DOJ awards $19.5M contract for footwear, with delivery expected within 31 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,548 ($19.5K)

Contractor: Bull RUN Boots, Limited

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-11

Contract Duration: 31 days

Daily Burn Rate: $631/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FOOTWEAR

Place of Performance

Location: NEW HYDE PARK, NASSAU County, NEW YORK, 11040

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $19,548 to BULL RUN BOOTS, LIMITED for work described as: FOOTWEAR Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short delivery window and firm fixed price. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed price and short performance period. 4. Performance context is a single delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 5. Sector positioning is within the manufacturing of essential goods for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.5 million for footwear is substantial, but the short 31-day delivery period suggests a need for rapid fulfillment. Without specific unit details or comparison to similar rapid-deployment footwear contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against typical footwear procurement costs would be necessary for a more granular analysis.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust process was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for receiving the best value through competitive bidding, driving down costs and encouraging innovation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely inmates within the federal prison system who will be supplied with footwear. The service delivered is the manufacturing and supply of footwear. The geographic impact is primarily within New York, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment opportunities at the manufacturing facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting the short delivery timeline.
Ensuring consistent quality across a large volume of footwear within a tight deadline.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market was leveraged.
Short performance period indicates a focused and potentially efficient execution.

Sector Analysis

The footwear manufacturing sector for government contracts is a niche but essential part of the broader apparel and textiles industry. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) plays a significant role in this space, often fulfilling requirements for inmate needs. This contract, valued at $19.5 million, represents a notable procurement within this specific sub-sector, highlighting the government's ongoing need for reliable footwear suppliers.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The primary contractor, Bull Run Boots, Limited, is not specified as a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal unless subcontracting opportunities arise.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Justice's procurement oversight mechanisms and potentially the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) management. As a delivery order under a larger contract, the initial award process would have undergone review. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, but detailed performance monitoring specifics are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Procurements
Apparel and Footwear Manufacturing Contracts
Department of Justice Supply Contracts

Risk Flags

Short delivery timeline may pose execution risks.
Potential for quality control issues with large volume production in a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $19,548 to BULL RUN BOOTS, LIMITED. FOOTWEAR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BULL RUN BOOTS, LIMITED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison Industries / Unicor).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19,548.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-11.

What is the historical spending pattern for footwear by the Department of Justice?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for footwear by the Department of Justice (DOJ) requires access to detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Generally, federal agencies procure footwear for various purposes, including law enforcement personnel, correctional facilities, and other operational needs. The DOJ, encompassing agencies like the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Marshals Service, would have recurring requirements. Spending can fluctuate based on policy changes, inmate populations, and the lifecycle of existing equipment. Without specific data, it's difficult to pinpoint exact historical figures, but consistent annual spending in the millions of dollars for such essential items is typical for large federal law enforcement and correctional entities. This $19.5 million award suggests a significant, potentially one-time or large-batch, procurement event rather than routine annual spending, unless it represents a substantial portion of a larger multi-year requirement.

How does the firm fixed price (FFP) structure impact the risk for both the government and the contractor in this footwear contract?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract structure places the majority of the cost risk on the contractor. For this footwear contract, Bull Run Boots, Limited, is obligated to deliver the specified goods at the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs incurred during production. This benefits the government by providing budget certainty and protecting against cost overruns. The contractor, however, assumes the risk of increased material costs, labor expenses, or unforeseen production issues. To mitigate this risk, contractors typically build in contingency amounts into their pricing. For the government, the primary risk with FFP is that the contractor may cut corners on quality to maintain profitability if not adequately monitored, although the fixed price itself is a strong incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently. Given the short 31-day delivery window, the contractor's ability to manage production and logistics efficiently is critical to their profitability under this FFP award.

What are the implications of awarding a single delivery order for $19.5 million for footwear?

Awarding a single delivery order of $19.5 million for footwear signifies a substantial procurement event, likely intended to fulfill a large, immediate, or concentrated need. This could be for equipping a new facility, replacing a large stock of aging footwear, or meeting a surge in demand. The concentration of the award into one order simplifies administration for the government compared to multiple smaller orders. However, it also concentrates the delivery risk with a single contractor. For the contractor, it represents a significant revenue opportunity but also a considerable production and logistical challenge, especially within the tight 31-day timeframe. The large value suggests that the contractor must have substantial manufacturing capacity and robust supply chain management to meet the deadline without compromising quality or incurring excessive costs.

What is the typical role of Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) in procuring footwear for the DOJ?

Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR), now officially known as Federal Prison Industries, Inc., plays a unique role in procuring goods and services, including footwear, for federal agencies. UNICOR is a government corporation that utilizes the labor of federal prisoners to manufacture and provide products and services. While UNICOR itself is a manufacturer, it also acts as a contracting entity. In this case, UNICOR is listed as the 'servicing agency' for the Department of Justice (DOJ) contract. This suggests that UNICOR may be facilitating the procurement process or that the contract is being managed through their established channels, potentially leveraging their manufacturing capabilities or oversight. UNICOR's mandate is to provide employment for inmates and supply products to government agencies, often at competitive prices, thereby supporting both correctional goals and government procurement needs.

How does the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 316210 for Footwear Manufacturing relate to this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 316210 specifically identifies establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing footwear. This includes the production of athletic shoes, comfort footwear, work boots, and other types of shoes and slippers. By assigning this code to the contract, the government is clearly categorizing the procurement under the manufacturing of footwear. This classification is crucial for statistical purposes, allowing for tracking of government spending within specific industrial sectors. It also helps in identifying potential contractors qualified to produce such goods and in benchmarking contract values against industry standards. For Bull Run Boots, Limited, operating under this NAICS code means they are recognized as a manufacturer within this specialized industry, capable of fulfilling the government's requirements for footwear production.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Footwear Manufacturing › Footwear Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 75 NASSAU TERMINAL RD, NEW HYDE PARK, NY, 11040

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,548

Exercised Options: $19,548

Current Obligation: $19,548

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15UC0C25D00000803

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline