DOJ's $18,917 purchase order for toilet paper awarded to Staples Inc. for Federal Prison System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,918 ($18.9K)

Contractor: Staples Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-10

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TOILET PAPER FOR FMC DEVENS NSN 8540-00-530-3770

Place of Performance

Location: FRAMINGHAM, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01702

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $18,917.5 to STAPLES INC for work described as: TOILET PAPER FOR FMC DEVENS NSN 8540-00-530-3770 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the firm fixed price contract type. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award under simplified acquisition procedures. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the nature of the commodity and contract type. 4. Performance context is a routine supply of essential sanitary products. 5. Sector positioning is within the general supplies category for federal facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18,917.50 for toilet paper is relatively small, suggesting a standard market price. As a firm fixed-price purchase order, the pricing is set upfront, limiting the government's exposure to cost overruns. Benchmarking against similar commodity purchases indicates this price is likely within expected ranges for bulk sanitary supplies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP generally encourages multiple offers, leading to better price discovery and value for the government. The award to Staples Inc. suggests they offered the best value among the competitors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive SAP ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market competition for essential supplies.

Public Impact

Inmates and staff at Federal Prison System facilities benefit from the consistent availability of essential sanitary products. The contract ensures the delivery of sanitary paper products, specifically toilet paper, to support daily operations. The geographic impact is primarily within Massachusetts, where the vendor is located, but the ultimate use is at federal correctional institutions. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving logistics and distribution personnel for Staples Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known office supply vendor, indicating reliability.
Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Competed under SAP, suggesting a degree of market vetting.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of sanitary paper products falls under the broader category of general supplies and services for government facilities. This market is characterized by numerous suppliers, ranging from large national distributors to smaller regional providers. The contract value is modest, typical for routine operational needs rather than large-scale infrastructure or technology projects. Comparable spending benchmarks for such items are generally stable and driven by bulk purchasing power.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting requirements. As a purchase order for a common commodity, it is likely fulfilled directly by Staples Inc. The impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal unless Staples Inc. utilizes small business suppliers for this specific product line, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Prison System's procurement and facility management departments. As a purchase order under SAP, it is subject to standard internal controls and auditing processes. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Office Supplies Procurement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $18,917.5 to STAPLES INC. TOILET PAPER FOR FMC DEVENS NSN 8540-00-530-3770

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STAPLES 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 $18,917.5.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending pattern for toilet paper by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for toilet paper by the Federal Prison System (FPS) requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, such spending is relatively consistent, driven by inmate population and facility size. Fluctuations might occur due to changes in contract vehicles, vendor pricing, or shifts in procurement strategies (e.g., moving from GSA schedules to direct competitive awards). Without specific historical data, it's presumed that the FPS maintains a steady demand for these essential supplies, with annual expenditures likely in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars across all facilities, depending on the scale of operations. This particular $18,917.50 award represents a small fraction of the overall potential spending.

How does the unit price of this toilet paper compare to other federal contracts for similar items?

Determining the precise unit price comparison for this specific toilet paper purchase order is challenging without knowing the exact quantity and product specifications (e.g., ply, roll size, brand). However, given the $18,917.50 total value and the nature of the item, it's likely a bulk purchase. Federal contracts for commodity items like toilet paper are often awarded through large-scale agreements or GSA schedules, which aim to achieve significant economies of scale. If this purchase was made through a competitive process under SAP, the price should reflect market rates for commercial off-the-shelf items. Generally, federal agencies strive for competitive pricing, and deviations significantly above market rates would typically trigger scrutiny. This award to Staples Inc., a major office supply retailer, suggests a price point aligned with commercial bulk purchasing.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The risks associated with a contract for toilet paper are generally low. Potential risks include supply chain disruptions, quality issues, or price volatility. However, these are mitigated by several factors. The contract is a firm fixed-price purchase order, which locks in the price and limits financial risk for the government. Awarding to Staples Inc., a well-established vendor with a broad distribution network, reduces the risk of supply chain failure. Quality concerns are typically addressed through product specifications and acceptance testing upon delivery. Furthermore, the relatively small dollar value and commodity nature of the item mean that any disruption would have a localized and manageable impact. The competitive nature of the award under SAP also helps ensure a baseline level of quality and service.

What is Staples Inc.'s track record in fulfilling federal contracts for similar supplies?

Staples Inc. has a significant track record of fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for office supplies, janitorial products, and other general commodities. They frequently leverage General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules, such as Schedule 75 (Office, Entertainment, and Retailer Supplies, Paper Products, and Printing), to provide goods and services to government agencies. Their participation in competitive solicitations, including those under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), is common. Federal procurement databases often show numerous awards to Staples for a wide range of products. Their established logistics and distribution network generally enables them to meet delivery requirements effectively. While specific performance metrics for every contract are not publicly detailed, their continued presence as a federal contractor suggests a generally satisfactory performance history in delivering goods on time and to specification.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of federal spending on correctional facility supplies?

This contract for toilet paper represents a very small component of the federal government's overall spending on correctional facility supplies. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP), part of the Department of Justice, manages numerous federal correctional institutions nationwide. These facilities require a vast array of goods and services, including food, medical supplies, clothing, maintenance materials, and security equipment, in addition to sanitary products. Spending on essential items like toilet paper is a routine operational necessity. While individual purchase orders might be small, the aggregate spending across all facilities and for all types of supplies constitutes a substantial portion of the BOP's budget. This specific contract is a micro-level example of the ongoing, necessary expenditure to maintain the basic functioning and living conditions within federal prisons.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: TOILETRIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 500 STAPLES DR, FRAMINGHAM, MA, 01702

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,918

Exercised Options: $18,918

Current Obligation: $18,918

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline