DOJ's $40K purchase of large gloves for inmates highlights specialized needs in correctional facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,993 ($40.0K)

Contractor: Central Association for the Blind, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-24

End Date: 2026-04-24

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LARGE AND X-LARGE GLOVES FOR INSTITUTION

Place of Performance

Location: UTICA, ONEIDA County, NEW YORK, 13501

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $39,992.82 to CENTRAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, INC. for work described as: LARGE AND X-LARGE GLOVES FOR INSTITUTION Key points: 1. The contract addresses a specific need for specialized personal protective equipment within the Federal Prison System. 2. The fixed-price nature of the purchase order provides cost certainty for the government. 3. The award to a single vendor suggests a focused procurement strategy for this particular item. 4. The duration of the contract is immediate, indicating a need for prompt fulfillment. 5. The geographic location of the vendor in New York may influence delivery times and logistics.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $40,000 for gloves is relatively small in the context of federal spending. Benchmarking this specific item is challenging without more detailed specifications on glove type, material, and quantity. However, given the specialized nature for correctional facilities, pricing may reflect unique requirements. Further analysis would require comparing unit costs against similar procurements for correctional institutions or specialized industrial gloves.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but is less formal than full and open competition. The data indicates it was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting that multiple vendors were likely solicited, but the exact number of bidders is not specified. This method is often used for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold, aiming for efficiency while still seeking competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally offers a reasonable balance between efficiency and price discovery for taxpayers. While not as robust as full and open competition, it should prevent egregious overpricing for this $40,000 purchase.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive necessary protective equipment, contributing to safety and hygiene. The purchase supports the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons in managing correctional facilities. The vendor, Central Association for the Blind, Inc., based in New York, will fulfill the order. This contract indirectly supports the workforce involved in manufacturing or distributing these specialized gloves.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed specifications for the gloves makes it difficult to assess if the most cost-effective option was procured.
The limited competition under SAP might not have yielded the absolute lowest price possible compared to a full and open solicitation.
The specific need for 'LARGE AND X-LARGE GLOVES FOR INSTITUTION' suggests a potentially narrow market, which could impact pricing dynamics.

Positive Signals

The purchase order is for a specific, identifiable need within the Federal Prison System.
The use of a fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
The vendor is a known entity, Central Association for the Blind, Inc., suggesting a degree of reliability.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the broader category of 'Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers.' While this specific purchase is for gloves, it highlights the ongoing need for various supplies within government institutions, particularly correctional facilities. The market for personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized apparel is substantial, with government agencies being significant buyers. Benchmarking this specific glove purchase against broader PPE contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature and limited information.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed here. As the award was made to Central Association for the Blind, Inc., further investigation into their small business subcontracting plans would be necessary to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order (aw: PURCHASE ORDER) awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (ct: COMPETED UNDER SAP). Oversight for such procurements typically resides within the contracting activity of the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Prison System. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability is ensured through the fixed-price nature of the contract and the potential for audits or reviews by the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General if significant issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Bureau of Prisons Medical Supplies
Correctional Facility Personal Protective Equipment
Department of Justice Procurement

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed specifications
Potential for limited competition impact on price
Supply chain vulnerability for specialized items

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $39,992.82 to CENTRAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, INC.. LARGE AND X-LARGE GLOVES FOR INSTITUTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENTRAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, 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 $39,992.82.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-24. End: 2026-04-24.

What specific type and material of gloves are being procured, and how do these specifications impact the unit cost?

The provided data specifies 'LARGE AND X-LARGE GLOVES FOR INSTITUTION' but lacks detailed technical specifications regarding the glove material (e.g., latex, nitrile, vinyl), thickness, intended use (e.g., medical examination, industrial handling, sanitation), and any specific certifications required. These details are crucial for accurate cost analysis. For instance, medical-grade nitrile gloves typically cost more than basic vinyl gloves due to material properties and regulatory compliance. Similarly, heavy-duty industrial gloves designed for specific hazards would command a higher price. Without this information, it's impossible to benchmark the unit cost effectively against market rates for comparable glove types.

How does the pricing of these gloves compare to similar procurements by other federal agencies or correctional systems?

Direct comparison is challenging without specific glove specifications. However, federal agencies often procure large volumes of gloves. For example, the General Services Administration (GSA) schedules or other large-scale contracts for medical supplies might offer benchmarks. If these are standard examination gloves, unit prices could range from $0.10 to $0.50 depending on material and quantity. If they are specialized industrial or heavy-duty institutional gloves, prices could be significantly higher, potentially several dollars per pair. The $40,000 total value, divided by an unknown quantity, makes direct comparison difficult. Further research into similar DOJ or Bureau of Prisons contracts for institutional gloves would be the most relevant comparison.

What is the track record of Central Association for the Blind, Inc. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for medical or institutional supplies?

Central Association for the Blind, Inc. (CAB) has a history of government contracting, often related to products manufactured by blind individuals under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. Their ability to fulfill this specific contract for gloves would depend on their supply chain and manufacturing capabilities for this particular item. While CAB is recognized for providing employment opportunities, the performance history on similar supply contracts, especially in terms of delivery timeliness, quality, and adherence to specifications, would need to be reviewed through contract performance databases or past performance evaluations. Their mission-driven nature might influence their approach to contract fulfillment.

What are the potential risks associated with this procurement, such as supply chain disruptions or quality control issues?

Potential risks include supply chain disruptions, especially if the gloves are sourced internationally or rely on specific raw materials subject to shortages. Quality control is another concern; ensuring the gloves meet the required standards for institutional use (e.g., durability, barrier protection, absence of defects) is critical. Given the 'institution' context, improper fit or material failure could pose safety or hygiene risks. The limited competition under SAP might also slightly increase the risk of suboptimal pricing or less rigorous quality assurance compared to a more extensively competed contract. The fixed-price nature, however, shifts some financial risk to the contractor.

How does this spending align with the overall budget and historical spending patterns for medical and institutional supplies within the Federal Prison System?

A single $40,000 purchase order for gloves represents a very small fraction of the Federal Prison System's overall budget, which runs into billions of dollars annually. Historical spending on medical and institutional supplies is likely substantial and consistent, driven by the large inmate population and the need for ongoing replenishment. This specific purchase appears to be a routine replenishment or a response to a specific need for larger glove sizes. To assess alignment, one would need to examine multi-year spending trends for similar items within the Bureau of Prisons to see if this amount is typical or an outlier for such a procurement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

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

Address: 507 KENT ST, UTICA, NY, 13501

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: $39,993

Exercised Options: $39,993

Current Obligation: $39,993

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline