UNICOR awarded $1.2M contract for eyeglasses, highlighting federal prison industry's role in manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,000 ($12.0K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-11-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 333 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 ADA, UNICOR EYEGLASSES AIC EYEGLASSES
Place of Performance
Location: ANTHONY, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79821
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $12,000 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: FY26 ADA, UNICOR EYEGLASSES AIC EYEGLASSES Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison with similar federal procurements. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for specialized prison-based manufacturing. 3. Risk indicators include reliance on a single source for specialized goods. 4. Performance context is within the Bureau of Prisons' operational needs. 5. Sector positioning places this within the apparel and accessories manufacturing segment.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.2 million for eyeglasses appears reasonable given the specialized nature of production within a federal correctional facility. Benchmarking against commercial contracts for similar quantities and quality would provide a clearer picture of value. However, the unique operational environment and mission of UNICOR may influence pricing structures compared to typical commercial suppliers.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting an expectation of a relatively straightforward procurement process. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP typically aims for fair competition among eligible vendors. The use of SAP may imply that the scope was considered manageable for a broader range of potential suppliers, though the specialized nature of the product could limit participation.
Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP aims to ensure fair pricing for taxpayers by soliciting offers from multiple sources, even for smaller procurements.
Public Impact
Prison inmates gain vocational training and work experience in manufacturing. The Bureau of Prisons receives a supply of essential items for inmate use. This contract supports the federal prison system's mission of inmate rehabilitation and self-sufficiency. The manufacturing activity contributes to the operational budget of UNICOR, a self-sustaining federal entity.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited scalability if demand significantly increases beyond contract scope.
- Reliance on inmate labor introduces variability in skill and productivity.
- Ensuring consistent quality control within a correctional facility environment requires robust oversight.
Positive Signals
- Provides meaningful work and skills development for incarcerated individuals.
- Supports the federal government's goal of inmate rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
- UNICOR's mission aligns with providing cost-effective goods and services to federal agencies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader apparel and accessories manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on eyewear. UNICOR, as Federal Prison Industries, Inc., operates as a government-owned entity that provides goods and services to federal agencies, often utilizing inmate labor. This contract represents a specific instance of UNICOR fulfilling a demand within the federal supply chain, contributing to its self-sustaining operational model.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses. UNICOR's role as a federal prison industry means it operates outside the typical small business contracting ecosystem. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are unlikely to be a significant component of this specific contract, as the production is managed internally by UNICOR.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for UNICOR contracts typically falls under the purview of the Federal Prison Industries, Inc. board and the Department of Justice. The Bureau of Prisons also provides operational oversight. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases, and accountability is managed through performance metrics and contract compliance reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or significant mismanagement.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) Operations
- Bureau of Prisons Inmate Welfare Fund
- Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts for Apparel and Accessories
- Department of Justice Procurement
Risk Flags
- Potential quality control issues due to inmate labor.
- Production delays stemming from facility security or inmate availability.
- Limited scalability for significant demand surges.
Tags
other, department-of-justice, federal-prison-system, apparel-accessories-manufacturing, competed-under-sap, firm-fixed-price, bpa-call, texas, fy26
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $12,000 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. FY26 ADA, UNICOR EYEGLASSES AIC EYEGLASSES
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 $12,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for eyeglasses or similar optical goods procured by the federal government?
Historical spending on eyeglasses and similar optical goods by the federal government can be fragmented across various agencies and contract types. While UNICOR's contract represents a specific instance, other agencies might procure these items through Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), open market procurements, or other specialized contracts. Analyzing past spending requires aggregating data from multiple sources, considering factors like quantity, quality specifications, and delivery timelines. Trends might indicate shifts towards specific types of eyewear (e.g., safety glasses, prescription lenses) or changes in procurement strategies over time, influenced by inmate needs, rehabilitation program goals, and budget allocations.
How does the cost per unit for these UNICOR-produced eyeglasses compare to commercially available alternatives?
Directly comparing the per-unit cost of UNICOR-produced eyeglasses to commercial alternatives is complex due to differing cost structures and objectives. UNICOR's pricing incorporates factors such as inmate labor (which is typically compensated at a lower rate than market wages), vocational training costs, and the overhead associated with operating within a correctional facility. Commercial pricing, conversely, reflects market competition, standard labor rates, and profit margins. While UNICOR aims to be cost-effective, a precise benchmark requires detailed cost breakdowns from both UNICOR and comparable commercial manufacturers, considering identical specifications for materials, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance.
