Federal Prison Industries contract for inmate care items valued at $11.97M, awarded non-competitively
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,974 ($12.0K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $33/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: C1 - INMATE CARE ITEMS
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $11,973.84 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: C1 - INMATE CARE ITEMS Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant portion of spending on inmate care items. 2. The sole-source nature of the award limits opportunities for competitive pricing. 3. Performance risk appears low given the established nature of the supplier and product. 4. The contract duration is standard for this type of supply. 5. This spending falls within the broader category of correctional services and supplies. 6. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and the specific market Federal Prison Industries operates within. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if the pricing reflects true market value or if there are opportunities for cost savings. The fixed-price structure provides budget predictability, but the absence of competition raises questions about overall value for money compared to potentially more cost-effective alternatives if the market were open.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded non-competitively to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR. FPI is statutorily mandated to provide products and services to federal agencies, often limiting the scope for open competition. The lack of a competitive bidding process means that pricing and terms are negotiated directly with FPI, potentially foregoing the benefits of market-driven price discovery that open competition typically provides.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. The mandate to use FPI bypasses opportunities to explore potentially lower-cost suppliers in the open market.
Public Impact
Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive necessary care items. The Bureau of Prisons will have a reliable supply chain for essential goods. The contract supports the operational needs of federal correctional facilities. This contract indirectly supports the workforce within Federal Prison Industries' manufacturing operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition and potential taxpayer savings.
- Lack of transparency in pricing negotiation compared to competitive bids.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of market pressure.
Positive Signals
- Ensures a consistent supply of essential inmate care items.
- Fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
- Utilizes a government-owned entity for supply, potentially aligning with certain policy objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader 'Other Apparel Manufacturing' sector, specifically serving the niche market of correctional facility supplies. Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) is a unique entity within this space, operating under a legislative mandate to employ federal prisoners. Benchmarking against typical industry spending is difficult as FPI's operational model and market access differ significantly from private sector manufacturers. The total addressable market for inmate care items is substantial within the federal prison system.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is awarded directly to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award. The primary impact is on the internal operations of FPI and the supply chain for federal correctional facilities, rather than the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of Federal Prison Industries is primarily conducted by the Department of Justice and its internal oversight bodies. The Federal Prison System's Bureau of Prisons manages the operational aspects of the contract. Transparency regarding specific pricing negotiations and cost breakdowns may be limited due to the non-competitive nature of the award. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely extend to ensure proper use of funds and adherence to regulations.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Products
- Bureau of Prisons Supplies and Services
- Inmate Welfare and Support Programs
- Correctional Facility Operations
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential for non-competitive pricing
- Limited transparency in cost structure
Tags
correctional-services, inmate-care-items, federal-prison-industries, bureau-of-prisons, department-of-justice, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-manufacturing, kentucky, non-competed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $11,973.84 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. C1 - INMATE CARE ITEMS
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 $11,973.84.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical spending trend for inmate care items from Federal Prison Industries?
Analyzing historical spending trends for inmate care items from Federal Prison Industries (FPI) requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, FPI's overall revenue and contract awards provide a proxy for its activity. While specific figures for 'inmate care items' might fluctuate based on demand and product mix, FPI's consistent role as a mandated supplier suggests a relatively stable, albeit potentially non-optimized, spending pattern. Without granular data on this specific product category, it's difficult to pinpoint precise historical trends, but the overall reliance on FPI for such items indicates a continuous, long-term expenditure. The current contract's value of $11.97 million for a 36-month period suggests an average annual spend of approximately $4 million for this category, which can be compared against previous contract values if available.
How does the pricing of these inmate care items compare to similar products in the open market?
Direct comparison of pricing for inmate care items from Federal Prison Industries (FPI) to the open market is inherently difficult due to the sole-source nature of the award and FPI's unique operational model. FPI is statutorily mandated to provide goods and services, often at prices determined through internal cost-plus methodologies rather than competitive bidding. This means that prices may not always reflect the lowest achievable market rate. While FPI aims to be cost-competitive, the absence of competitive pressure means there's a risk that taxpayers could be paying a premium. A thorough value-for-money assessment would require a detailed cost analysis of FPI's production expenses versus quotes from private sector manufacturers for comparable items, which is not publicly available for this contract.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for essential inmate supplies?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for essential inmate supplies, such as this one with Federal Prison Industries (FPI), revolve around cost, innovation, and accountability. Firstly, the lack of competition can lead to higher prices than might be achieved through an open bidding process, potentially resulting in inefficient use of taxpayer funds. Secondly, without market pressure, there may be less incentive for the supplier to innovate or improve product quality and efficiency. Thirdly, accountability can be diminished; while FPI is a government entity, the absence of competitive benchmarking makes it harder to objectively assess performance and value. Finally, reliance on a single supplier, even a government entity, can introduce supply chain risks if FPI faces production or logistical challenges.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries in delivering inmate care items?
Federal Prison Industries (FPI), operating as UNICOR, has a long-standing track record of supplying various products and services to federal agencies, including inmate care items. Its mandate is to provide meaningful work for federal prisoners and to supply government agencies with necessary goods. While FPI has faced scrutiny regarding pricing, product quality, and operational efficiency over the years, it remains a primary supplier for many federal needs due to its statutory preference. For inmate care items, the Bureau of Prisons relies on FPI, suggesting a level of satisfaction with their ability to meet basic requirements, although specific performance metrics or quality complaints related to this particular contract are not detailed in the provided data.
How does this contract align with the Bureau of Prisons' mission and operational needs?
This contract directly aligns with the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) mission by ensuring the provision of essential inmate care items. Maintaining the welfare and basic needs of the inmate population is a fundamental aspect of correctional facility operations. By sourcing these items through Federal Prison Industries (FPI), the BOP also supports the BOP's statutory obligation to provide work opportunities for federal prisoners, contributing to rehabilitation efforts and reducing idleness. The consistent supply of these goods is critical for maintaining order, hygiene, and the overall functioning of correctional institutions nationwide.
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: NOT 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: $11,974
Exercised Options: $11,974
Current Obligation: $11,974
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BFA025A00000039
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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.)