Milliken & Company awarded $158.75M contract for apparel by Federal Prison Industries, with 2 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $158,750 ($158.8K)

Contractor: Milliken & Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-04

End Date: 2026-06-02

Contract Duration: 59 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FABRIC

Place of Performance

Location: SPARTANBURG, SPARTANBURG County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29303

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $158,750 to MILLIKEN & COMPANY for work described as: FABRIC Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope and duration, but detailed benchmarking is needed. 2. Competition was limited to two bidders, potentially impacting price discovery and value for money. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a firm-fixed-price contract type mitigating some cost uncertainty. 4. Performance context is within the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) program, which has a dual mission of providing goods and inmate rehabilitation. 5. Sector positioning is within the apparel manufacturing industry, serving federal correctional facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $158.75 million over a short period (59 days) suggests a high per-diem or per-unit cost. Without specific details on the quantity and type of apparel, direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty. Further analysis would require understanding the specific items being procured and their unit costs against market benchmarks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders. With only two bidders identified, the level of competition is restricted. While SAP aims for efficiency, a limited competition can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition, potentially impacting the overall value achieved.

Taxpayer Impact: A limited competition means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader bidding process. The government may have paid more than if more vendors had participated.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) and the inmates involved in the manufacturing process. Services delivered include the production and supply of apparel for federal correctional institutions. Geographic impact is primarily within South Carolina, where the contractor is located, and the federal correctional facilities receiving the apparel. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for Milliken & Company and potential opportunities for inmate labor within UNICOR's program.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
The short duration of the contract (59 days) raises questions about the long-term strategy for apparel procurement.
Reliance on a single awardee for a significant value contract warrants close monitoring of performance and delivery.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
The award to a known entity like Milliken & Company suggests a degree of confidence in their capabilities.
The contract falls under the Federal Prison Industries program, which has a social mission alongside its procurement function.

Sector Analysis

The apparel manufacturing sector is a mature industry with established players. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) is a significant, albeit specialized, buyer within this sector, focusing on correctional facility needs. Milliken & Company is a well-established textile manufacturer. The contract value, while substantial, represents a portion of the overall federal spending on apparel and textiles, which can fluctuate based on demand and policy.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract. Given the value and nature of the procurement, it is unlikely that small businesses would be primary awardees without specific subcontracting opportunities. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Milliken & Company engages small businesses as subcontractors for materials or specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) program within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are tied to the contract terms, including delivery schedules and quality standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud or mismanagement is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Procurement
Apparel and Textiles Procurement
Department of Justice Contracts
Correctional Facility Supplies

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
High Value Award
Short Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $158,750 to MILLIKEN & COMPANY. FABRIC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MILLIKEN & COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $158,750.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-04. End: 2026-06-02.

What is Milliken & Company's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice or Federal Prison Industries?

Milliken & Company has a history of federal contracting, though specific details on their performance with the Department of Justice or Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) require deeper investigation. Federal Prison Industries, operating as UNICOR, has a unique mission to provide goods and services to federal agencies while employing and training inmates. Analyzing Milliken's past performance within this specific ecosystem, including adherence to delivery schedules, quality standards, and any past disputes or issues, would be crucial. Information on their prior contracts, including value, duration, and scope, would help establish a baseline for assessing their reliability and capability for this current $158.75 million award.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar apparel items procured by other government agencies or large organizations?

Benchmarking the awarded price against market rates is essential for determining value for money. This requires a detailed breakdown of the specific apparel items, quantities, and material specifications included in the $158.75 million contract. Without this granular data, a precise comparison is challenging. However, given the firm-fixed-price nature, the government has locked in a price. If the unit costs derived from this contract are significantly higher than those for comparable items procured by agencies like the Defense Logistics Agency or even large private sector uniform suppliers, it would indicate potential overpayment. The limited competition (2 bidders) further complicates this, as it may have suppressed more competitive pricing.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk indicators for this contract include the limited competition, with only two bidders, which could lead to suboptimal pricing and reduced value for taxpayers. The short contract duration (59 days) also presents a risk if it indicates a rushed procurement or potential discontinuity in supply. Furthermore, the reliance on a single awardee for a substantial amount necessitates close monitoring of performance, quality control, and delivery timelines. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type, which shifts cost overrun risks to the contractor. However, effective oversight by the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) is critical to ensure the contractor meets all contractual obligations, including quality standards and delivery schedules, and to address any potential performance issues proactively.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in meeting the needs of federal correctional facilities, considering the dual mission of UNICOR?

The effectiveness of this contract hinges on its ability to reliably supply the required apparel while supporting UNICOR's dual mission. UNICOR aims to provide cost-effective goods and services to federal agencies while offering meaningful employment and vocational training to inmates. If Milliken & Company successfully delivers high-quality apparel on time and at a competitive price, the contract will be effective in meeting the facilities' needs. Simultaneously, the contract's execution should align with UNICOR's rehabilitation goals, ensuring that inmate labor is utilized appropriately and contributes to their skill development. The effectiveness will be measured by the satisfaction of the end-users (correctional facilities) and the successful integration of inmate labor into the production process.

How does this contract's value and scope compare to historical spending patterns for apparel by the Federal Prison Industries?

To assess this, one would need to examine historical spending data for apparel procurement by the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR). This $158.75 million contract, awarded over a 59-day period, represents a significant expenditure. Comparing this to annual or multi-year spending on similar apparel items in previous fiscal years would reveal whether this award is an outlier, a continuation of a trend, or a response to increased demand. Understanding the historical average contract values, the number of bidders in past procurements, and the types of apparel typically sourced can provide context. If historical data shows consistently lower values or more competitive bidding for similar quantities, this contract might warrant closer scrutiny regarding its pricing and competitive dynamics.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors

Product/Service Code: TEXTILE/LEATHER/FUR; TENT; FLAG

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 920 MILLIKEN RD, SPARTANBURG, SC, 29303

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $158,750

Exercised Options: $158,750

Current Obligation: $158,750

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline