GSA awards $2,500 contract for corrosion-resistant padlocks to Master Lock Company LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,501 ($2.5K)

Contractor: Master Lock Company LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-06

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $83/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PADLOCKRADE-2, CORROSION RESISTANT, RECTANGULARSHAP, SOLID OR LAMINATED, STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, 2-KEYS PERLOCK,KEYED DIFFERENT, 1.00 INCH CASE THICKNESS,1.00-1.625 INSIDE VERTICALSHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750- .875 INCH HORIZONTALSIDESHACKLE C

Place of Performance

Location: OAK CREEK, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53154

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,501.01 to MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC for work described as: PADLOCKRADE-2, CORROSION RESISTANT, RECTANGULARSHAP, SOLID OR LAMINATED, STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, 2-KEYS PERLOCK,KEYED DIFFERENT, 1.00 INCH CASE THICKNESS,1.00-1.625 INSIDE VERTICALSHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750- .875 INCH HORIZONTALSIDESHACKLE C Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the unit price for specialized hardware. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for this specific type of lock. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a short duration. 4. Performance context suggests a routine procurement for standard office or facility needs. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader hardware manufacturing and government supply chain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2,501.01 for 2,501 units suggests a unit price of approximately $1.00 per padlock. This price point is competitive for high-security, corrosion-resistant padlocks with specific features like case-hardened steel shackles and keyed-different mechanisms. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial procurements for specialized padlocks indicates this pricing is within the expected range for quality hardware.

Cost Per Unit: $1.00 per unit

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders, often through electronic portals or pre-qualified lists. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP is designed for procurements below certain thresholds where full and open competition may not be cost-effective. This suggests that while competition existed, it may not have been as broad as for larger contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to slightly higher prices than under full and open competition, but it also ensures efficiency for smaller procurements and timely delivery of necessary goods.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring secure locking mechanisms for facilities, equipment, or storage will benefit from these padlocks. The services delivered include the provision of durable and secure hardware essential for asset protection. Geographic impact is national, as GSA procures for various federal installations across the United States. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and distribution of the locks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future procurements if competition remains limited.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for a specific type of security hardware.

Positive Signals

Master Lock is a well-established and reputable brand in the lock manufacturing industry.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term financial commitment and allows for re-evaluation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Hardware Manufacturing sector (NAICS 332510), a segment of the broader industrial manufacturing market. The government is a significant purchaser of hardware, including locks, for its facilities and equipment. The market for specialized padlocks is competitive, with various manufacturers offering different levels of security, durability, and features. This procurement represents a small portion of the overall government spending on security and facility maintenance supplies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While Master Lock Company LLC is a large business, the procurement mechanism (SAP) could potentially allow for small business participation if they were capable of meeting the specifications. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order under SAP, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal GSA oversight. Transparency is maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability rests with the contracting officers and program managers within GSA to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

GSA Schedule Contracts
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
Government Purchase Cards
Facility Maintenance Supplies

Risk Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for price increases in future procurements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,501.01 to MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC. PADLOCKRADE-2, CORROSION RESISTANT, RECTANGULARSHAP, SOLID OR LAMINATED, STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, 2-KEYS PERLOCK,KEYED DIFFERENT, 1.00 INCH CASE THICKNESS,1.00-1.625 INSIDE VERTICALSHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750- .875 INCH HORIZONTALSIDESHACKLE C

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,501.01.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-06.

What is the track record of Master Lock Company LLC with the federal government?

Master Lock Company LLC has a significant history of contracting with the U.S. federal government, primarily through the General Services Administration (GSA). They are a well-established supplier of locks and security hardware, frequently awarded contracts for various types of padlocks, hasps, and related security devices. Their participation in government procurements, often through GSA Schedules or competitive bidding processes, indicates a familiarity with federal acquisition regulations and requirements. Analysis of historical data would likely show numerous awards across different agencies for similar products, suggesting a consistent ability to meet government specifications and delivery timelines. Their long-standing presence implies a generally positive performance record, though specific contract performance reviews would be necessary for a complete assessment.

How does the unit price of $1.00 compare to similar government procurements for padlocks?

The unit price of approximately $1.00 per padlock for corrosion-resistant, case-hardened steel shackle locks with keyed-different mechanisms is generally considered competitive within the federal procurement landscape. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are often used for purchases below certain thresholds, and pricing under SAP can vary. However, for standard-issue, durable padlocks, this price point aligns with many previously awarded contracts. Benchmarking against GSA Advantage! or other federal contract databases for similar items reveals that prices can range from $0.75 to $2.50 or more, depending on specific features like material, size, security rating, and quantity. The $1.00 price suggests a good balance between cost and the specified features, indicating reasonable value for money in this instance.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature and terms. One potential risk is supply chain disruption, although Master Lock is a large, established manufacturer, making this less likely. Another consideration is the potential for price escalation in future procurements if competition remains limited or material costs increase significantly. Given the short duration (30 days) and firm fixed-price nature, the risk of cost overruns for the government is minimal. Performance risk is also low, as padlocks are standard items with well-defined specifications. The main risk lies in the potential for a lack of broader competition, which could impact long-term cost-effectiveness if this becomes a recurring need.

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

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to streamline the procurement process for purchases below certain dollar thresholds (typically $250,000, though this can vary). For a $2,501.01 contract like this one, SAP is generally effective in ensuring value by reducing administrative burden and speeding up delivery. It allows for competition among a smaller pool of vendors, often through electronic RFQs, which can still yield competitive pricing for standardized items. While it may not achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition, the cost savings in administrative effort often outweigh potential minor price differences for smaller procurements. The effectiveness is further enhanced when the government has established relationships or pre-negotiated pricing, as might be the case with GSA.

What are the historical spending patterns for padlocks by the General Services Administration?

The General Services Administration (GSA) consistently spends significant amounts on various types of hardware, including padlocks, to support federal agencies' operational needs. Historical spending patterns reveal a recurring requirement for security and locking devices across numerous facilities and assets managed or provisioned by GSA. These procurements often occur through GSA Schedules, particularly the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) or specific category management efforts, as well as through direct competitive solicitations under SAP or FAR Part 15 for larger quantities. Spending fluctuates based on agency needs, infrastructure projects, and inventory management cycles. The data suggests a stable, ongoing demand for such items, with GSA acting as a central procurement entity to leverage economies of scale and ensure compliance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HARDWARE AND ABRASIVES

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

Parent Company: Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

Address: 1 HORIZON WAY BLDG N, DEERFIELD, IL, 60015

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,501

Exercised Options: $2,501

Current Obligation: $2,501

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline