Justice Department awards $250K for inmate eyeglasses, utilizing a competed contract vehicle
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,000 ($25.0K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-08
End Date: 2026-07-15
Contract Duration: 98 days
Daily Burn Rate: $255/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INMATE EYEGLASSES FY26
Place of Performance
Location: DANBURY, FAIRFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06811
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $25,000 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: INMATE EYEGLASSES FY26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) for inmate eyeglasses. 2. The contract is a firm-fixed-price call against a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). 3. Procurement was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller dollar amounts. 4. The contract duration is 98 days, indicating a short-term need for the specified items. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 315990 points to apparel accessories manufacturing. 6. This award represents a small portion of overall federal spending on correctional services and inmate support.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $250,000 for inmate eyeglasses over approximately three months is difficult to benchmark without specific unit counts and quality specifications. As a firm-fixed-price contract, the government has locked in the cost, but the value for money depends on the quality and quantity of eyeglasses provided. Given the award to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR), a government-owned entity, pricing may not be directly comparable to commercial market rates, as UNICOR has a mandate to employ federal prisoners. Further analysis would require understanding the per-unit cost and comparing it to similar correctional facility procurements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which generally allows for full and open competition for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, the use of SAP implies that multiple sources could have been solicited. The competition level, even under SAP, is intended to ensure fair pricing and encourage multiple vendors to offer their products or services. The fact that it was competed suggests that UNICOR was not the sole provider considered.
Taxpayer Impact: Competing the contract, even under SAP, helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price discovery and potentially leading to more competitive pricing compared to a sole-source award.
Public Impact
Federal inmates will receive necessary vision correction through the provision of eyeglasses. The Bureau of Prisons, part of the Department of Justice, is the primary beneficiary of this contract. Services are delivered within federal correctional facilities, impacting inmates nationwide. The contract supports the operational needs of the federal prison system by ensuring inmates have essential items.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited contract duration may indicate a need for ongoing, potentially higher-cost, future procurements.
- Lack of detailed specifications for the eyeglasses makes it difficult to assess quality and long-term value.
- Reliance on a single awardee for a specific need could limit future competitive opportunities if not managed strategically.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under a competed process, indicating potential for competitive pricing.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Procurement through a BPA call streamlines the acquisition process for this specific need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader apparel accessories manufacturing sector, specifically serving a niche government requirement for correctional facilities. The federal prison system represents a significant, albeit specialized, market for various goods and services. Spending on inmate support items like eyeglasses is a recurring necessity for the Bureau of Prisons. While the dollar amount is relatively small, it is part of a larger ecosystem of contracts supporting the operational needs of federal correctional institutions.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside, as it was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR), a government-owned entity. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on fulfilling the direct need of the Bureau of Prisons, rather than specifically promoting small business participation through this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to the oversight of the Department of Justice and the Federal Prison System. As a firm-fixed-price contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, oversight would focus on ensuring delivery of goods as specified and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) Contracts
- Bureau of Prisons Inmate Welfare Programs
- Department of Justice Correctional Services
- Apparel and Accessories Manufacturing Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for quality control issues with mass-produced eyewear.
- Dependence on a single supplier (UNICOR) for a critical inmate need.
- Short contract duration may necessitate frequent re-procurement.
Tags
justice-department, federal-prison-system, inmate-services, eyeglasses, competed, bpa-call, firm-fixed-price, simplified-acquisition, apparel-accessories, connecticut, small-dollar-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $25,000 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. INMATE EYEGLASSES FY26
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 $25,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-15.
What is the typical track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) in fulfilling similar contracts for correctional facility supplies?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) has a long history of providing goods and services to federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons. Their mandate is to employ federal prisoners, which can influence their pricing and operational structure compared to purely commercial entities. While they aim to provide quality products, past performance reviews and contract closeouts would offer a more detailed picture of their reliability in terms of delivery timelines, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Specific to eyeglasses, their experience would involve understanding the unique requirements and durability standards needed for an institutional setting. Analyzing past contracts with similar scope and value awarded to UNICOR would provide a clearer benchmark for assessing their capability and potential risks associated with this specific award.
How does the per-unit cost of these inmate eyeglasses compare to market rates for similar products?
Determining the exact per-unit cost for these inmate eyeglasses is challenging without knowing the quantity ordered and the specific quality standards (e.g., frame material, lens type, durability features). Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) operates under a unique mandate, which may result in pricing structures different from commercial manufacturers. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify the total number of eyeglasses to be procured under the $250,000 award and then divide to find the average per-unit cost. This figure could then be benchmarked against prices for comparable eyeglasses purchased by state or local correctional facilities, or even bulk commercial purchases, considering factors like prescription complexity and frame robustness required for an institutional environment.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Primary risks for this contract include potential issues with the quality and durability of the eyeglasses, delivery delays impacting inmate vision care, and the possibility that the fixed price may not adequately cover unforeseen production costs for UNICOR, potentially leading to future requests for modification or impacting their ability to fulfill subsequent orders. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price structure, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor, and the use of a competed BPA call, which implies some level of vetting and competition. The short contract duration (98 days) also limits the exposure to long-term risks. The Bureau of Prisons would typically have quality assurance personnel to inspect the delivered goods and ensure they meet specifications, and contract officers to manage performance and address any deviations.
What is the historical spending pattern for inmate eyeglasses within the Federal Prison System?
Historical spending on inmate eyeglasses within the Federal Prison System (FPS) can be analyzed by examining past contract awards for similar items over several fiscal years. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for contracts issued by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for 'eyeglasses,' 'ophthalmic goods,' or related terms. Analyzing the total dollar amounts, contract types, awardees, and quantities over time would reveal trends in spending. Understanding this historical context is crucial to determine if the current $250,000 award for FY26 is consistent with previous spending levels, represents an increase or decrease, and whether it aligns with fluctuations in the inmate population or changes in procurement strategies. Significant deviations from historical patterns might warrant further investigation into the underlying causes.
How does the use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this procurement?
Utilizing a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call, as in this case, generally enhances procurement efficiency and cost-effectiveness for recurring needs. A BPA establishes pre-negotiated terms, conditions, and pricing for a broad range of products or services, allowing agencies to place orders against it quickly and easily. A 'call' or 'order' against the BPA then formalizes a specific purchase. This method streamlines the acquisition process by reducing the administrative burden associated with individual contract actions, potentially leading to faster delivery times. For taxpayers, it can result in cost savings through pre-negotiated volume discounts or established fair pricing, assuming the underlying BPA was competitively established and offers good value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 15BFA025Q00000134
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: $25,000
Exercised Options: $25,000
Current Obligation: $25,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-07-15
Potential End Date: 2026-07-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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