GSA Awards $2.2M for Master Lock Padlocks, Ensuring Keyed-Alike Security for Federal Facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,238 ($2.2K)

Contractor: Master Lock Company LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-05-08

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $75/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3

Place of Performance

Location: OAK CREEK, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53154

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2,238.3 to MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC for work described as: PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3 Key points: 1. Significant award for basic security hardware, Master Lock Company LLC is a known manufacturer. 2. Competition was limited to Small Purchase procedures, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk of overpayment exists due to limited competition and lack of detailed cost breakdown. 4. Spending falls within the Hardware Manufacturing sector, a common procurement area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Pricing is based on a firm fixed price for 1 year. Without detailed cost breakdowns or comparison data, it's difficult to assess if the price is competitive. The award value suggests a moderate volume of locks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating limited competition. This method is typically used for purchases below a certain threshold and may not yield the best prices compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential security equipment. While necessary, the limited competition raises concerns about potential overspending.

Public Impact

Ensures security for federal buildings and assets with standardized padlocks. Provides consistent keying across multiple locks for ease of access and management. Supports a well-established domestic manufacturer for critical security hardware.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Lack of detailed cost data
Potential for price inflation due to limited competition

Positive Signals

Uses a known, reputable manufacturer
Standardized security solution
Firm fixed price contract

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls under the Hardware Manufacturing sector, specifically related to locks and security devices. Spending benchmarks for similar items can vary widely based on quantity, features, and manufacturer.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded to Master Lock Company LLC, a large business, the procurement method (SAP) is often used for smaller purchases. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service is responsible for this procurement. Oversight would involve ensuring the terms of the purchase order are met and that the locks meet specified standards.

Related Government Programs

Hardware Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed cost breakdown
Potential for price overruns
No clear small business set-aside

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2,238.3 to MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC. PADLOCK SET SHAPE, SOLID BODY, CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL OR CARBON STEEL, CASE HARDENED STEEL SHACKLE, LOCKS KEYED ALIKE, 1-KEY PER LOCK, 2-ADDITIONAL KEYS PER SET, 1.170 INCH VERTICAL SHACKLE CLEARANCE, .750 - .779INCH HORIZONTAL SHACKLECLEARANCE,.3

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 $2,238.3.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-05-08.

What is the average cost per lock, and how does it compare to commercial off-the-shelf pricing for similar Master Lock models?

The total award is $2,238.30 for an unspecified quantity of locks over a 30-day duration. To determine the per-unit cost, the quantity is needed. Without this, a direct comparison to commercial pricing is impossible. However, given the limited competition, it's plausible the per-unit cost might be higher than if procured through a broader competitive process.

What are the specific risks associated with procuring security hardware under Simplified Acquisition Procedures?

The primary risk is reduced price competition, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. Additionally, the vetting process for vendors and product specifications might be less rigorous compared to full and open competition, increasing the risk of receiving substandard products or paying inflated prices.

How effective is this procurement strategy in meeting the government's need for reliable security hardware?

This strategy is effective in quickly acquiring necessary security hardware from a known supplier, ensuring basic functionality and availability. However, its long-term effectiveness in terms of cost-efficiency and ensuring the absolute best value is questionable due to the limited competitive environment.

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: $2,238

Exercised Options: $2,238

Current Obligation: $2,238

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline