DOJ's $3.17M Outer Vest Carrier Contract Awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,168 ($3.2K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-02-01
End Date: 2026-02-01
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 E2 UNICOR OUTER VEST CARRIER FEB 26
Place of Performance
Location: MARION, WILLIAMSON County, ILLINOIS, 62959
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $3,168.11 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: FY26 E2 UNICOR OUTER VEST CARRIER FEB 26 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in correctional facility apparel. 2. UNICOR's role as a sole-source provider for certain items warrants scrutiny of cost-effectiveness. 3. Limited competition due to UNICOR's unique position may impact price discovery. 4. Performance history of UNICOR in delivering apparel to federal agencies is a key indicator. 5. This contract aligns with the Bureau of Prisons' mission to provide essential goods to inmates. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of UNICOR's overhead.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to UNICOR's unique operational model and limited competition. While the firm-fixed-price contract aims for cost certainty, the absence of robust market competition means direct comparisons to commercial pricing are difficult. The value proposition hinges on UNICOR's ability to deliver quality products at a reasonable cost within its mandate, rather than through competitive market forces. Further analysis would require understanding UNICOR's internal cost structures and overhead.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), but UNICOR's status often leads to sole-source awards for specific product categories. While the data indicates it was 'competed under SAP,' the practical reality for many UNICOR procurements is that only UNICOR can fulfill the requirement due to its legislative mandate and operational setup. This limits the number of potential bidders to effectively one, impacting price discovery and potentially leading to higher costs than a fully open market.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most competitive pricing due to the inherent lack of broad market competition. While UNICOR aims to be cost-effective, the absence of multiple bids means there's less pressure to minimize costs compared to fully competed contracts.
Public Impact
Inmates within the federal prison system will benefit from the provision of essential outer vest carriers. The contract supports the Bureau of Prisons' operational needs for inmate clothing and equipment. Manufacturing is located in Illinois, potentially supporting local employment within the correctional industry. This contract contributes to the broader mission of providing necessary goods and services within federal correctional facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to sole-source nature of UNICOR contracts.
- Limited transparency into UNICOR's internal cost accounting and overhead.
- Dependence on a single entity for specialized apparel needs.
- Risk of production delays impacting timely delivery of essential items.
Positive Signals
- UNICOR's established role in supplying federal agencies provides a degree of reliability.
- Firm-fixed-price contract offers cost certainty for the government.
- Contract supports the operational mission of the Bureau of Prisons.
- Manufacturing within the US potentially supports domestic jobs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the apparel manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on specialized garments for institutional use. The market for such items is often characterized by government contracts, with entities like UNICOR playing a significant role. While the broader apparel market is highly competitive, niche segments like correctional facility wear have unique procurement dynamics. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature and UNICOR's unique position.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as UNICOR is a government-corporation. UNICOR's operations are intended to provide vocational training and employment for federal prisoners. While UNICOR may utilize subcontractors, the primary awardee is not a small business, and the contract itself is not set aside for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore indirect, primarily through UNICOR's own supply chain if any.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons. As UNICOR is a government-owned and operated entity, its operations are subject to internal oversight mechanisms and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General. Transparency is facilitated through contract awards and reporting, but detailed cost breakdowns may be less accessible compared to commercially competed contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Operations
- Bureau of Prisons Inmate Clothing and Equipment
- Department of Justice Correctional Facility Support
Risk Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Potential for non-competitive pricing
- Limited transparency in cost structure
Tags
justice, department-of-justice, federal-prison-system, bureau-of-prisons, unicor, apparel-manufacturing, firm-fixed-price, competed-under-sap, bpa-call, illinois, institutional-goods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $3,168.11 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. FY26 E2 UNICOR OUTER VEST CARRIER FEB 26
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 $3,168.11.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-02-01.
What is UNICOR's track record in delivering apparel contracts to the Bureau of Prisons?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) has a long-standing history of supplying goods and services to federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Its mandate is to provide employment and vocational training for federal inmates. UNICOR's track record typically involves fulfilling contracts for apparel, furniture, and other manufactured goods. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are not always publicly detailed, UNICOR's continued awards suggest a general ability to meet the BOP's requirements. However, like any large-scale manufacturer, there can be instances of delays or quality control issues, which are managed through contract administration and oversight by the BOP.
How does the pricing of this UNICOR contract compare to similar commercial offerings?
Direct comparison of pricing for this UNICOR contract to similar commercial offerings is challenging due to UNICOR's unique operational model and legislative mandate. UNICOR is not driven by profit maximization in the same way as private sector companies; its primary goals include inmate employment and rehabilitation. Consequently, its pricing structure may differ significantly. While the contract is firm-fixed-price, indicating cost certainty for the government, the absence of robust market competition means it's difficult to ascertain if the price reflects the lowest possible market rate. Benchmarking would require access to UNICOR's internal cost data and a thorough analysis of comparable, albeit limited, institutional apparel suppliers.
What are the primary risks associated with awarding contracts to UNICOR, particularly for apparel?
The primary risks associated with awarding contracts to UNICOR, especially for apparel, often revolve around competition and cost. As a quasi-sole-source provider for many items due to its mandate, the lack of competitive bidding can lead to prices that are not as low as they might be in a fully open market. There's also a risk related to production capacity and lead times; if UNICOR faces internal production challenges or capacity constraints, it could lead to delays in delivering essential items like vest carriers. Furthermore, transparency into UNICOR's cost structures and overhead can be less than that of private sector firms, making it harder to fully assess value for money. Finally, reliance on a single entity for critical supplies introduces supply chain risk.
How effective is the Bureau of Prisons in managing its contracts with UNICOR to ensure value and timely delivery?
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) manages its contracts with UNICOR through established contract administration processes. Effectiveness is generally assessed by the BOP's ability to secure necessary goods and services for its facilities. UNICOR's continued role suggests a functional, albeit not always optimal, relationship. The BOP works with UNICOR to define specifications, delivery schedules, and quality standards. Issues related to delivery or quality are typically addressed through contract clauses and direct communication. While the BOP aims to ensure value, the inherent limitations in competition with UNICOR mean that 'value' is often defined within the context of UNICOR's mandate rather than pure market efficiency. Oversight mechanisms are in place, but the unique nature of UNICOR requires a specific approach to contract management.
What has been the historical spending trend for similar outer vest carriers or related apparel by the Bureau of Prisons?
Historical spending data for specific items like 'outer vest carriers' from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) can be difficult to isolate without detailed contract databases. However, UNICOR has consistently been a significant supplier of apparel and related items to the BOP over many years. Annual spending by the BOP on inmate clothing and equipment, including items like carriers, likely runs into the millions of dollars, reflecting the large inmate population. Trends would show a steady demand for these essential items, with spending fluctuating based on appropriation levels, inmate population changes, and specific procurement needs. The value of individual contracts, like this $3.17M award, contributes to the overall annual expenditure on inmate necessities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing › Men’s and Boys’ Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 3
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: $3,168
Exercised Options: $3,168
Current Obligation: $3,168
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS22A00000074
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-01
Current End Date: 2026-02-01
Potential End Date: 2026-02-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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