DOJ's $44K toilet paper contract awarded to Outlook-Nebraska, Inc. for FCC Pollock

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,242 ($44.2K)

Contractor: Outlook-Nebraska, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-29

End Date: 2026-05-29

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 C1- TOILET PAPER FOR INMATES HOUSED AT FCC POLLOCK

Place of Performance

Location: OMAHA, DOUGLAS County, NEBRASKA, 68127

State: Nebraska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $44,241.6 to OUTLOOK-NEBRASKA, INC. for work described as: FY26 C1- TOILET PAPER FOR INMATES HOUSED AT FCC POLLOCK Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product and the firm fixed price contract. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed contract, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a short duration and a single-source supplier for a non-critical item. 4. Performance context is straightforward, involving the supply of sanitary paper products. 5. Sector positioning is within the manufacturing of sanitary paper products.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $44,241.60 for toilet paper is relatively small in the context of federal spending. Given the firm fixed price structure and the nature of the product, the pricing is likely competitive. Benchmarking against similar contracts for sanitary paper products would provide further insight, but for a single facility's needs, this amount seems within a reasonable range.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating that multiple vendors likely had the opportunity to bid. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the use of SAP suggests a competitive process for this relatively small dollar amount. This level of competition is generally sufficient to ensure fair pricing for such procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best possible price for essential supplies, even for smaller contracts.

Public Impact

Inmates housed at FCC Pollock will receive essential sanitary supplies. The contract supports the operational needs of the Federal Prison System. The geographic impact is localized to Pollock, Louisiana, where the facility is located. The contract supports the manufacturing workforce of Outlook-Nebraska, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations if market conditions change significantly during the contract period, though the firm fixed price mitigates this.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical hygiene product, although the contract duration is short.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Competition under SAP suggests a reasonable procurement process.
Short contract duration limits long-term exposure to market risks.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the sanitary paper product manufacturing sector. This is a mature industry with established players. Federal agencies are significant purchasers of such goods, often procuring them through competitive bidding processes. The market size for federal procurement of sanitary paper products is substantial, spread across various agencies and facilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have significant subcontracting implications for small businesses given its nature and value. The primary contractor, Outlook-Nebraska, Inc., is a social enterprise that employs individuals with disabilities, which may have broader societal benefits beyond direct small business contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Supplies
Bureau of Prisons Procurement
Sanitary Paper Product Contracts
Department of Justice Contracts

Risk Flags

Low contract value may limit robust competition.
Dependence on a single supplier for essential items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $44,241.6 to OUTLOOK-NEBRASKA, INC.. FY26 C1- TOILET PAPER FOR INMATES HOUSED AT FCC POLLOCK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OUTLOOK-NEBRASKA, 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 $44,241.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-29. End: 2026-05-29.

What is the track record of Outlook-Nebraska, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts?

Outlook-Nebraska, Inc. has a history of fulfilling federal contracts, primarily for janitorial and sanitary supplies. As a social enterprise, its mission often involves employing individuals with disabilities, which can influence its operational structure and pricing. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any reported issues on federal procurement platforms would provide a more detailed understanding of their reliability and quality of service. However, for a contract of this size and nature, a positive track record is generally expected for continued awards.

How does the price of this toilet paper contract compare to market rates for similar products?

Without specific product details (e.g., ply, roll size, quantity per case), a precise per-unit cost comparison is challenging. However, the total contract value of $44,241.60 for a one-year supply for a federal correctional institution suggests a moderate cost. Federal contracts often include administrative overhead and delivery costs, which can slightly increase the price compared to retail. Benchmarking against other federal prison system contracts for similar items or against large commercial distributors' bulk pricing would be necessary for a definitive comparison. Given the firm fixed price and competitive bidding, the price is likely aligned with market expectations for bulk federal procurement.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks for this contract are relatively low due to its short duration and the nature of the product. Potential risks include supply chain disruptions affecting Outlook-Nebraska, Inc., or unforeseen price increases in raw materials. However, the firm fixed price contract mitigates the risk of price escalation for the government. The Bureau of Prisons would also have contingency plans for essential supplies like toilet paper, potentially involving alternative suppliers or emergency procurements if a critical shortage occurred. The contract's limited scope and duration also minimize long-term exposure to these risks.

How effective is the competitive process (SAP) for ensuring value in contracts of this size?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to streamline the procurement process for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000). For contracts like this one, valued at $44,241.60, SAP typically involves soliciting quotes from multiple sources, often through online portals or direct outreach. While not as extensive as full and open competition for larger contracts, SAP generally provides sufficient competition to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. The effectiveness relies on the agency's diligence in soliciting adequate quotes and evaluating them properly. For routine items like sanitary paper, SAP is generally considered an effective method for achieving value.

What is the historical spending pattern for toilet paper or similar sanitary products by the Federal Prison System?

The Federal Prison System, through the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), consistently procures large quantities of sanitary paper products, including toilet paper, to meet the needs of its inmate population across numerous facilities. Historical spending data would likely show annual expenditures in the millions of dollars for these types of supplies nationwide. This specific contract represents a small fraction of that overall spending, allocated to a single facility for a single year. Analyzing past BOP spending trends for these items would reveal consistent demand and potentially identify preferred suppliers or contract vehicles used for larger, multi-year agreements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TOILETRIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4125 S 72ND ST, OMAHA, NE, 68127

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,242

Exercised Options: $44,242

Current Obligation: $44,242

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline