Federal Prison Industries secures $2.7M contract for 30-day supply of blended percale flat sheets
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,765 ($2.8K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-03
End Date: 2026-05-03
Contract Duration: 30 days
Daily Burn Rate: $92/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Other
Official Description: SHEET, BED, POLYESTER/COTTON: (35% MIN) BLEND PERCALE FLAT SHEET. 66 IN. WIDE BY 96 IN. LONG WHITE. PLASTIC PACKAGING/PACKING MATERIALS PROHIBITED. U/I DZ (12)
Place of Performance
Location: TERRE HAUTE, VIGO County, INDIANA, 47802
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $2,764.52 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: SHEET, BED, POLYESTER/COTTON: (35% MIN) BLEND PERCALE FLAT SHEET. 66 IN. WIDE BY 96 IN. LONG WHITE. PLASTIC PACKAGING/PACKING MATERIALS PROHIBITED. U/I DZ (12) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single source, raising questions about price discovery and potential for overpayment. 2. The fixed-price with economic price adjustment structure introduces potential for cost escalation over the contract term. 3. Limited competition suggests a lack of market pressure to drive down unit costs. 4. The contract duration of 30 days for delivery indicates a need for immediate supply, potentially overriding competitive considerations. 5. Performance is tied to a specific product: blended percale flat sheets with defined dimensions and material composition. 6. The contract falls under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service, indicating a centralized procurement approach.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The unit price for these blended percale flat sheets is not explicitly benchmarked against market rates due to the sole-source nature of the award. Without competitive bids, it is difficult to ascertain if the price reflects optimal value for money. The economic price adjustment clause also introduces uncertainty regarding the final cost. However, the contract is for a specific, standardized item, which may limit variability in pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) under a sole-source designation, meaning it was not competed on the open market. FPI, also known as UNICOR, is a government-owned corporation that utilizes inmate labor. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status indicates that FPI is the only source considered for this procurement, likely due to statutory or regulatory requirements mandating its use for certain goods.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards to FPI can limit opportunities for other businesses and may not always result in the most cost-effective pricing for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the federal agency requiring the specified bedding, ensuring a supply of essential items. Services delivered include the manufacturing and delivery of 30-day supply of blended percale flat sheets. The geographic impact is primarily within Indiana, where the contract is stated to be fulfilled. Workforce implications involve the utilization of inmate labor within the Federal Prison Industries system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and value for money.
- Economic price adjustment clause introduces potential for cost increases.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to non-competitive nature.
Positive Signals
- Ensures supply of essential goods through a mandated source.
- Provides meaningful work opportunities for inmates.
- Contract specifies clear product requirements and quality standards.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader textile manufacturing and supply sector. Federal Prison Industries is a significant player in providing goods manufactured by inmates to government agencies. The market for institutional textiles is substantial, with government agencies being major consumers. Benchmarking against similar large-scale textile procurements would be necessary for a comprehensive value assessment, but the sole-source nature complicates direct comparisons.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is awarded directly to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award. The focus is on FPI's internal production capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for contracts involving Federal Prison Industries is typically managed by the agency awarding the contract (in this case, GSA) and potentially by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature. Accountability measures would focus on delivery timelines, product specifications, and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Contracts
- General Services Administration (GSA) Procurements
- Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Contracts
- Institutional Bedding Supplies
Risk Flags
- Sole Source Award
- Economic Price Adjustment Clause
- Potential for Non-Competitive Pricing
Tags
textiles, bedding, general-services-administration, federal-prison-industries, sole-source, fixed-price-with-economic-price-adjustment, delivery-order, institutional-supplies, indiana, gsa-federal-acquisition-service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $2,764.52 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. SHEET, BED, POLYESTER/COTTON: (35% MIN) BLEND PERCALE FLAT SHEET. 66 IN. WIDE BY 96 IN. LONG WHITE. PLASTIC PACKAGING/PACKING MATERIALS PROHIBITED. U/I DZ (12)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2,764.52.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-03.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar blended percale flat sheets procured by the federal government?
Analyzing historical spending for similar blended percale flat sheets requires access to detailed procurement data across various agencies and contract types. Typically, federal agencies procure such items through competitive bidding processes, which often result in lower unit costs due to market competition. Contracts awarded to Federal Prison Industries (FPI) are often sole-source, meaning they are not directly comparable to competitively bid items in terms of price. Historical data for FPI's own sheet procurements, if available and disaggregated by specific material blends and dimensions, would provide a more relevant benchmark. Without such granular data, it's challenging to establish a precise historical spending pattern that accounts for variations in quality, quantity, and procurement method.
How does the unit cost of these sheets compare to commercially available equivalent products?
Directly comparing the unit cost of these sheets to commercially available equivalents is challenging due to the sole-source nature of the award to Federal Prison Industries (FPI). FPI operates under a mandate to provide work for inmates, which can influence its cost structure differently than commercial manufacturers. Commercial pricing is driven by market competition, economies of scale, and profit margins. FPI's pricing is determined by its internal cost accounting and government-mandated pricing structures. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify commercially available sheets with identical material composition (e.g., 35% minimum cotton blend percale), thread count, dimensions (66"x96"), and quality standards, and then factor in potential bulk discounts for government purchases. However, the absence of competitive bidding for this FPI contract makes a definitive value-for-money assessment against the commercial market difficult.
What are the specific risks associated with the 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' contract type for this procurement?
The 'FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT' (FPEPA) contract type introduces specific risks for this procurement of blended percale flat sheets. While the base price is fixed, the economic price adjustment (EPA) clause allows for modifications to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as labor or material costs. The primary risk is that unforeseen increases in the cost of raw materials (like cotton or polyester) or labor could lead to higher final costs for the government than initially anticipated. This uncertainty can make budget forecasting more difficult. For taxpayers, the risk is that the government may end up paying more than it would have under a firm fixed-price contract if costs rise significantly. The effectiveness of the EPA clause in mitigating these risks depends on the specific indices used and the caps or limitations placed on price adjustments.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. in delivering textile products to the government?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR, has a long-standing history of supplying various manufactured goods, including textiles, to government agencies. Its track record is generally characterized by fulfilling government requirements, often under sole-source or mandatory source provisions. Performance can vary; while FPI aims to meet quality and delivery standards, occasional challenges related to production capacity, material sourcing, or logistical delays have been noted in past government audits and reports. The primary benefit FPI offers is providing employment and vocational training for federal inmates. When assessing FPI's track record for specific items like blended percale flat sheets, it's important to consider the specific contract terms, delivery schedules, and any performance metrics associated with past similar awards, as well as any documented issues or successes.
How does the use of inmate labor in manufacturing impact the overall cost and quality of the delivered goods?
The use of inmate labor by Federal Prison Industries (FPI) is intended to reduce manufacturing costs compared to commercial operations that pay market wages. Inmates typically receive nominal wages, and FPI's overhead may also differ from private sector entities. This cost structure can potentially lead to lower prices for the government. However, the impact on quality can be variable. While FPI has quality control processes, the skill levels and training of the inmate workforce can fluctuate, potentially affecting consistency. Furthermore, the efficiency and productivity of inmate labor may differ from that of a commercial workforce. Government agencies rely on FPI to meet specific product standards, and the contract terms dictate the quality requirements. Any deviations from these standards would be subject to contract remedies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills › Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills
Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Government of the United States
Address: 3301 LEESTOWN RD, LEXINGTON, KY, 40511
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, Manufacturer of Goods, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,765
Exercised Options: $2,765
Current Obligation: $2,765
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07FAA559
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-03
Current End Date: 2026-05-03
Potential End Date: 2026-05-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-05
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