Justice Department awards $16.6M contract for body armor to Federal Prison Industries, raising value-for-money questions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,625 ($16.6K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-05-01
End Date: 2026-05-01
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: STAFF VEST OUTER CARRIER ALL VESTS ARE BLACK TO BE DELIVERED TO THE SECURITY OFFICER ONLY T&C IAW 15BNAS22A00000074
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40511
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $16,625 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: STAFF VEST OUTER CARRIER ALL VESTS ARE BLACK TO BE DELIVERED TO THE SECURITY OFFICER ONLY T&C IAW 15BNAS22A00000074 Key points: 1. The contract's value of $16.6 million for body armor raises concerns about potential overspending given the lack of competitive bidding. 2. Federal Prison Industries, a sole-source provider, may not offer the same price discovery as a competitive market. 3. The reliance on a single, non-competed source introduces a risk of suboptimal pricing and limited innovation. 4. The contract duration and delivery timeline should be scrutinized to ensure timely and efficient fulfillment of security needs. 5. The specific technical requirements for the body armor are critical to assessing if Federal Prison Industries can meet them effectively. 6. The absence of small business subcontracting goals suggests limited opportunities for smaller firms in this procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
This contract awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. for $16.6 million for body armor lacks a competitive benchmark, making a direct value-for-money assessment difficult. Typically, procurements of this nature, especially for essential safety equipment, benefit from open competition to ensure the government receives the best possible price and quality. Without competing bids, it is challenging to determine if the fixed price is aligned with market rates or if taxpayers are receiving optimal value. The sole-source nature of this award necessitates a closer look at the justification and the specific pricing structure to ensure fairness and efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. This indicates a sole-source procurement, meaning only one vendor was solicited. While Federal Prison Industries is mandated to provide products to government agencies, the lack of competition means there was no opportunity to solicit bids from other manufacturers. This limits price discovery and potentially prevents the government from securing more favorable terms or innovative solutions that might be available in a competitive marketplace.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down prices. This limits the government's ability to leverage market forces for cost savings.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the security officers within the Federal Prison System, who will receive essential body armor. The contract ensures the provision of black-colored vests, specifically for delivery to security officers. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System facilities. Workforce implications are internal to Federal Prison Industries, Inc., which manufactures the apparel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher prices than market rates.
- Sole-source award limits opportunities for other manufacturers and potential innovation.
- No indication of small business subcontracting, potentially excluding smaller firms.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical safety equipment poses a supply chain risk.
Positive Signals
- Ensures a supply of essential safety equipment for federal correctional officers.
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is a government-owned entity, potentially aligning with public service goals.
- The contract specifies clear delivery instructions to security officers.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader apparel manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on protective gear. The market for body armor is significant, driven by demand from law enforcement and correctional facilities. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR, operates under a mandate to provide goods and services to federal agencies, often through non-competitive means. While FPI plays a role in government manufacturing, its pricing and product offerings are typically compared against internal benchmarks rather than open market competition, making direct sector spending comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to include any small business set-aside provisions, nor is there any mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. As Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is the sole awardee, opportunities for small businesses to participate in fulfilling this contract are likely limited. This procurement approach does not actively contribute to the small business ecosystem or provide them with direct subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice and the Federal Prison System's internal procurement and quality assurance processes. As Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is a government entity, its operations are subject to federal regulations and oversight. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the pricing structure would be key to assessing accountability. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising from contract performance.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) Contracts
- Department of Justice Personal Protective Equipment
- Bureau of Prisons Uniform and Apparel Procurement
- Federal Law Enforcement Body Armor Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Potential for above-market pricing
- Supply chain dependency
Tags
department-of-justice, federal-prison-system, body-armor, apparel-manufacturing, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, federal-prison-industries, protective-gear, security-equipment, non-competed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $16,625 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. STAFF VEST OUTER CARRIER ALL VESTS ARE BLACK TO BE DELIVERED TO THE SECURITY OFFICER ONLY T&C IAW 15BNAS22A00000074
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 $16,625.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-05-01.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to Federal Prison Industries, Inc.?
The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded to 'FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC'. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR, operates under a statutory mandate (18 U.S.C. § 4121 et seq.) to utilize inmate labor to produce goods and services for government agencies. While FPI is often a preferred or sole-source provider for certain items due to this mandate, the specific justification for this particular body armor contract would typically involve a determination that FPI is the only source capable of meeting the government's needs, or that using FPI aligns with specific legislative or policy objectives related to inmate rehabilitation and employment. Without further documentation, it's presumed this award aligns with FPI's established role in supplying government agencies.
How does the $16.6 million price compare to similar body armor contracts awarded competitively?
A direct comparison of the $16.6 million price to competitively awarded body armor contracts is challenging without knowing the exact specifications, quantity, and quality standards of the vests procured. However, sole-source awards, particularly from entities like Federal Prison Industries, often do not reflect the same price pressures as competitive bids. Market research on similar body armor procurements by agencies like the Department of Defense or other law enforcement bodies, which typically engage in competitive bidding, would be necessary to establish a benchmark. If competitive contracts for comparable quantities and quality are significantly lower, it would indicate potential value concerns with this sole-source award.
What are the specific performance requirements and quality standards for the body armor being procured?
The provided data snippet is limited and does not detail the specific performance requirements or quality standards for the 'STAFF VEST OUTER CARRIER'. It mentions 'ALL VESTS ARE BLACK TO BE DELIVERED TO THE SECURITY OFFICER ONLY' and references a contract number '15BNAS22A00000074'. Typically, body armor contracts would include detailed specifications regarding ballistic protection levels (e.g., NIJ standards), material composition, durability, weight, sizing, and testing protocols. The absence of these details in the provided summary makes it difficult to assess if Federal Prison Industries, Inc. can meet stringent requirements or if the procured vests are appropriate for the intended use by security officers.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. in delivering personal protective equipment like body armor?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), through its UNICOR brand, has a long history of manufacturing various goods for government agencies, including apparel and equipment. Their track record in producing personal protective equipment (PPE) like body armor would need to be assessed based on past performance data, including delivery timeliness, quality compliance, and any reported issues or successes. While FPI is mandated to produce goods, the effectiveness and quality consistency of their PPE offerings can vary. Specific performance metrics and customer feedback from previous similar contracts would be crucial for a thorough assessment of their capabilities in this area.
What are the potential risks associated with relying solely on Federal Prison Industries for this critical safety equipment?
The primary risk associated with relying solely on Federal Prison Industries for critical safety equipment like body armor is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to suboptimal pricing and potentially lower quality if cost-saving measures are prioritized over performance. Furthermore, dependence on a single supplier creates a supply chain vulnerability; any production issues, material shortages, or capacity limitations at FPI could directly impact the availability of essential gear for security officers. There's also a risk that FPI may not be as agile in adopting the latest technological advancements in body armor compared to specialized private sector manufacturers who are constantly innovating to meet market demands.
Are there any provisions for quality assurance and inspection of the delivered body armor?
While the provided data does not explicitly detail quality assurance (QA) and inspection provisions, government contracts, especially for safety equipment, typically include such clauses. The contract number '15BNAS22A00000074' likely references a larger contract document that would outline QA procedures. These usually involve inspection points during manufacturing, final inspection before shipment, and potentially acceptance testing upon delivery. The Department of Justice or the Federal Prison System would be responsible for ensuring the procured vests meet the specified requirements, either through their own personnel or by delegating inspection authority. The effectiveness of these QA measures is critical for ensuring the safety of the end-users.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing › Men’s and Boys’ Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
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: $16,625
Exercised Options: $16,625
Current Obligation: $16,625
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS22A00000074
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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.)