a specific facility's immediate needs, the price might be competitive. However, without comparable contract data or unit pricing, it's challenging to definitively assess value for money against broader market rates or other federal contracts that might leverage larger volumes or different purchasing mechanisms.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. The short duration (7 days) and firm fixed price limit financial exposure. Potential risks include the possibility of receiving a product that does not meet the required specifications or performance standards, or a delivery delay, although the short timeframe makes significant delays less likely. Given the award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), there's a minor risk that competition was limited, potentially leading to a less than optimal price. However, for an immediate, short-term need, the risk profile is generally considered manageable.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for this type of purchase?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for purchases below the threshold for full and open competition (currently $250,000). For smaller, routine purchases like this dishwashing compound, SAP can be an effective mechanism for obtaining goods and services quickly and efficiently. It allows agencies to solicit quotes from a limited number of sources, reducing administrative burden. While SAP may not always yield the absolute lowest price achievable through extensive competition, it generally provides adequate value for smaller dollar amounts by balancing speed, cost, and administrative ease. The effectiveness is contingent on the agency properly soliciting adequate quotes within the SAP framework.

What is the historical spending pattern for dishwashing compounds by the General Services Administration (GSA)?

Historical spending patterns for dishwashing compounds by the GSA would likely show consistent procurement to support federal facilities. GSA, through its Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), manages numerous contracts for supplies and services, including janitorial and cleaning products. Spending on such items is typically driven by the operational needs of government buildings and installations. While specific aggregate data for 'dishwashing compounds' alone might not be readily available without deep dives into procurement databases, it falls under broader categories like 'cleaning and maintenance supplies.' GSA often leverages GSA Schedules, which offer pre-negotiated pricing for a wide array of products, making them a common channel for these types of purchases. Spending levels can fluctuate based on agency budgets, facility usage, and specific program requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing › Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLEANING EQPT AND SUPPLIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 ECOLAB PL, SAINT PAUL, MN, 55102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,996

Exercised Options: $2,996

Current Obligation: $2,996

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline