Federal Prison Industries awarded $158K for inmate supplies, highlighting a niche market for essential goods
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,820 ($15.8K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-02-04
End Date: 2026-05-01
Contract Duration: 86 days
Daily Burn Rate: $184/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TRUST FUND INMATE SUPPLIES
Place of Performance
Location: OAKDALE, ALLEN County, LOUISIANA, 71463
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $15,820 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: TRUST FUND INMATE SUPPLIES Key points: 1. This contract represents a small portion of overall federal spending on inmate services, indicating a focused procurement. 2. The award to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. suggests a specific strategy for supplying correctional facilities. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 4. The short duration of the contract implies a need for immediate or short-term supply. 5. The procurement method, 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggests a streamlined process for smaller value acquisitions.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific per-unit cost data or comparisons to similar procurements for inmate supplies. However, the total award amount of $158,200 for a three-month period appears reasonable for the specified goods. The fixed-price structure helps manage cost risks for the government, but the absence of detailed cost breakdowns or competitive bids makes a definitive value assessment difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is generally used for procurements valued below certain thresholds, often resulting in fewer offers. This suggests that while some level of competition may have occurred, it was likely constrained by the procurement method.
Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices than a fully competed large-scale contract, but it also allows for faster acquisition of necessary goods.
Public Impact
Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive essential apparel and accessories. The services delivered ensure the basic needs of the incarcerated population are met. The geographic impact is primarily within federal correctional facilities, with specific distribution likely in Louisiana based on the 'ST' and 'SN' codes. This contract supports the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons by ensuring a supply chain for inmate necessities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality and timeliness of delivery.
- The sole awardee, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., operates under a specific mandate which may influence its pricing and service offerings.
Positive Signals
- The contract is for essential inmate supplies, directly supporting correctional facility operations.
- The fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the procuring agency.
- The award was made under a streamlined acquisition process, potentially leading to faster fulfillment of needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing' sector (NAICS 315990). This sector encompasses the production of a wide range of clothing and related items. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR, is a government-owned corporation that utilizes inmate labor to manufacture and procure products and services for sale to the federal government. This specific contract highlights FPI's role in supplying essential goods to federal correctional institutions, a niche but critical segment of the apparel market.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to be specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information indicating subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is a large government entity, and its operations are not typically structured around small business participation in the same way as other federal contracts. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a component of the Department of Justice. The BOP is responsible for ensuring that contract terms are met, including delivery schedules and product specifications. As a government contract, it is also subject to general federal procurement regulations and oversight from bodies like the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if disputes arise. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Inmate Welfare Fund
- Bureau of Prisons Operations
- Correctional Facility Supplies
- Government-Owned Corporation Procurement
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may impact price optimization.
- Potential for quality variations in inmate-produced goods.
- Reliance on a single, government-mandated supplier.
Tags
inmate-supplies, apparel, federal-prison-industries, department-of-justice, bureau-of-prisons, competed-under-sap, purchase-order, firm-fixed-price, louisiana, small-value-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $15,820 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. TRUST FUND INMATE SUPPLIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, 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 $15,820.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-04. End: 2026-05-01.
What is the historical spending pattern for inmate supplies by the Federal Prison System?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for inmate supplies by the Federal Prison System requires access to comprehensive procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract award is for $158,200, understanding the broader trend involves looking at the total annual expenditure on similar items. Factors influencing historical spending include inmate population size, changes in supply requirements, and the availability of different vendors or internal manufacturing capabilities like Federal Prison Industries. Without a detailed historical analysis, it's difficult to determine if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending compared to previous periods. However, the consistent need for such supplies suggests a recurring expenditure category for the Bureau of Prisons.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to market rates for similar apparel and accessories?
Directly comparing the pricing of this contract to open market rates is challenging without specific itemized costs and quantities. The contract is awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), which operates under a unique model utilizing inmate labor. FPI's pricing is influenced by its mission to provide employment and training for inmates, which may differ from purely commercial pricing strategies. While the contract is 'FIRM FIXED PRICE,' indicating price certainty, it doesn't inherently guarantee market competitiveness. A thorough comparison would require benchmarking the unit costs of specific items (e.g., shirts, socks, underwear) against commercial suppliers, considering factors like quality, material, and volume discounts. Given the limited competition and FPI's specific role, the pricing might reflect a balance between operational costs, inmate labor, and government objectives rather than pure market competition.
What are the specific risks associated with awarding contracts to Federal Prison Industries, Inc.?
Awarding contracts to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) presents several potential risks. One primary concern is the potential for higher costs compared to commercially sourced goods, as FPI's pricing may not always reflect the efficiencies of a competitive market due to its unique operational model and mandate. There's also a risk related to product quality and consistency; while FPI aims to meet federal standards, variations can occur. Furthermore, the reliance on inmate labor introduces potential disruptions due to labor availability, security issues, or changes in correctional policies. Lastly, the limited competition inherent in FPI's designated role can reduce the government's leverage in negotiating favorable terms and prices, potentially impacting overall value for money.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. in fulfilling similar supply contracts?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), operating as UNICOR, has a long-standing history of supplying goods and services to the federal government, including correctional facilities. Its track record involves manufacturing and procuring a wide range of products, from furniture and textiles to electronic equipment and services. While FPI aims to meet government requirements, its performance has occasionally faced scrutiny regarding product quality, delivery timeliness, and cost-effectiveness compared to private sector alternatives. Publicly available data and Inspector General reports sometimes highlight challenges FPI has faced in specific contracts. However, it remains a significant supplier, particularly for items needed within the federal prison system, indicating a capacity to fulfill many of its contractual obligations.
How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation impact the overall value and efficiency of this procurement?
The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) designation indicates that this procurement likely fell below the threshold for full and open competition, allowing for a more streamlined and potentially faster acquisition process. For procurements valued under $250,000 (the general threshold for SAP), agencies can use methods like GSA Advantage!, electronic RFQs, or other simplified processes. While SAP can enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burden, it may also limit the number of potential bidders and the depth of competition. This could mean that the government might not achieve the lowest possible price compared to a large-scale, fully competed contract. However, for smaller, urgent needs, SAP often provides a good balance between speed, cost, and adequate competition.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: TOILETRIES
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
Parent Company: Government of the United States
Address: 3301 LEESTOWN RD, LEXINGTON, KY, 40511
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,820
Exercised Options: $15,820
Current Obligation: $15,820
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-04
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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