DOJ's $827K contract for UNICOR ballistic vests awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,272 ($8.3K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-09
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 52 days
Daily Burn Rate: $159/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 E2 UNICOR BALLISTIC VESTS MAR 26
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $8,272 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: FY26 E2 UNICOR BALLISTIC VESTS MAR 26 Key points: 1. UNICOR, a government-owned entity, is the sole provider of these ballistic vests. 2. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting limited market impact. 3. Potential risks include lack of competitive pricing and limited innovation due to sole-source nature. 4. The apparel manufacturing sector is characterized by diverse suppliers, making this a unique case.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $827,200 for 52 weeks is difficult to benchmark without specific per-unit cost data. However, given the sole-source nature, it's challenging to assess if this represents competitive pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) to UNICOR, which operates as a sole-source provider for certain government needs. The lack of competition means pricing is not driven by market forces, potentially leading to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this purchase. While the amount is modest, the absence of competition means there's no assurance of the best possible price.
Public Impact
Ensures supply of essential protective gear for federal correctional officers. Supports the mission of the Federal Prison System by providing necessary equipment. Potential for job creation within the federal prison system's manufacturing operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Lack of transparency in cost-effectiveness.
- Potential for outdated technology if innovation is not prioritized.
Positive Signals
- Ensures a reliable supply chain for critical equipment.
- Supports federal inmate rehabilitation and work programs.
Sector Analysis
The Federal Prison System is procuring apparel accessories, specifically ballistic vests. While the apparel sector is broad, government-specific manufacturing entities like UNICOR often operate under unique procurement rules, limiting direct comparison to commercial benchmarks.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries, Inc.), a government-owned entity, not a small business. Therefore, there is no direct benefit or analysis related to small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Prison System is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight would focus on delivery timelines, quality control, and adherence to specifications. The sole-source nature might reduce the emphasis on price negotiation oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competitive pricing
- Potential for higher costs
- Limited transparency on value for money
Tags
apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-ma, department-of-justice, ky, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $8,272 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. FY26 E2 UNICOR BALLISTIC VESTS 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 $8,272.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the cost per ballistic vest and how does it compare to commercially available vests of similar quality?
The provided data does not include the quantity of vests or the total contract value broken down by unit. Therefore, a precise per-unit cost cannot be calculated. Without this, a direct comparison to commercially available vests is impossible, hindering an assessment of value for money.
What are the risks associated with relying on a sole-source provider like UNICOR for essential protective equipment?
The primary risk is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and potentially stifle innovation. If UNICOR's production capabilities or technology lag, it could impact the quality or availability of critical gear, posing a risk to personnel safety.
How effective is UNICOR in meeting the quality and delivery requirements for ballistic vests compared to other potential manufacturers?
Effectiveness is difficult to gauge without specific performance metrics or historical data on UNICOR's past contracts for ballistic vests. While they are mandated to provide certain goods, their ability to consistently meet stringent quality standards and delivery schedules against market alternatives remains an open question.
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: $8,272
Exercised Options: $8,272
Current Obligation: $8,272
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-09
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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