Federal Prison Industries secures $739K contract for institutional clothing, serving the Bureau of Prisons
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $73,952 ($74.0K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $203/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INSTITUTIONAL CLOTHING FOR FCC COLEMAN CUSTSERV@CENTRAL.UNICOR.GOV
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $73,952 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: INSTITUTIONAL CLOTHING FOR FCC COLEMAN CUSTSERV@CENTRAL.UNICOR.GOV Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a government-owned entity, raising questions about market competition and efficiency. 2. Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty but may limit flexibility for evolving needs. 3. Sole-source award to Federal Prison Industries suggests a lack of broader market engagement. 4. Contract duration of one year with options indicates a short-term need or pilot program. 5. Focus on institutional clothing highlights a specific, recurring requirement within correctional facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $739,520 for institutional clothing over approximately one year appears reasonable for a government-specific supplier like Federal Prison Industries. Benchmarking against private sector apparel manufacturing for similar quantities and quality would be necessary for a definitive value assessment. However, the absence of open competition inherently limits the ability to ascertain the best possible price.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR), which operates as a government-owned entity. While the data indicates it was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), the award itself is to a single, government-affiliated entity. This suggests that either UNICOR is the only approved or capable provider for this specific type of institutional clothing, or that the procurement process was structured to favor this entity, limiting broader market competition.
Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award to a government entity like UNICOR means taxpayers do not benefit from the price discovery mechanisms inherent in open competition. While it ensures a supply chain, it potentially means higher costs than could be achieved through competitive bidding from the private sector.
Public Impact
Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive necessary institutional clothing, supporting daily operations and inmate welfare. The contract supports the Federal Prison Industries' mission to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for federal inmates. The primary beneficiaries are the Bureau of Prisons and the inmate population requiring standardized apparel. The geographic impact is primarily within Kentucky, where the contract is managed or fulfilled, and across the federal prison system where the clothing will be distributed.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of open competition may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
- Reliance on a single government-owned supplier could present risks if production or quality issues arise.
- Limited transparency in the pricing structure due to sole-source nature.
Positive Signals
- Ensures a consistent supply of essential institutional clothing for federal correctional facilities.
- Supports the rehabilitative mission of Federal Prison Industries by providing inmate work opportunities.
- Contract is firm-fixed-price, offering budget predictability for the Bureau of Prisons.
Sector Analysis
The apparel manufacturing sector is highly competitive, with numerous private companies capable of producing institutional clothing. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) operates within this sector but as a government-owned entity, it faces different market dynamics. This contract represents a specific niche within the broader apparel market, focusing on the unique requirements and procurement channels for correctional facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing contracts for similar uniform and apparel items awarded to private sector manufacturers by other government agencies or large institutions.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements that would specifically benefit small businesses. The focus is on fulfilling the needs of the Bureau of Prisons through a government-affiliated entity, rather than stimulating the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would fall under the Bureau of Prisons and potentially the Department of Justice's internal oversight mechanisms. As Federal Prison Industries is a government entity, its operations are subject to congressional oversight and audits by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award, but performance metrics and delivery schedules are typically monitored.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Contracts
- Bureau of Prisons Apparel Procurement
- Correctional Facility Supplies
- Government-Owned Manufacturing Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Potential for higher costs compared to open market.
- Lack of transparency in pricing justification.
Tags
apparel-manufacturing, department-of-justice, federal-prison-system, bureau-of-prisons, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, institutional-clothing, government-owned-contractor, kentucky, sap-procurement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $73,952 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. INSTITUTIONAL CLOTHING FOR FCC COLEMAN CUSTSERV@CENTRAL.UNICOR.GOV
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 $73,952.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for institutional clothing by the Federal Prison System?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for institutional clothing by the Federal Prison System (FPS) requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, the FPS procures a significant volume of apparel to meet the needs of its inmate population across numerous facilities. Spending can fluctuate based on inmate population size, clothing replacement cycles, and the specific types of garments required. Historically, contracts for such items have been awarded through various mechanisms, including competitive bidding and, in some cases, to government-affiliated entities like Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR). Without specific historical data, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but it is a consistent and substantial expenditure category for the agency, reflecting the ongoing operational requirements of managing federal prisons.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar institutional clothing contracts awarded to private sector vendors?
Direct comparison of pricing for this contract to similar institutional clothing contracts awarded to private sector vendors is challenging due to the sole-source nature of this award to Federal Prison Industries. Private sector contracts are typically subject to open competition, which generally drives prices down. Federal Prison Industries operates under a different model, balancing cost with its mission of inmate employment and training. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify private sector contracts for comparable quantities, quality standards, and garment types, and then adjust for potential differences in labor costs, overhead, and profit margins. Anecdotal evidence and GAO reports have sometimes suggested that UNICOR's pricing may not always be the most competitive compared to the private sector, underscoring the trade-offs between mission objectives and pure cost efficiency.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the performance of Federal Prison Industries under this contract?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for contracts with Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) typically focus on ensuring the timely delivery of goods that meet specified quality standards. For institutional clothing, these KPIs would likely include adherence to delivery schedules, defect rates (e.g., faulty stitching, incorrect sizing, fabric flaws), compliance with material specifications (e.g., durability, colorfastness), and order accuracy. The Bureau of Prisons would monitor these metrics to ensure that the clothing provided is suitable for inmate use and contributes to the safe and orderly operation of correctional facilities. Performance reviews would assess UNICOR's ability to consistently meet these requirements throughout the contract period, potentially influencing decisions on exercising options or renewing the contract.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries in fulfilling similar apparel contracts for the Bureau of Prisons?
Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) has a long-standing relationship with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), serving as a primary supplier for various inmate needs, including clothing. Their track record generally involves fulfilling a significant portion of the BOP's institutional clothing requirements. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are not publicly detailed, UNICOR's continued role suggests a capacity to meet the basic demands. However, like any large-scale supplier, there can be instances of performance issues related to quality control, delivery delays, or product suitability that have been raised in oversight reports over the years. The BOP's reliance on UNICOR indicates a level of trust in their ability to provide essential goods, albeit within a system that inherently lacks the competitive pressures of the open market.
Are there any identified risks associated with the sole-source nature of this contract award?
The primary risk associated with the sole-source nature of this contract award to Federal Prison Industries is the potential for reduced value for taxpayer money. Without competition, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price, potentially leading to higher costs than if the contract were competed among multiple private sector vendors. Another risk is a lack of innovation; a sole-source provider may have less incentive to invest in new materials or manufacturing processes that could improve quality or reduce long-term costs. Furthermore, reliance on a single supplier can create vulnerabilities. If Federal Prison Industries experiences production disruptions, quality control failures, or labor issues, it could directly impact the Bureau of Prisons' ability to procure essential clothing, potentially leading to shortages or the need for emergency, higher-cost procurements from alternative sources.
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: 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: $73,952
Exercised Options: $73,952
Current Obligation: $73,952
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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