DHS awards $85K for nitrile gloves to LC Industries Inc. for TSA screening operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,383 ($85.4K)

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: $3.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 716 CASES OF GLOVES OF 5 MIL NITRILE GLOVES FOR SCREENING OPERATIONS TO TSA AT RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT (DCA)

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27703

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $85,383 to LC INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: 716 CASES OF GLOVES OF 5 MIL NITRILE GLOVES FOR SCREENING OPERATIONS TO TSA AT RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT (DCA) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to LC Industries Inc. for essential screening supplies. 2. Focus on emergency relief services highlights a specific operational need. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable cost for the government. 4. Short duration of 22 days indicates an immediate, short-term requirement. 5. Awarded to a single source, raising questions about competitive pricing. 6. North Carolina-based contractor selected for this specific delivery order.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $85,383 for 716 cases of nitrile gloves appears reasonable for a specialized procurement. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against market rates or similar contracts to definitively assess value for money. The price per case is approximately $119.40, which needs further market research for a precise comparison.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $119.40 per case of gloves.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicated by 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. This suggests a sole-source award, likely due to specific circumstances or a pre-existing relationship. The lack of competition means potential savings from a bidding process were not realized, and the government may not have secured the most advantageous pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may have paid a premium compared to what could have been achieved through a competitive solicitation process.

Public Impact

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will benefit from receiving essential nitrile gloves. These gloves are critical for screening operations, ensuring the safety and health of both officers and the public. The services delivered directly support the operational readiness of airport security personnel. The geographic impact is localized to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
Sole-source award raises concerns about whether the best value was obtained.
Limited contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.

Positive Signals

Contract ensures critical supplies for TSA screening operations.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for this specific order.
Award supports a specific operational need at a key transportation hub.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader category of emergency and relief services, specifically procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE). The market for nitrile gloves is generally competitive, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. However, government procurements can be influenced by factors like set-asides, specific quality requirements, and urgency, which may affect the procurement approach and pricing.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). LC Industries Inc. is a large business. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans, so the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (implied by 'AW' for Delivery Order), oversight may be embedded within the terms of that parent contract. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for overseeing the delivery and quality of the goods. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, with no public justification readily available.

Related Government Programs

TSA Personal Protective Equipment Procurement
Department of Homeland Security Emergency Supplies
Federal Aviation Administration Airport Operations Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive justification
Potential for overpricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $85,383 to LC INDUSTRIES INC. 716 CASES OF GLOVES OF 5 MIL NITRILE GLOVES FOR SCREENING OPERATIONS TO TSA AT RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT (DCA)

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 $85,383.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of LC Industries Inc. in supplying similar goods to federal agencies?

LC Industries Inc. has a history of federal contracting, often related to specific product categories. Information regarding their specific track record for supplying nitrile gloves or similar PPE to the TSA or other agencies would require a deeper dive into federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov. Their primary business focus often involves providing employment opportunities for the blind, which can influence their contract awards and capabilities. Without specific data on past performance for this exact item, it's difficult to provide a detailed assessment, but their general presence in federal contracting suggests some level of established capability.

How does the price per case of gloves compare to market rates for similar bulk purchases?

The price of approximately $119.40 per case of 716 cases of nitrile gloves needs careful market comparison. Bulk pricing for nitrile gloves can vary significantly based on quantity, quality (mil thickness, certifications), brand, and current market demand. Typically, prices can range from $50 to $150+ per case. Given this is a specific type (5 mil nitrile) for screening operations, and potentially sourced through a non-competitive channel, this price point warrants further investigation against current industry benchmarks for similar specifications and order volumes to determine if it represents fair market value.

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

Sole-source awards carry inherent risks, primarily the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. This can lead to reduced value for taxpayer money. Another risk is limited innovation or quality improvement, as the contractor may face less incentive to enhance their offerings. Furthermore, it can create a dependency on a single supplier, which could be problematic if that supplier experiences disruptions. For essential supplies like PPE, a sole-source award might also indicate a failure in strategic sourcing or contingency planning, potentially leaving the agency vulnerable in future needs.

How effective is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in managing its supply chain for operational necessities?

The effectiveness of the TSA's supply chain management for operational necessities like gloves is difficult to assess solely based on this single contract award. This specific award, being a sole-source emergency procurement, might reflect a reactive measure rather than a reflection of overall supply chain strategy. A comprehensive evaluation would require analyzing trends in their procurement processes, lead times, stock levels, and the frequency of emergency or sole-source awards across various categories. The TSA, as part of DHS, operates under significant security and logistical demands, making efficient supply chain management crucial but challenging.

What is the historical spending pattern for nitrile gloves or similar PPE by the Department of Homeland Security?

Historical spending patterns for nitrile gloves and similar PPE by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would likely show significant fluctuations, particularly in recent years due to public health events. Analyzing past contracts would reveal trends in award types (competitive vs. sole-source), average prices, and key suppliers. Agencies like DHS, with vast operational needs across multiple components (including TSA), would procure such items regularly. A detailed analysis would involve querying federal procurement data to identify the volume, value, and nature of these procurements over several fiscal years to understand baseline spending and identify any anomalies or significant shifts.

What are the implications of the 'Emergency and Other Relief Services' NAICS code for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 624230, 'Emergency and Other Relief Services,' suggests that this procurement is intended to address an immediate need, potentially related to disaster response, public health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances requiring rapid provision of essential goods. For this contract, it implies the nitrile gloves are being acquired to support such relief efforts, likely for personnel involved in screening operations during a period of heightened need or specific operational challenge. This classification can sometimes influence the procurement process, potentially allowing for expedited awards or specific justifications for non-competitive actions.

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: $85,383

Exercised Options: $85,383

Current Obligation: $85,383

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RDAD22D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline