DHS awards $35,775 for nitrile gloves to LC Industries Inc. for TSA screening operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,775 ($35.8K)

Contractor: LC Industries Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-01-06

End Date: 2026-01-28

Contract Duration: 22 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 300 CASES OF GLOVES OF 5 MIL NITRILE GLOVES FOR SCREENING OPERATIONS TO TSA AT CLEVELAND HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CLE)

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27703

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $35,775 to LC INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: 300 CASES OF GLOVES OF 5 MIL NITRILE GLOVES FOR SCREENING OPERATIONS TO TSA AT CLEVELAND HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CLE) Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for the quantity and type of goods procured. 2. Competition was not sought for this award, raising questions about potential cost savings. 3. The short performance period suggests an urgent need or a specific, limited requirement. 4. The procurement falls under emergency and relief services, indicating a potential non-routine need. 5. The contractor, LC Industries Inc., is a known supplier in this product category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $35,775 for 300 cases of nitrile gloves (approximately $119 per case) seems competitive given current market rates for medical-grade gloves. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for bulk glove purchases suggests this pricing is within an acceptable range. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $119 per case of gloves.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning competition was not solicited. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can meet the specific requirements, such as unique capabilities or urgent needs. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have potentially driven down prices further.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not have received the lowest possible price for these essential supplies.

Public Impact

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will benefit from this contract by receiving necessary personal protective equipment. The gloves will be used for screening operations at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). This ensures the safety and health of TSA agents performing their duties. The contract supports the operational readiness of a critical federal agency at a key transportation hub.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs than a competed award.
Short delivery window could pose logistical challenges for the contractor.
Reliance on a single source for critical supplies can create supply chain vulnerabilities.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to LC Industries Inc., a company with a history of supplying similar goods.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Clear delivery location and timeline specified.

Sector Analysis

The market for personal protective equipment (PPE), including nitrile gloves, is substantial and has seen significant fluctuations, particularly following recent global health events. Government agencies are major consumers of such supplies. This contract represents a small but essential component of the broader federal procurement of PPE, ensuring operational continuity for agencies like the TSA.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the information provided. The primary contractor, LC Industries Inc., is a large business. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Oversight would typically involve contract officers ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General oversight may be applied if performance issues or potential fraud arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security - General Operations
Transportation Security Administration - Operational Supplies
Federal Supply Schedule - Medical Supplies
Emergency Procurement Procedures

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Short performance period may indicate reactive procurement.
Potential for supply chain disruption if contractor faces issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $35,775 to LC INDUSTRIES INC. 300 CASES OF GLOVES OF 5 MIL NITRILE GLOVES FOR SCREENING OPERATIONS TO TSA AT CLEVELAND HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CLE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LC INDUSTRIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35,775.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-06. End: 2026-01-28.

What is the track record of LC Industries Inc. in fulfilling government contracts for nitrile gloves?

LC Industries Inc. has a history of supplying various types of gloves and other industrial products to government agencies. While specific details on past nitrile glove contracts with DHS or TSA are not provided in this summary, the company's designation as a supplier suggests prior experience. Federal procurement databases would contain more granular data on their past performance, including delivery timeliness, quality compliance, and any past disputes or issues. A deeper dive into their contract history would reveal the extent and success of their previous engagements in providing similar items to federal entities.

How does the per-case cost of these gloves compare to other recent federal procurements of similar items?

The per-case cost of approximately $119 for these 5 mil nitrile gloves appears to be within a reasonable range for bulk government purchases, especially considering potential fluctuations in the PPE market. Without direct comparison data for identical specifications and quantities from the same timeframe, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, general market trends and historical federal contract awards for nitrile gloves suggest this price point is competitive. Factors such as glove thickness, certifications, and the specific vendor's overhead can influence pricing. Further analysis would involve comparing this award against other recent sole-source or competed awards for similar glove types.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for essential screening supplies?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for essential screening supplies like nitrile gloves is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may end up paying more than if multiple vendors had bid on the contract. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or planning, potentially leading to missed opportunities for better value. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes dependent on a single supplier, which could be problematic if that supplier faces production issues or decides to exit the market. Ensuring the sole-source justification is robust and documented is crucial for mitigating these risks.

What is the expected impact of this contract on TSA's operational effectiveness at CLE?

This contract is expected to directly support the operational effectiveness of the TSA at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) by ensuring an adequate supply of nitrile gloves. These gloves are critical for TSA agents performing screening duties, providing a necessary layer of personal protection and hygiene. Having these supplies readily available prevents disruptions to screening operations that could arise from shortages. The timely delivery within the specified period (January 2026) ensures that the TSA can maintain its security and service standards without interruption due to a lack of essential PPE.

Are there any historical spending patterns with LC Industries Inc. for similar items by DHS or TSA?

Historical spending data with LC Industries Inc. for similar items by DHS or TSA would need to be accessed through federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov. Companies that supply industrial and safety products often have recurring contracts with various government agencies. Without access to that specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain patterns. However, the fact that LC Industries Inc. is receiving this award suggests they are an established vendor within the government supply chain for such goods. Analyzing past awards could reveal trends in pricing, contract types, and the frequency of their awards for nitrile gloves or related PPE.

What are the implications of the short 22-day performance period for this contract?

The short 22-day performance period (January 6, 2026, to January 28, 2026) for this contract suggests an urgent need for the nitrile gloves or a very specific, time-bound requirement. This could be related to a surge in travel, a specific event, or the replenishment of critically low stock levels. For the contractor, it implies a need for rapid fulfillment and delivery. From a government perspective, such short periods often indicate reactive procurement rather than strategic, long-term planning. It may also limit the pool of potential bidders if the timeline is too aggressive for some.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services › Emergency and Other Relief Services

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4500 EMPEROR BLVD, DURHAM, NC, 27703

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,775

Exercised Options: $35,775

Current Obligation: $35,775

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RDAD22D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline