DOJ's $433K Contract for Paper Products Awarded to Outlook-Nebraska, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,335 ($43.3K)

Contractor: Outlook-Nebraska, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 12 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PAPER TOWELS & TOILET PAPER FOR FCC BUTNER

Place of Performance

Location: OMAHA, DOUGLAS County, NEBRASKA, 68127

State: Nebraska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $43,335 to OUTLOOK-NEBRASKA, INC. for work described as: PAPER TOWELS & TOILET PAPER FOR FCC BUTNER Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential sanitary paper products to Federal Prison System. 2. Outlook-Nebraska, Inc., a Nebraska-based firm, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a firm fixed price purchase order with a 12-month duration. 4. No specific competition details are available, raising potential price discovery questions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $433,350 for 12 months of paper products appears reasonable for the quantity and type of goods. However, without specific product details or volume, a precise benchmark is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited source or specific requirement. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential supplies. The lack of competition may lead to a higher price than if multiple vendors were considered.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential hygiene supplies for inmates and staff at FCC Butner. Supports a Nebraska-based business, contributing to the local economy. The contract's limited competition raises questions about maximizing taxpayer value.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited price discovery

Positive Signals

Essential supplies secured
Supports domestic business

Sector Analysis

The Federal Prison System requires a consistent supply of sanitary paper products. Spending in this category is generally stable, driven by inmate populations and facility needs. Benchmarks are typically based on per-unit costs for items like toilet paper and paper towels.

Small Business Impact

Outlook-Nebraska, Inc. is a business that manufactures sanitary paper products. Further analysis would be needed to determine if it qualifies as a small business under federal definitions.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a purchase order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would focus on delivery, quality, and adherence to contract terms by the Federal Prison System.

Related Government Programs

Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Lack of transparency in award justification
Dependence on a single supplier for essential goods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $43,335 to OUTLOOK-NEBRASKA, INC.. PAPER TOWELS & TOILET PAPER FOR FCC BUTNER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OUTLOOK-NEBRASKA, INC..

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 $43,335.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-04-22.

What is the primary driver for awarding this contract on a limited/non-competitive basis?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. This could be due to several factors, including a specific requirement tied to a particular manufacturer, a previous contract that expired with limited options, or a determination that only one source could meet the urgent needs of the Federal Prison System at FCC Butner. Without further details, the exact reason remains unclear.

How does the unit cost of these paper products compare to market rates, given the limited competition?

Direct unit cost comparison is not possible without specific product details and quantities. However, the lack of competition generally leads to higher prices than those achieved through open bidding. The government may have negotiated based on historical pricing or standard industry rates, but the absence of competing bids limits the assurance of the best possible price for taxpayers.

What is the potential risk to the Federal Prison System if Outlook-Nebraska, Inc. fails to deliver quality products on time?

The primary risk is the disruption of essential hygiene services at FCC Butner, impacting inmate welfare and staff operations. This could lead to unsanitary conditions and potential health concerns. The Federal Prison System would likely need to expedite an alternative procurement, potentially at a higher cost, to mitigate the shortage.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TOILETRIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4125 S 72ND ST, OMAHA, NE, 68127

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,335

Exercised Options: $43,335

Current Obligation: $43,335

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline