GSA awards $1.37M for emergency equipment forms to Federal Prison Industries, a sole-source contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,710 ($13.7K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-08
End Date: 2026-06-07
Contract Duration: 60 days
Daily Burn Rate: $229/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Other
Official Description: OF 297, "EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET".
Place of Performance
Location: LEAVENWORTH, LEAVENWORTH County, KANSAS, 66048
State: Kansas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $13,710 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: OF 297, "EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET". Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single source limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers. 2. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces risk of cost overruns due to market fluctuations. 3. The contract duration of 60 days for a delivery order is relatively short, suggesting a specific, immediate need. 4. The product, 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET', is a specific form, indicating a niche requirement. 5. The awarding agency, GSA, is responsible for managing federal procurement and property. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 323116 points to the commercial printing industry.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Benchmarking the value for this specific delivery order is challenging without comparable contract data for 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET' forms. However, the sole-source nature of the award raises concerns about whether the government received the best possible price. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) is often the sole provider for certain manufactured goods, which can lead to prices that are not market-driven. Further analysis would require comparing the unit price of these forms to similar custom-printed forms from commercial vendors, considering the specific printing requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR). This means that the contract was not competed among multiple vendors. While UNICOR is mandated to provide certain products to federal agencies, the lack of competition means that the government did not explore potential savings or alternative solutions that might have been available from other commercial printers. This approach bypasses the standard competitive procurement process designed to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not benefit from competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher expenditures for government-issued forms. The absence of competition removes the incentive for vendors to offer their lowest prices.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the federal government, specifically agencies requiring 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET' forms for operational documentation. The service delivered is the printing and provision of specialized business forms. The geographic impact is likely limited to the locations where these forms are utilized by federal agencies, with the printing potentially occurring at a Federal Prison Industries facility. There are no direct workforce implications for the public, as this is a contract for goods rather than services requiring external labor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing benefits for taxpayers.
- Economic price adjustment clause introduces potential for cost increases beyond initial estimates.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to non-competitive award.
Positive Signals
- Ensures availability of a specific form required for emergency equipment operations.
- Utilizes a government-mandated entity (Federal Prison Industries) for product provision.
- Contract is for a fixed duration, allowing for periodic re-evaluation of needs.
Sector Analysis
The commercial printing industry (NAICS 323116) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in printing by digital, offset, gravure, or flexographic methods, and may or may not offer related services such as finishing, die-cutting, or embossing. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) operates within this sector, often fulfilling government requirements for forms and other printed materials. The market for government forms can be specialized, with agencies often relying on specific vendors or mandated sources for continuity and compliance. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar custom-printed forms would typically be found within GSA's Schedules or through competitive solicitations in the commercial printing sector.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR), which is not a small business. As a sole-source award, there are no subcontracting opportunities for small businesses directly related to this specific contract award. The nature of the product (specialized forms) also suggests that it is unlikely to be a significant area for small business set-asides within the broader printing industry, although small businesses do compete for printing contracts under different circumstances.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would fall under the purview of the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA is responsible for ensuring that contracts are awarded and administered in accordance with federal regulations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. Accountability measures would involve GSA's contract officers monitoring performance and adherence to the contract terms, including the economic price adjustment provisions. There is no specific mention of an Inspector General's direct involvement for this particular delivery order, but GSA's Office of Inspector General could investigate if specific concerns arise.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Products
- GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
- Commercial Printing Services
- Government Forms Procurement
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Economic Price Adjustment clause
- Lack of competitive bidding
Tags
gsa, federal-prison-industries, sole-source, printing, forms, delivery-order, fixed-price-economic-price-adjustment, kansas, emergency-equipment, other
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $13,710 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. OF 297, "EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET".
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 $13,710.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-06-07.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) in delivering similar emergency equipment forms?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) has a long history of supplying various manufactured goods and services to federal agencies, including printed materials. Their mandate is to provide employment and job training for federal prisoners. While they are a consistent supplier for many government needs, specific performance data on 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET' forms is not readily available in the public domain. Reviews and past performance information are typically held within agency procurement files. However, as a sole-source provider for certain items, their delivery is often guaranteed, though not necessarily at the most competitive price point compared to the open market.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to market rates for similar printing services?
Direct comparison of pricing is difficult due to the sole-source nature of this award and the specificity of the 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET' form. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) pricing is not always benchmarked against the commercial market in the same way competitive contracts are. Typically, UNICOR's pricing is established based on its internal cost structure, including labor (inmate wages), materials, and overhead, with a mandated profit margin. To assess value, one would need to obtain quotes from commercial printers for a comparable form, considering factors like paper quality, print complexity, quantity, and delivery timelines. Without such a comparison, it's challenging to definitively state if the price is above, at, or below market rates.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for emergency equipment forms?
The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract are related to cost and potential lack of innovation. Firstly, the absence of competition means the government may be paying a premium for these forms, as there was no opportunity to solicit bids from multiple vendors to drive down prices. Secondly, the 'Economic Price Adjustment' (EPA) clause introduces risk; if the cost of raw materials (like paper or ink) increases significantly during the contract period, the final price paid by the government will also increase, potentially exceeding initial budget estimates. Lastly, there's a risk of complacency from the supplier, as there is no competitive pressure to improve efficiency or product quality.
What is the historical spending pattern for 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET' forms or similar items by the General Services Administration?
Historical spending data specifically for 'EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHIFT TICKET' forms by the General Services Administration (GSA) is not publicly detailed in a readily accessible format. GSA procures a vast array of supplies and services. Contracts for specific forms are often issued as delivery orders against larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or through specific solicitations. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) is a frequent supplier for many government-mandated items, including forms. Analyzing GSA's overall spending on printing and forms (NAICS 323116) would show significant aggregate figures, but isolating spending on this particular form requires delving into specific contract awards, which are often sole-source or limited competition for items like these.
How does the contract's fixed-price nature with economic price adjustment impact budget certainty?
A fixed-price contract generally offers budget certainty, as the base price is set. However, the inclusion of an 'Economic Price Adjustment' (EPA) clause introduces an element of uncertainty. The EPA allows for adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, typically the cost of raw materials or labor. While this protects the contractor from unforeseen cost increases, it means the final cost to the government is not entirely fixed. The extent of budget impact depends on the volatility of the underlying economic indicators and the specific terms of the EPA clause. For a short-duration contract like this (60 days), the potential for significant price swings might be limited, but it still introduces a variable cost element.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Printing and Related Support Activities › Manifold Business Forms Printing
Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES
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, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,710
Exercised Options: $13,710
Current Obligation: $13,710
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07FW0013
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-06-07
Potential End Date: 2026-06-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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