UNICOR's $4.3M inmate clothing contract awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. for FY26
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $43,150 ($43.1K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-03-01
End Date: 2026-04-07
Contract Duration: 37 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 C1 UNICOR JT-INMATE CLOTHING MAR 26
Place of Performance
Location: MARION, WILLIAMSON County, ILLINOIS, 62959
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $43,150 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: FY26 C1 UNICOR JT-INMATE CLOTHING MAR 26 Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding process. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single award under SAP, suggesting potential for limited market engagement. 3. Risk indicators include reliance on a single source for a specific need. 4. Performance context is tied to the operational needs of the Federal Prison System. 5. Sector positioning within apparel manufacturing for institutional use.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $4.3 million for inmate clothing appears reasonable given the scope of providing apparel for federal inmates. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for institutional clothing is challenging due to the unique nature of UNICOR's mission and its captive market. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. The pricing is likely influenced by UNICOR's internal cost structure and labor model, which may differ from commercial market rates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders. With three bids received, the competition level suggests some market interest but may not represent the full spectrum of potential suppliers. The limited competition could potentially impact price discovery, as a broader range of bids might have led to more aggressive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most aggressive pricing achievable through a wider, more open bidding process.
Public Impact
Federal inmates will receive necessary clothing, supporting rehabilitation and order within correctional facilities. The contract supports the operational requirements of the Federal Prison System. The primary geographic impact is within federal correctional institutions across the United States. This contract supports jobs within UNICOR's manufacturing facilities, which employ federal inmates.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
- Reliance on a single supplier for a critical need.
- Ensuring quality and timely delivery within a correctional environment.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential goods for inmate welfare.
- Supports the mission of the Federal Prison Industries.
- Firm-fixed-price contract offers budget predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the apparel manufacturing sector, specifically catering to institutional needs. The market for government-issued apparel is distinct, often involving specific requirements for durability, security, and cost-effectiveness. UNICOR, as a federal entity, operates within this niche, aiming to provide goods while also offering vocational training to inmates. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to UNICOR's unique operational model and its role as a government-owned entity.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR). There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within this specific award. The primary impact is on UNICOR's internal operations and inmate workforce, rather than the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Prison Industries, Inc. management structure and the Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures are inherent in the government-owned nature of UNICOR, which is tasked with providing goods and services to federal agencies. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific operational details may be internal to UNICOR.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) Operations
- Bureau of Prisons Inmate Support Services
- Government Apparel Procurement
Risk Flags
- Limited Competition
- Potential for Price Inefficiency
- Short Contract Duration
Tags
apparel-manufacturing, department-of-justice, federal-prison-system, purchase-order, competed-under-sap, firm-fixed-price, illinois, institutional-goods, inmate-support, unicor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $43,150 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. FY26 C1 UNICOR JT-INMATE CLOTHING MAR 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 $43,150.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-04-07.
What is the historical spending pattern for inmate clothing by the Federal Prison System?
Historical spending data for inmate clothing by the Federal Prison System (FPS) indicates a consistent need for these items to maintain operational order and inmate welfare. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on inmate population and contract awards, the FPS has historically allocated significant resources to procure essential apparel. UNICOR, as the primary provider for many of these needs, has been a consistent recipient of such contracts. Analyzing past contract values, durations, and the number of bidders can provide context for the current $4.3 million award. For instance, previous awards for similar quantities or types of inmate clothing might reveal trends in pricing and supplier engagement. Without access to detailed historical FPS procurement data specifically for inmate clothing outside of UNICOR's direct awards, a precise year-over-year comparison is limited. However, the sustained requirement suggests a stable, albeit potentially non-competitive, market segment driven by the unique demands of the correctional system.
How does the pricing of this UNICOR contract compare to commercial market rates for similar apparel?
Direct comparison of UNICOR's contract pricing to commercial market rates for similar apparel is complex due to UNICOR's unique operational model. UNICOR's mission includes providing vocational training and employment for federal inmates, which influences its cost structure. Labor costs are significantly lower than in the commercial sector, but overhead, security, and specialized manufacturing processes can offset some savings. Furthermore, the types of apparel required for inmates often prioritize durability and specific security features over fashion or premium materials found in commercial goods. Therefore, a dollar-for-dollar comparison may not be entirely accurate. However, government-wide purchasing power and the firm-fixed-price nature of this contract aim to ensure reasonable value. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing UNICOR's cost per unit against other government contracts for institutional or correctional facility apparel, if available, rather than standard retail pricing.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source or limited-competition contract?
The primary risks associated with this contract, awarded under SAP with three bids, lean towards potential price inefficiencies and limited innovation. While SAP is designed for smaller procurements, the limited number of bidders suggests that the government may not be achieving the most competitive pricing possible. This could lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully open and robust competition. Additionally, reliance on a limited pool of suppliers, even if more than one, can reduce pressure on the contractor to innovate in terms of product quality, material advancements, or delivery efficiencies. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in if future procurements continue to attract only a few bidders. Ensuring robust contract management and performance monitoring becomes crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives adequate value.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) in fulfilling similar government contracts?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) has a long-standing track record of fulfilling government contracts, particularly for goods and services required by federal agencies, including correctional facilities. As a government-owned entity, its primary mandate is to provide employment and training for federal inmates while supplying products and services to the government. UNICOR manufactures a wide range of products, including apparel, furniture, and electronics, and provides services like call centers and document management. Its performance history is generally characterized by its ability to meet the unique demands of government procurement, often at competitive price points due to its inmate labor model. However, like any large organization, UNICOR has faced scrutiny regarding efficiency, product quality, and pricing in the past. Its success in fulfilling this specific inmate clothing contract will depend on its established manufacturing capabilities and supply chain management for apparel production.
How does the duration and value of this contract align with typical procurements for inmate clothing?
This contract has a duration of 37 days (March 1, 2026, to April 7, 2026) with a value of $4.3 million. This short duration for a significant dollar amount suggests it might be an urgent requirement, a bridge contract, or a specific, time-bound need rather than a long-term, comprehensive apparel supply agreement. Typically, contracts for essential items like inmate clothing are awarded for longer periods, often one to five years, to ensure consistent supply and leverage economies of scale. The value itself, $4.3 million, is substantial and indicates a significant quantity of clothing is being procured. The short term might indicate a need to fulfill an immediate gap or a specific event, or it could be part of a larger, multi-award contract where this is just one delivery order. Further context on the overall program and previous contract durations would be needed for a definitive assessment.
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
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: $43,150
Exercised Options: $43,150
Current Obligation: $43,150
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-03-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-07
Potential End Date: 2026-04-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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