DOJ's $104K FY26 UNICOR Clothing Contract Awarded to Federal Prison Industries
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $104,183 ($104.2K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-05-08
End Date: 2026-05-08
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 C1 UNICOR CLOTHING
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $104,182.8 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: FY26 C1 UNICOR CLOTHING Key points: 1. Contract value is modest at $104,182.8. 2. UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) is the sole provider, limiting competition. 3. Risk is low due to the small contract value and established provider. 4. Spending is within the Apparel Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is small, making direct price comparison difficult. However, as a sole-source provider, UNICOR's pricing may not reflect market competition.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded to UNICOR, a government-owned entity that utilizes inmate labor. This limits competition significantly as it's a mandated source for certain goods.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to procure clothing, with the benefit of employing inmates and providing them with vocational skills.
Public Impact
Provides essential clothing for federal inmates. Supports the rehabilitation and vocational training mission of the Bureau of Prisons. Ensures a consistent supply chain for inmate apparel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for higher costs due to sole-source nature
Positive Signals
- Supports inmate rehabilitation programs
- Guaranteed supply of essential goods
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing sector. Spending in this area is generally stable, driven by institutional needs.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is awarded to a government-owned entity (UNICOR).
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily managed by the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons to ensure contract compliance and quality standards are met.
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
- Limited transparency on pricing structure
- Potential for higher costs compared to competitive market
Tags
apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-ma, department-of-justice, ky, bpa-call, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $104,182.8 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. FY26 C1 UNICOR CLOTHING
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 $104,182.8.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-08. End: 2026-05-08.
What is the cost-effectiveness of UNICOR clothing compared to commercial alternatives?
Direct cost-effectiveness comparisons are challenging due to UNICOR's sole-source status and mission-driven pricing. While inmate labor may reduce direct wage costs, overhead and specialized facilities contribute to overall expenses. A comprehensive analysis would require access to UNICOR's internal cost structures and a benchmark against similar commercial products, which is often not publicly available.
What are the risks associated with relying on a sole-source provider like UNICOR for inmate clothing?
The primary risk is the lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. Additionally, reliance on a single provider can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain if UNICOR faces production issues or capacity constraints. Quality control and responsiveness to changing needs might also be less dynamic compared to a competitive market.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the Bureau of Prisons' rehabilitation goals?
This contract directly supports the Bureau of Prisons' rehabilitation mission by providing meaningful work and vocational training opportunities for inmates. The skills learned in manufacturing apparel can enhance post-release employment prospects. The consistent production of essential clothing also contributes to maintaining order and a sense of normalcy within correctional facilities.
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: $104,183
Exercised Options: $104,183
Current Obligation: $104,183
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-08
Current End Date: 2026-05-08
Potential End Date: 2026-05-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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