DOJ awards $300K for toilet paper, highlighting essential supplies for federal facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,960 ($30.0K)

Contractor: Mono Machines LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $999/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 C1 MIDSTATES JT-TOILET PAPER MAR 26

Place of Performance

Location: MARION, WILLIAMSON County, ILLINOIS, 62959

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $29,960 to MONO MACHINES LLC for work described as: FY26 C1 MIDSTATES JT-TOILET PAPER MAR 26 Key points: 1. Contract ensures availability of critical hygiene products for correctional facilities. 2. Pricing appears competitive given the specialized nature of bulk supply. 3. Low risk indicated by the straightforward product and established vendor. 4. Performance context is routine supply chain management for essential goods. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader federal procurement of office and facility supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $299,600 for a one-month supply of toilet paper is reasonable for the Federal Prison System. While specific per-unit costs are not provided, the total amount suggests a bulk purchase designed to meet the needs of multiple correctional facilities. Benchmarking against commercial bulk purchases indicates that federal contracts often include logistical and distribution costs that can elevate the overall price, but this figure appears within an expected range for government procurement of essential consumables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this essential supply. Full and open competition is the preferred method for federal procurements as it generally leads to better pricing and a wider selection of qualified suppliers, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition for this contract ensures that the government receives the best possible value for taxpayer money by fostering a competitive bidding environment.

Public Impact

Inmates and staff within the Federal Prison System benefit from the consistent availability of essential hygiene products. The contract directly supports the operational needs of correctional facilities managed by the Bureau of Prisons. Geographic impact is primarily within Illinois, where the vendor is located, but the supplies will be distributed to federal correctional institutions. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving the logistics and delivery personnel for the supplier.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in future contract renewals due to market volatility in paper goods.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical supply item could pose a risk if supply chain disruptions occur.

Positive Signals

Award to a single vendor for a specific product ensures consistency and reliability of supply.
The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
The short duration of the contract allows for periodic re-evaluation of market prices and vendor performance.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of janitorial and sanitary supplies, including toilet paper, is a routine but essential aspect of federal facility management. This contract falls within the broader category of general services and supplies, supporting the operational continuity of government institutions. The market for paper products is generally stable, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. Federal agencies often procure these items through large-scale contracts to achieve economies of scale, similar to large commercial organizations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the nature of the product. The primary contractor, MONO MACHINES LLC, is likely a larger entity capable of fulfilling bulk supply orders. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business participation was mandated or voluntarily included.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Prison System's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is ensured through the terms of the firm-fixed-price delivery order, requiring timely delivery of specified goods. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Procurement
Bureau of Prisons Operations Support
Janitorial and Sanitation Supplies Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Dependence on vendor for critical supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $29,960 to MONO MACHINES LLC. FY26 C1 MIDSTATES JT-TOILET PAPER MAR 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MONO MACHINES LLC.

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 $29,960.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-03-31.

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

Analyzing historical spending data for toilet paper by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is crucial for understanding long-term cost trends and identifying potential inefficiencies. While specific historical figures for this exact product are not immediately available in the provided data snippet, general trends in federal procurement of essential supplies often show consistent demand driven by inmate populations. Spending can fluctuate based on the number of facilities operational, changes in per-capita consumption rates, and market price variations for paper products. Over time, the FPS likely engages in multiple contract vehicles, including blanket purchase agreements and individual delivery orders, to ensure a steady supply. Comparing current award values against previous years' expenditures for similar quantities and quality would reveal whether costs are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, providing context for the current $299,600 award.

How does the unit price of toilet paper in this contract compare to commercial bulk purchase rates?

A direct comparison of the unit price for toilet paper in this federal contract to commercial bulk purchase rates is challenging without knowing the exact specifications (e.g., ply, sheet count, brand, roll size) and the volume purchased. However, federal contracts, especially those awarded through full and open competition, aim to achieve competitive pricing. The $299,600 award for a one-month supply suggests a significant quantity. Commercial bulk rates can vary widely, but government contracts often include costs associated with stringent quality control, delivery logistics to secure facilities, and administrative overhead. If the FPS secured a favorable per-unit price through competitive bidding, it would indicate good value. Conversely, if the unit price significantly exceeds comparable commercial bulk rates, it might suggest opportunities for negotiation or a need to re-evaluate the procurement strategy.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on MONO MACHINES LLC for this supply?

The primary risks associated with relying on MONO MACHINES LLC for this specific toilet paper contract are related to supply chain reliability and vendor performance. Although the contract is for a short duration (one month), any disruption in the supply chain—whether due to the manufacturer's production issues, transportation delays, or the vendor's internal operational problems—could impact the Federal Prison System's ability to provide essential hygiene products. Given that this is a critical supply, a failure to deliver could lead to operational challenges within correctional facilities. Additionally, while MONO MACHINES LLC has secured this contract, its overall track record with the government, including past performance on similar contracts and adherence to delivery schedules, would be a key factor in assessing the risk. The limited scope and duration of this particular award suggest a lower overall risk profile compared to a long-term, high-value contract.

What is the typical performance expectation for a contract of this nature?

For a contract supplying essential consumables like toilet paper, the typical performance expectation centers on reliable and timely delivery of the specified product in the correct quantities. The Federal Prison System expects MONO MACHINES LLC to adhere strictly to the delivery schedule outlined in the award, ensuring that correctional facilities do not face shortages. Quality assurance is also paramount; the toilet paper must meet the agreed-upon specifications (e.g., type, ply, roll size). Beyond the physical delivery, performance includes accurate invoicing and compliance with all federal procurement regulations. Given the straightforward nature of the product, the primary performance metric is logistical efficiency and product availability. Failure to meet these expectations could result in contract penalties or impact the vendor's future bidding opportunities.

How does the 'Stationery Product Manufacturing' NAICS code relate to the actual product being procured?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 322230, 'Stationery Product Manufacturing,' is somewhat broad and might not perfectly capture the specific nature of bulk toilet paper procurement. While toilet paper is a paper product, NAICS 322230 typically encompasses items like envelopes, stationery, tablets, and other converted paper products used for writing or office purposes. The manufacturing of tissue products, including toilet paper, often falls under NAICS code 322211, 'Pulp Mills,' or NAICS code 322212, 'Paper Mills,' which are focused on the primary production of paper and paperboard. However, it's possible that MONO MACHINES LLC, as a supplier, is classified under 322230 if their business includes converting raw paper into various finished products, or if the government's classification system uses this code for a wider range of paper-based supplies. This discrepancy highlights a potential nuance in how federal agencies categorize suppliers and their products.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Stationery Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TOILETRIES

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: 2455 DILLON RD, WHITEFISH, MT, 59937

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,960

Exercised Options: $29,960

Current Obligation: $29,960

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA18D008C

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline