Federal Prison Industries contract for inmate clothing and hygiene supplies awarded for over $101,000
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $101,790 ($101.8K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-08
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 175 days
Daily Burn Rate: $582/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INMATE CLOTHING, BEDDING AND HYGIENE.
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $101,790.49 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: INMATE CLOTHING, BEDDING AND HYGIENE. Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of inmate supplies. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single award, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the established nature of the supplier and product. 4. Performance context is within the standard operational needs of correctional facilities. 5. Sector positioning is within the manufacturing and supply chain for correctional institutions.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $101,790.49 for inmate clothing, bedding, and hygiene products is modest. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging due to the specific nature of correctional facility needs and the sole-source supplier. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests predictable costs for the government. Without more granular data on unit prices or comparison to commercial equivalents, a definitive value assessment is difficult, but it appears to meet a necessary operational requirement.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. (FPI), also known as UNICOR. FPI is a government corporation that utilizes inmate labor to manufacture and procure products and services for the federal government. As a sole-source provider for many of its product lines, competition is inherently limited. This limits the government's ability to solicit bids from multiple vendors and potentially achieve lower prices through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature means taxpayers do not benefit from competitive pricing that could arise from an open market solicitation. While FPI aims to be cost-effective, the lack of competition removes a key mechanism for ensuring the lowest possible price.
Public Impact
Benefits correctional facilities by providing essential supplies for inmate well-being and facility operations. Services delivered include the provision of clothing, bedding, and hygiene items. Geographic impact is national, supporting federal prisons across the United States. Workforce implications involve the utilization of inmate labor within FPI's manufacturing processes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher prices than available on the open market.
- Reliance on a single supplier could create supply chain vulnerabilities if FPI faces production issues.
- Transparency in pricing and cost structures may be less than in a fully competed contract.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes inmate labor, contributing to rehabilitation programs and reducing recidivism.
- Provides a stable and reliable source of essential goods for federal correctional institutions.
- FPI is a government entity, potentially offering greater accountability and alignment with federal objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader apparel and textile manufacturing sector, specifically serving the niche market of correctional facility supplies. The federal government is a significant purchaser of goods and services for its correctional system. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain secure and humane conditions for inmates. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique sourcing requirements and the role of Federal Prison Industries.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR), which is a government corporation and not a small business. There is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements associated with this specific award. Therefore, this contract does not directly impact the small business ecosystem or provide opportunities for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of Federal Prison Industries is managed by the Department of Justice. The Bureau of Prisons, as the end-user agency, monitors contract performance and delivery. While FPI operates as a government corporation, its activities are subject to federal regulations and oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through annual reports and performance metrics, though specific contract-level details might be less accessible than in fully competed contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Operations
- Inmate Welfare and Rehabilitation Programs
- Federal Correctional Facility Management
- Government-Owned Manufacturing Operations
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Potential for supply chain disruption due to single supplier.
- Limited transparency in cost structure compared to competed contracts.
Tags
apparel-manufacturing, inmate-supplies, federal-prison-system, department-of-justice, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, correctional-services, manufacturing, bureau-of-prisons, unicor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $101,790.49 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. INMATE CLOTHING, BEDDING AND HYGIENE.
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 $101,790.49.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) in delivering inmate clothing and hygiene products?
Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) has a long-standing history of supplying goods and services to federal correctional facilities. Its mandate is to provide meaningful work for inmates and to supply the federal government with necessary products. UNICOR's track record includes manufacturing a wide range of items, from furniture and textiles to electronics and services. For inmate clothing and hygiene products, UNICOR has been a primary supplier for decades. Performance is generally considered reliable in terms of delivery, though occasional quality control or product availability issues can arise, as with any large-scale manufacturer. The agency's performance is monitored by the Bureau of Prisons, and feedback mechanisms exist to address any deficiencies. Overall, UNICOR is a well-established entity within the federal correctional supply chain.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to commercial market rates for similar items?
Direct comparison of this contract's pricing to commercial market rates is challenging due to several factors. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) operates with a mandate that includes utilizing inmate labor, which can significantly alter cost structures compared to commercial manufacturers relying on market-rate wages. Furthermore, the specific product specifications for inmate clothing and hygiene items may differ from standard commercial offerings in terms of durability, material, or security features. While UNICOR aims to be cost-effective, the absence of open competition means that direct price benchmarking against multiple commercial vendors is not feasible for this specific award. The firm-fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government, but the absolute price level relative to the commercial market remains difficult to ascertain without detailed cost breakdowns or comparative bids.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract?
The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the lack of competitive pressure, which could potentially lead to higher costs for the government than might be achieved through an open bidding process. Another risk is the potential for supply chain disruptions if Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) encounters unforeseen production issues, labor shortages (within the inmate population), or material sourcing problems. As a single supplier, any significant operational failure at UNICOR could directly impact the availability of essential inmate supplies across federal facilities. Additionally, the transparency of pricing and cost justification may be less robust compared to a contract awarded through full and open competition, making it harder to verify optimal value for taxpayer money.
How effective is the Bureau of Prisons in managing its supply chain for inmate necessities?
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) manages a complex supply chain for a vast array of inmate necessities, including clothing, bedding, and hygiene products. Its effectiveness is demonstrated by the consistent provision of these essential items across numerous federal facilities nationwide. The BOP utilizes a combination of direct procurement, including contracts with Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR), and potentially other methods for specialized items. Key performance indicators likely include on-time delivery, product quality, and cost management. While the BOP generally maintains an effective supply chain, challenges can arise, such as those related to product standardization, vendor performance, and budget constraints. The BOP's oversight role, including performance monitoring and contract management, is crucial for ensuring the continued effectiveness of its supply chain operations.
What are the historical spending patterns for inmate clothing and hygiene supplies within the federal prison system?
Historical spending patterns for inmate clothing and hygiene supplies within the federal prison system have consistently involved significant outlays to meet the basic needs of a large inmate population. A substantial portion of this spending has historically been directed towards Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) due to its mandate and capabilities in manufacturing these items. Annual expenditures can fluctuate based on inmate population size, inflation, and changes in product requirements or standards. While specific historical dollar amounts for this precise contract vehicle are not detailed here, the overall trend shows a sustained and substantial investment in these supplies year over year. The Bureau of Prisons manages these budgets, balancing operational needs with fiscal constraints.
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: $101,790
Exercised Options: $101,790
Current Obligation: $101,790
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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