UNICOR awarded $6.87M contract for prescription eyewear, supporting federal inmate rehabilitation and manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,873 ($6.9K)
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: $19/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: B1-FY26 UNICOR PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR
Place of Performance
Location: SALTERS, WILLIAMSBURG County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29590
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $6,873 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: B1-FY26 UNICOR PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide essential eyewear to federal inmates, contributing to correctional facility operations. 2. UNICOR's role as a federal prison industry highlights a unique model of inmate labor and vocational training. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure offers cost certainty for the government. 4. Competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests a streamlined procurement process. 5. The contract duration of one year with potential for renewal indicates ongoing need. 6. Performance is tied to the Bureau of Prisons' operational requirements and inmate welfare.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $6.87 million for prescription eyewear over one year appears reasonable given the specialized nature of providing goods within a correctional system. Benchmarking against commercial contracts is challenging due to the unique operational context. However, the fixed-price nature helps control costs. The value is derived not only from the product but also from the rehabilitative mission it supports.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition than full and open procedures. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP is generally used for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold or for those where competition is deemed limited. This approach can lead to faster award but may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to broader solicitations.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not benefit from the most aggressive pricing achievable through wider market engagement. However, the streamlined process could reduce administrative costs.
Public Impact
Federal inmates requiring prescription eyewear will receive necessary vision correction, improving their quality of life and potentially aiding in rehabilitation programs. The Bureau of Prisons benefits from a reliable source of essential optical goods, supporting inmate management and well-being. The contract supports UNICOR's mission to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for federal prisoners. Manufacturing operations within federal correctional facilities are sustained, contributing to the operational capacity of the prison system. The primary geographic impact is within federal correctional institutions nationwide where inmates require these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited price competition due to SAP procurement.
- Reliance on a single source (UNICOR) for manufacturing may limit future innovation or cost reduction opportunities if not managed effectively.
- Ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery within a correctional environment presents unique logistical challenges.
Positive Signals
- Supports the government's mission to provide essential services to inmates.
- Leverages existing federal infrastructure (UNICOR) for manufacturing and employment.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
- Contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services.
Sector Analysis
The market for prescription eyewear is substantial, with significant commercial activity. However, this contract operates within a niche sector: government-provided goods and services for correctional facilities. UNICOR, as a federal prison industry, occupies a unique position, aiming to balance cost-effectiveness with its rehabilitative mandate. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of inmate services and the unique procurement vehicle.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as UNICOR is a federal entity. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly indicated within the provided data. The primary impact is on the federal prison system's internal operations rather than the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) within the Department of Justice. The BOP is responsible for ensuring contract compliance, quality of goods, and adherence to delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Operations
- Bureau of Prisons Inmate Welfare Fund
- Federal Correctional Institution Services
- Government Manufacturing Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to SAP.
- Quality control in a correctional manufacturing setting.
- Logistical challenges of delivery within federal prisons.
Tags
correctional-services, inmate-welfare, manufacturing, eyewear, department-of-justice, bureau-of-prisons, unicor, firm-fixed-price, competed-under-sap, simplified-acquisition, federal-prison-system, south-carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $6,873 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. B1-FY26 UNICOR PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR
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 $6,873.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is UNICOR's track record in fulfilling similar contracts for correctional facilities?
UNICOR, formally Federal Prison Industries, Inc., has a long-standing mission to provide vocational training and employment for federal inmates through manufacturing and service contracts. Its track record involves producing a wide range of goods, including apparel, furniture, and electronics, for government agencies. While specific performance data for prescription eyewear contracts isn't detailed here, UNICOR's overall operation is geared towards meeting government needs within the unique constraints of the correctional environment. Challenges can include inmate labor turnover, security protocols, and balancing production efficiency with rehabilitative goals. Success is often measured by the ability to provide goods at a reasonable cost while offering meaningful work experience to inmates.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to commercial market rates for prescription eyewear?
Direct comparison of this contract's pricing to commercial market rates for prescription eyewear is complex. Commercial markets benefit from economies of scale, advanced retail logistics, and direct consumer competition, often leading to lower prices for comparable items. UNICOR operates within a closed system, incurring different cost structures related to inmate labor, security, and specialized facility overhead. The $6.87 million value over one year for federal inmates should be assessed against the total cost of providing such services within the Bureau of Prisons, including the rehabilitative mission, rather than solely against retail optical shop prices. The firm-fixed-price nature aims to cap government expenditure.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include potential disruptions in production due to inmate labor issues (turnover, disciplinary actions), quality control challenges in a manufacturing environment, and delivery delays stemming from correctional facility logistics. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust quality assurance processes by UNICOR, clear performance standards in the contract, and close coordination between UNICOR and the Bureau of Prisons. The firm-fixed-price structure mitigates financial risk for the government by setting a ceiling on costs. The one-year base duration allows for reassessment if significant performance issues arise.
How effective is the UNICOR model in achieving its dual mission of inmate rehabilitation and cost-effective government procurement?
The effectiveness of the UNICOR model is a subject of ongoing debate. Proponents highlight its success in providing inmates with marketable skills, reducing recidivism, and offering a source of employment that contributes to prison industries. Critics often point to higher costs compared to commercial alternatives and questions about the true marketability of skills learned. For this specific contract, effectiveness would be measured by the number of inmates trained and employed, the quality and timeliness of eyewear provided, and whether the cost aligns with the overall value proposition of inmate labor and rehabilitation within the federal prison system.
What are the historical spending patterns for prescription eyewear within the federal prison system?
Historical spending data specifically for prescription eyewear procured by the Federal Prison System (part of the Department of Justice) is not detailed in the provided information. However, the recurring nature of inmate needs suggests a consistent requirement. UNICOR's involvement indicates a strategic decision to leverage internal manufacturing capabilities for such items. Annual spending would likely fluctuate based on inmate population size, the condition of existing eyewear, and specific program initiatives. The $6.87 million award for FY26 suggests a significant, ongoing budget allocation for this necessity.
What is the significance of the contract being 'Competed Under SAP'?
The designation 'Competed Under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) signifies that this contract was procured under regulations designed for smaller purchases, typically those below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000, though specific agency rules can vary). For a contract valued at $6.87 million, this designation is unusual and might indicate specific circumstances or a misunderstanding in the data provided, as SAP is generally for much smaller procurements. If accurate, it implies a less rigorous competition process than full and open bidding, potentially involving fewer bidders and less extensive documentation, aimed at achieving faster acquisition. This could impact price competitiveness and transparency.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
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: $6,873
Exercised Options: $6,873
Current Obligation: $6,873
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
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: 2026-04-03
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