What are the primary risks associated with relying on inmate labor for manufacturing critical supplies like eyeglasses?
Relying on inmate labor for manufacturing critical supplies presents several risks. These include potential variability in skill levels and productivity, which can impact production timelines and quality consistency. There's also a risk associated with inmate turnover and the need for continuous training of new participants. Security protocols within correctional facilities can add complexity to operations and potentially slow down processes. Furthermore, ensuring adherence to stringent quality control standards requires robust oversight mechanisms to mitigate defects. Finally, public perception and ethical considerations surrounding the use of inmate labor can also pose reputational risks.
What is UNICOR's track record in fulfilling similar manufacturing contracts for federal agencies?
UNICOR, as Federal Prison Industries, Inc., has a long-standing track record of fulfilling manufacturing contracts for various federal agencies. Its mandate is to provide goods and services, thereby offering vocational training and employment to federal inmates. UNICOR produces a wide range of items, including textiles, electronics, furniture, and metal products. Performance on specific contracts can vary, but generally, UNICOR aims to meet government requirements for quality and delivery. Success is often measured by its ability to operate as a self-sustaining entity while providing meaningful work opportunities and contributing to the federal supply chain.
How does the 'competed under SAP' designation influence the potential for price discovery and overall value for taxpayers?
The 'competed under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) designation suggests that the procurement was conducted using streamlined processes intended for purchases below a certain dollar threshold (typically $250,000, though this can vary). While SAP aims for fair competition by encouraging offers from multiple sources, the limited scope and simplified nature of the process might not always yield the same level of price discovery as a full and open competition for larger contracts. For taxpayers, this means that while competition is sought, the potential for achieving the absolute lowest price might be constrained compared to more extensive bidding processes. However, SAP is designed to balance efficiency with reasonable competition for smaller procurements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
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: $12,000
Exercised Options: $12,000
Current Obligation: $12,000
Actual Outlays: $2,966
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
More Contracts from Federal Prison Industries, Inc
- 200509!005033!2100!w15p7t!usa Communications-Electronics !w15p7t05f0073 !A!N! !N! ! !20050629!20070228!624770475!626627459!626627459!y!unicor, Federal Prison Industr!320 1ST Street, N W !washington !dc!20534!50000!001!11!washington !district of Columbia !D.C. !+000097357327!n!n!000000000000!5985!antennas, Waveguides & Related Equipment !A7 !electronics and Communication Equip !000 !* !334290!E! !8! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $172.3M (Department of Defense)
- 200608!005038!2100!w15p7t!usa Communications-Electronics !w15p7t06dk210 !A!N! !N!0001 ! !20060615!20080614!624770475!626627459!626627459!y!unicor, Federal Prison Industr!320 1ST Street, N W !washington !dc!20534!50000!001!11!washington !district of Columbia !D.C. !+000045363716!n!n!000000000000!5340!miscellaneous Hardware !A7 !electronics and Communication Equip !000 !NOT Discernable !334220!E! !5!B!S! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $45.4M (Department of Defense)
- Letter Contract With Federal Prisons Industries to Procure Sincgars Installation Kits — $43.4M (Department of Defense)
- 200611!007165!2100!w15p7t!usa Communications-Electronics !w15p7t06f0045 !A!N! !N! ! !20060821!20071231!624770475!626627459!626627459!y!federal Prison Industries Inc !320 1ST ST NW !washington !dc!20534!50000!001!11!washington !district of Columbia !D.C. !+000009969333!n!n!000000000000!5935!connectors, Electrical !A7 !electronics and Communication Equip !000 !NOT Discernable !334220!E! !8! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $19.6M (Department of Defense)
- N/A — $16.1M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Justice Contracts
- Contractor Owned and Operated Existing Correctional Facility for Approximately 3,500 LOW Security Male Inmates — $794.5M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)
- Detention Services - SAN Diego — $776.9M (THE GEO Group, Inc.)
- CO: Telly Renfroe Award of NEW Task Order Base Year Initial Funding — $616.4M (AT&T Enterprises, LLC)
- TAS 151060 - Services for the Management and Operation of a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated, Correctional Facility for 2,567 Beds in Adams County, Mississippi — $574.3M (Corecivic, Inc.)
- Provide Services for the Management and Operation of a Correctional Facility in Accordance With Rfp-Pcc-0014 — $568.9M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)