Federal Prison Industries awarded $702K contract for inmate clothing at FCI Elkton
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $70,203 ($70.2K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-06
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 177 days
Daily Burn Rate: $397/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INMATE CLOTHING FOR ISSUE TO THE INMATE POPULATION AT FCI ELKTON
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $70,203.28 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: INMATE CLOTHING FOR ISSUE TO THE INMATE POPULATION AT FCI ELKTON Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc., a government-owned entity. 2. The contract is for inmate clothing, a recurring need for correctional facilities. 3. The duration of the contract is approximately 177 days. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 5. The procurement was not competed under simplified acquisition procedures. 6. The geographic location for service delivery is Kentucky.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
This contract's value is difficult to assess without market benchmarks for inmate clothing. As it was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (a government-owned entity), direct price comparisons to commercial vendors are not readily available. The fixed-price nature provides some cost predictability, but the absence of competition raises questions about whether the government is achieving the best possible value. Further analysis would require understanding the cost structure of Federal Prison Industries and comparing it to potential commercial alternatives if the contract were competed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. without competition. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is a government-owned corporation that manufactures products and services for sale to the federal government. While this can streamline procurement for certain goods, it bypasses the competitive process that typically drives down prices and fosters innovation. The lack of bidders means there was no opportunity for other companies to offer their products or for the government to gauge market prices.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution due to the absence of competitive bidding. The government is relying on a single, government-owned provider without market validation of pricing.
Public Impact
Inmates at FCI Elkton will receive necessary clothing items. The contract supports the operational needs of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The primary beneficiaries are the incarcerated individuals requiring issued clothing. The services are delivered within Kentucky, impacting the local correctional facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- Reliance on a single supplier limits flexibility and potential cost savings.
- Absence of market benchmarking makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget certainty.
- Addresses a fundamental need for inmate welfare and facility operations.
- Utilizes a government-owned entity for supply, potentially aligning with federal objectives.
Sector Analysis
The apparel manufacturing sector is diverse, with numerous private companies capable of producing clothing. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR, operates within this sector, specifically serving federal government needs. This contract for inmate clothing falls under the broader category of apparel manufacturing. Benchmarking this specific contract's value is challenging without access to FPI's internal cost structures or a competitive bidding process. However, the overall federal spending on apparel and textiles for various agencies is substantial, with a significant portion often allocated to correctional facilities.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc., and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Consequently, small businesses are unlikely to benefit directly from this award or through subcontracting opportunities. The focus is on a government-owned entity, which typically does not engage small businesses in the same manner as a competitively awarded contract might.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a component of the Department of Justice. As a government-owned entity, Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is subject to various internal controls and reporting requirements. Transparency regarding the specific cost breakdown and profit margins of FPI is often limited compared to publicly traded companies. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice may have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any improprieties are suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) Contracts
- Bureau of Prisons Inmate Support Services
- Apparel and Textiles Procurement
- Correctional Facility Operations
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Lack of market benchmarking hinders value assessment.
- Potential for higher costs compared to a competitive procurement.
Tags
apparel, inmate-clothing, department-of-justice, bureau-of-prisons, federal-prison-industries, fci-elkton, kentucky, firm-fixed-price, sole-source, correctional-services, non-competed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $70,203.28 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. INMATE CLOTHING FOR ISSUE TO THE INMATE POPULATION AT FCI ELKTON
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 $70,203.28.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for inmate clothing at FCI Elkton or similar facilities?
Historical spending data for inmate clothing at FCI Elkton or similar Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities is not publicly detailed in a readily accessible format. However, correctional institutions consistently require a steady supply of clothing due to wear and tear, inmate turnover, and hygiene standards. Contracts for such items are typically recurring. The BOP manages a significant budget for inmate welfare, which includes clothing, food, and healthcare. Without specific historical data for this facility or a direct comparison to other BOP institutions procuring similar items, it's difficult to establish a precise spending trend. The current award of approximately $702,000 for a period of roughly six months suggests a consistent operational need.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to commercial market rates for similar apparel?
Direct comparison of this contract's pricing to commercial market rates is challenging because the awardee is Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), a government-owned entity. FPI's pricing structure may not directly reflect commercial market dynamics, as it operates under different cost considerations and mandates. Typically, contracts awarded through full and open competition allow for robust price benchmarking against multiple commercial vendors. In this sole-source scenario with FPI, the government does not have the benefit of competitive bids to validate pricing against the open market. Therefore, assessing whether the price is advantageous compared to commercial alternatives would require a detailed cost analysis of FPI's operations and a hypothetical comparison to bids from private apparel manufacturers.
What are the specific types and quantities of inmate clothing covered under this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'INMATE CLOTHING FOR ISSUE TO THE INMATE POPULATION AT FCI ELKTON.' However, it does not specify the exact types or quantities of clothing items included. Inmate clothing typically encompasses a range of items such as shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, and potentially specialized items depending on climate and security requirements. The total award amount of $702,03.28 over approximately 177 days suggests a significant volume of basic apparel. A detailed breakdown of specific items and their quantities would likely be found in the contract's statement of work or line item details, which are not included in the summary data.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. in supplying correctional facilities?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), operating as UNICOR, has a long-standing history of supplying goods and services to federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). FPI's mission is to provide work opportunities for federal inmates and to supply products and services to the government at competitive prices. They manufacture a wide array of products, including apparel, furniture, electronics, and provide services like document management and call center support. While FPI has been a consistent supplier, it has also faced scrutiny regarding pricing, product quality, and the extent to which its pricing truly reflects market competitiveness due to its non-competitive award status for many contracts. Its track record is characterized by fulfilling government needs while operating within a unique, government-mandated framework.
Are there any performance risks associated with this contract, given the sole-source award?
The primary performance risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for suboptimal value and quality due to the lack of competition. Without competing bids, there is less incentive for Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) to optimize its pricing or ensure the highest quality standards, as there are no alternative suppliers vying for the contract. Performance issues could arise if FPI faces production delays, quality control problems, or supply chain disruptions, and the BOP has limited recourse to switch providers within the contract period. While FPI is a government entity with established processes, the absence of market pressure inherent in competitive procurement introduces a degree of risk regarding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT 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: $70,203
Exercised Options: $70,203
Current Obligation: $70,203
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-06
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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