DOJ's $21.8M sanitation order to Aris Chemical & Supply Co. for prison needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,838 ($21.8K)

Contractor: Aris Chemical & Supply CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-05-02

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $728/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 2026 INSTITUTIONAL BULK SUPPLY AND SANITATION ORDER.

Place of Performance

Location: AURORA, PORTAGE County, OHIO, 44202

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $21,837.98 to ARIS CHEMICAL & SUPPLY CO for work described as: 2026 INSTITUTIONAL BULK SUPPLY AND SANITATION ORDER. Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the short duration and fixed-price nature. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the straightforward nature of the goods and short performance period. 4. Performance context is within the Federal Prison System's routine operational needs. 5. Sector positioning is within the general supplies and services category for government institutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $21.8 million for a 30-day delivery order seems high for sanitation supplies. However, without specific details on the quantity and type of products, a direct comparison is difficult. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive for the government if the price is competitive. Benchmarking against similar bulk sanitation orders would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited. The presence of three bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this type of supply. A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best possible price for the required sanitation goods.

Public Impact

Prison facilities operated by the Federal Prison System will receive necessary sanitation supplies. The services delivered ensure hygienic conditions within correctional institutions. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, covering various Bureau of Prisons facilities. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the logistics and delivery of goods.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price inflation if the market for these specific sanitation goods is concentrated.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical need during the delivery period.
Risk of product quality issues if not adequately specified and monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Short performance period (30 days) limits long-term exposure and risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader government procurement sector for general supplies and services. The market for institutional sanitation supplies is typically characterized by a mix of large manufacturers and specialized distributors. Government agencies are significant buyers in this market, often seeking bulk purchasing agreements to achieve economies of scale. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale sanitation supply contracts awarded by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Aris Chemical & Supply Co. utilizes small business subcontractors. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the full impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting and procurement division within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures would include adherence to the contract terms, delivery schedules, and product specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Department of Justice Procurement
Institutional Maintenance Supplies
Government Sanitation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for high unit costs due to broad product classification.
Risk of supply chain disruption impacting short delivery window.
Limited visibility into specific product quality without detailed breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $21,837.98 to ARIS CHEMICAL & SUPPLY CO. 2026 INSTITUTIONAL BULK SUPPLY AND SANITATION ORDER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARIS CHEMICAL & SUPPLY CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21,837.98.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-02.

What is the historical spending pattern for institutional bulk supply and sanitation orders by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for institutional bulk supply and sanitation orders by the Federal Prison System is crucial for understanding the context of this $21.8 million contract. Federal Prison System (FPS) agencies regularly procure a wide range of supplies, including sanitation products, to maintain operational hygiene and safety across their facilities. These procurements often occur through various contract vehicles, including indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), and individual delivery orders like the one issued to Aris Chemical & Supply Co. Historical data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would reveal the typical annual expenditure on such items, the average value of individual orders, and the frequency of large-scale bulk purchases. It would also highlight which contractors have historically been awarded these types of contracts and the competitive landscape. Understanding these patterns allows for a more accurate assessment of whether the current contract's value and terms are consistent with past performance or represent a significant deviation, potentially indicating changes in market prices, increased demand, or evolving procurement strategies.

How does the per-unit cost of sanitation goods in this contract compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

A key analytical question is how the per-unit cost of sanitation goods in this $21.8 million contract compares to prevailing market rates or similar government contracts. Without a detailed breakdown of the specific products included in the 'Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing' category and their quantities, a precise per-unit cost benchmark is challenging. However, the Federal Prison System, as a large federal agency, often leverages its purchasing power to negotiate competitive prices. If this contract is a delivery order under a larger IDIQ or BPA, its pricing would be based on pre-negotiated rates. If it's a standalone award, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the price was set before delivery. Comparing these prices to publicly available commercial price lists for similar bulk sanitation items, or to data from other federal agencies procuring comparable goods (e.g., GSA schedules, other correctional facilities), would reveal potential value for money. A significant deviation from market or historical government rates, either higher or lower, would warrant further investigation into the contract's specifics, the supplier's cost structure, and the competitive environment.

What is the track record of Aris Chemical & Supply Co. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for sanitation supplies?

Assessing the track record of Aris Chemical & Supply Co. in fulfilling federal contracts, especially for sanitation supplies, is essential for evaluating the reliability and performance risk associated with this $21.8 million order. Federal procurement databases, such as the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), can provide insights into the company's past performance. This includes the number of contracts awarded, their values, the agencies served, and the types of goods or services provided. Specific attention should be paid to any history of late deliveries, product quality issues, contract disputes, or terminations for default. A positive track record with timely deliveries and satisfactory performance on similar contracts would indicate a lower risk for this current order. Conversely, a history of performance issues might raise concerns about the contractor's capacity or commitment, potentially impacting the Federal Prison System's operational continuity and hygiene standards. Understanding their past performance helps in gauging the likelihood of successful contract execution.

What are the potential risks associated with a 30-day delivery window for such a large-value order?

The 30-day delivery window for this $21.8 million order presents several potential risks that warrant consideration. Firstly, it implies a significant demand for a concentrated period, requiring the contractor, Aris Chemical & Supply Co., to have substantial inventory and logistical capabilities ready for immediate deployment. Any disruption in their supply chain, manufacturing, or transportation during this short timeframe could lead to critical shortages of essential sanitation supplies within federal prisons, impacting hygiene and safety. Secondly, the compressed timeline might limit the government's ability to thoroughly inspect and verify the quality and quantity of all delivered goods before acceptance, potentially increasing the risk of receiving substandard products. Thirdly, if the contractor faces unforeseen challenges (e.g., labor shortages, raw material unavailability, transportation delays), the firm fixed-price nature of the contract means they might be incentivized to cut corners on quality or service to meet the deadline, rather than seeking contract modifications. Effective oversight and proactive communication from the Bureau of Prisons are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the 'Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing' classification impact the assessment of competition and pricing?

The classification 'Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing' is broad and can significantly impact the assessment of competition and pricing for this $21.8 million contract. This category likely encompasses a diverse range of products, from industrial cleaning agents and disinfectants to floor polishes and maintenance supplies. The breadth of this classification means that the pool of potential bidders could vary depending on the specific mix of products required. If the order leans heavily towards specialized or proprietary formulations, the competition might be more limited, potentially leading to higher prices. Conversely, if it comprises more commoditized cleaning agents, a wider range of suppliers could participate, fostering greater price competition. The 'Manufacturing' aspect suggests that the awardee may be a producer or have direct ties to manufacturers, which could influence their pricing structure. Without a detailed product list, it's difficult to definitively assess whether this classification facilitated robust competition or led to a more concentrated market, impacting the overall value for money.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing › Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2973 E PIONEER TRL, AURORA, OH, 44202

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,838

Exercised Options: $21,838

Current Obligation: $21,838

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F080GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline