Federal Prison Industries contract for apparel manufacturing awarded at nearly $60 million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $59,928 ($59.9K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-06-05
End Date: 2026-06-05
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: C1- MATTRESSES & KHAKI SHIRTS
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $59,927.88 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: C1- MATTRESSES & KHAKI SHIRTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on apparel manufacturing, a core competency of Federal Prison Industries. 2. The contract value is substantial, indicating significant demand for these products. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a streamlined procurement process. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 5. The single award indicates a specific need or a competitive process that favored one bidder. 6. The contract duration is one year, allowing for regular reassessment of needs and performance.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific product details and quantities. However, the nearly $60 million award for apparel and accessories suggests a significant volume of goods. Given that the contractor is Federal Prison Industries, a government-owned entity, the pricing may not be directly comparable to commercial market rates. The fixed-price structure offers predictability, but the ultimate value for money depends on the quality and utility of the manufactured goods for the Bureau of Prisons.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was competed under SAP, which typically involves simplified procedures for smaller dollar value procurements. The specific competition level (e.g., number of bidders, type of competition) is not detailed in the provided data. However, the fact that it was competed suggests that multiple sources were considered or that it was offered under a mechanism allowing for competition, even if limited. The award to a single entity implies that either only one offer was received, or one offer was deemed most advantageous.
Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP aims to ensure fair pricing, but the limited information makes it difficult to definitively assess the impact on taxpayer savings. A more transparent competition process would provide greater assurance of optimal value.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Prison System and the Bureau of Prisons, receiving essential apparel and accessories. The contract supports the operational needs of correctional facilities across the country. It contributes to the employment and vocational training of inmates within the Federal Prison Industries program. The contract ensures a consistent supply of uniforms and related items for correctional staff and inmates.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition information makes it difficult to assess if taxpayers received the best possible price.
- The reliance on a single supplier, even if government-owned, could limit future innovation or cost reduction opportunities.
- The specific nature of the goods (mattresses and shirts) might have limited the pool of potential bidders if not exclusively manufactured by FPI.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes a government-owned entity (Federal Prison Industries) for manufacturing, potentially aligning with public policy goals.
- The fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the procuring agency.
- The contract supports the mission of the Bureau of Prisons by ensuring necessary supplies.
- The procurement method (SAP) suggests an efficient process for acquiring goods.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing sector. This sector is characterized by the production of clothing and related items. Federal Prison Industries, as the contractor, operates within a unique niche, leveraging inmate labor to produce goods for government use. Comparable spending in this sector for government contracts can vary widely based on the specific items, quantities, and agencies involved. The market size for government-specific apparel is substantial, driven by the needs of various federal agencies, including law enforcement and correctional services.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus for this contract, as indicated by 'sb': false. Federal Prison Industries is a government corporation, not a small business. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This contract does not appear to be set aside for small businesses, and its execution by Federal Prison Industries likely means no direct subcontracting opportunities for the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the purview of the Bureau of Prisons, the contracting agency. As a contract awarded to Federal Prison Industries, there may be additional internal oversight mechanisms within the Federal Prison System. Transparency is moderate, as the award is publicly listed, but detailed performance metrics and pricing breakdowns are not readily available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries Manufacturing Programs
- Bureau of Prisons Correctional Operations
- Department of Justice Procurement
Risk Flags
- Limited competition transparency
- Potential for supply chain inflexibility
- Dependence on government-mandated supplier
Tags
apparel, manufacturing, federal-prison-industries, bureau-of-prisons, department-of-justice, competed, fixed-price, simplified-acquisition, apparel-accessories, uniforms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $59,927.88 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. C1- MATTRESSES & KHAKI SHIRTS
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 $59,927.88.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-06-05. End: 2026-06-05.
What is the historical spending trend for similar apparel contracts with Federal Prison Industries?
Analyzing historical spending trends for similar apparel contracts with Federal Prison Industries requires access to historical contract databases. However, Federal Prison Industries (FPI) operates under a mandate to provide goods and services to federal agencies, often at competitive prices. Their annual sales figures and contract awards can provide a broader context. For instance, if FPI's total revenue from apparel consistently hovers around this contract's value, it suggests a stable demand. Conversely, significant fluctuations might indicate changes in agency needs, product offerings, or FPI's production capacity. Without specific historical data for this exact product category, it's difficult to pinpoint a precise trend, but FPI's overall business model suggests a consistent, albeit potentially variable, level of government demand for its manufactured goods.
How does the pricing of these mattresses and shirts compare to commercial market rates?
Directly comparing the pricing of mattresses and shirts procured from Federal Prison Industries (FPI) to commercial market rates is complex. FPI's pricing is influenced by its unique operational model, which includes utilizing inmate labor, potentially lowering direct labor costs compared to commercial manufacturers. However, FPI also incurs operational, material, and administrative costs. The 'value for money' is often assessed not just on price but also on the social mission of employing inmates and providing vocational training. Commercial market rates for similar quality goods can vary significantly based on brand, materials, and volume. To perform a true benchmark, one would need to identify comparable commercial products and then factor in potential differences in quality, durability, and the indirect benefits associated with FPI's mission. The provided data does not include specific unit costs or detailed product specifications to facilitate such a comparison.
What are the specific performance metrics and quality standards for the apparel and accessories being procured?
The provided data does not specify the exact performance metrics or quality standards for the mattresses and khaki shirts. Typically, government contracts include detailed specifications outlining requirements for materials, dimensions, durability, colorfastness, and other quality attributes. For apparel, this would include fabric composition, stitching quality, sizing accuracy, and resistance to wear and washing. For mattresses, specifications might cover materials, firmness, dimensions, and fire retardancy. These standards are crucial for ensuring the goods meet the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons and provide adequate comfort and utility. Without these details, it is challenging to assess the quality aspect of the contract beyond the general reputation of Federal Prison Industries' manufacturing capabilities.
What is the risk associated with relying on Federal Prison Industries for essential supplies like apparel?
The primary risk associated with relying on Federal Prison Industries (FPI) for essential supplies like apparel is potential supply chain disruption or limitations in product variety and innovation. While FPI is a government entity designed to meet federal needs, its production capacity and product lines are finite. If demand surges unexpectedly or if FPI faces internal operational challenges (e.g., labor availability, material sourcing), it could lead to shortages. Furthermore, FPI's product development may not always align with the latest commercial trends or specialized requirements that commercial vendors might offer. However, the benefit of using FPI often includes cost predictability and supporting a public policy objective. The risk is generally considered manageable for standard items like uniforms, given FPI's established role and infrastructure.
How does this contract contribute to the vocational training and rehabilitation goals of the Bureau of Prisons?
This contract directly supports the vocational training and rehabilitation goals of the Bureau of Prisons by providing meaningful employment opportunities for inmates through Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Inmates involved in the manufacturing process gain practical skills in areas such as sewing, material handling, quality control, and production management. This hands-on experience can enhance their employability upon release, reducing recidivism rates. The program aims to equip inmates with marketable skills, fostering a sense of responsibility and discipline. By producing essential goods for the government, inmates contribute to the operational needs of the federal prison system while simultaneously working towards their personal and professional development.
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: $59,928
Exercised Options: $59,928
Current Obligation: $59,928
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-06-05
Current End Date: 2026-06-05
Potential End Date: 2026-06-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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