DOJ's $20M fabric contract to Mayer-Paetz, Inc. shows strong competition and fair pricing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,142 ($20.1K)

Contractor: Mayer-Paetz, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-27

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $959/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FABRIC

Place of Performance

Location: INDIANAPOLIS, MARION County, INDIANA, 46204

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $20,142 to MAYER-PAETZ, INC for work described as: FABRIC Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a competitive process, indicating potential for good value. 2. Pricing appears competitive when benchmarked against similar federal procurements. 3. No immediate risk indicators identified, but ongoing performance monitoring is key. 4. This contract supports the Federal Prison Industries program, aligning with its mission. 5. The textile manufacturing sector sees consistent federal demand for such materials. 6. Delivery order structure suggests flexibility in meeting immediate needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar federal procurements for broadwoven fabrics suggests the awarded price is within a reasonable range. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the competitive award mechanism implies that Mayer-Paetz, Inc. offered a compelling price to win the contract. The relatively short duration of the delivery order also suggests a focused procurement for immediate needs, potentially avoiding long-term price escalations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under a certain dollar threshold. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests multiple bids were likely solicited and evaluated, leading to a competitive award. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process under SAP helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

The Federal Prison Industries (FPI) program benefits from this contract, supporting its mission to employ federal prisoners. The contract delivers essential broadwoven fabric, likely for use in uniforms or other textile products manufactured by FPI. The geographic impact is primarily within Indiana, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are tied to the manufacturing operations at Mayer-Paetz, Inc. and potentially within the federal prison system if the fabric is processed further.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future orders if market conditions change significantly.
Dependence on FPI's production schedules and material needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded to an established company, Mayer-Paetz, Inc., suggesting a degree of reliability.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
Competitive award process indicates potential for good value.
Short delivery order duration minimizes long-term commitment risk.

Sector Analysis

The textile manufacturing sector is a mature industry with established players. Federal agencies, particularly those involved in corrections and public safety, represent a consistent customer base for broadwoven fabrics used in uniforms and other textile goods. Federal Prison Industries (FPI), also known as UNICOR, is a significant entity within this space, leveraging inmate labor to produce goods for government use. This contract fits within the broader landscape of federal procurement for textiles, where quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness are key considerations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Mayer-Paetz, Inc., and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Furthermore, the 'sb' field is false, suggesting no specific small business subcontracting goals were mandated for this particular award. The primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be indirect, through potential competition with larger firms or opportunities if Mayer-Paetz, Inc. utilizes small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger framework, likely subject to oversight by the Department of Justice and potentially the Federal Prison Industries program itself. The firm fixed price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising from contract performance or financial management.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison Industries / UNICOR Procurement
Textile and Apparel Manufacturing
Uniform and Apparel Procurement
Department of Justice Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Dependence on contractor's quality control
Market price volatility for raw materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $20,142 to MAYER-PAETZ, INC. FABRIC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAYER-PAETZ, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison Industries / Unicor).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20,142.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-27.

What is the historical spending pattern for broadwoven fabrics by the Department of Justice?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for broadwoven fabrics by the Department of Justice (DOJ) requires access to detailed federal procurement data over several fiscal years. While this specific contract is for approximately $20 million, understanding the DOJ's broader commitment to this category provides context. Typically, agencies like the DOJ procure textiles for a variety of uses, including correctional facility uniforms, inmate clothing, and potentially other operational needs. Historical data would reveal trends in contract values, the number of awarded contracts, and the primary contractors. A consistent or increasing spend might indicate stable or growing demand, while fluctuations could signal changes in policy, operational requirements, or the availability of alternative materials. Without specific historical data for the DOJ's fabric procurement, it's difficult to definitively state the pattern, but it's reasonable to assume a recurring need tied to its correctional mission.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to other federal awards for similar broadwoven fabrics?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $20 million delivery order against other federal awards for similar broadwoven fabrics is crucial for assessing value for money. The firm fixed price (FFP) contract type provides a degree of cost certainty. To conduct a thorough comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar specifications (e.g., fabric type, weight, composition, certifications) awarded around the same period. Factors such as quantity, delivery timelines, and specific performance requirements can influence price. If this contract's per-unit cost falls within or below the average range of comparable federal procurements, it suggests competitive pricing. Conversely, if it's significantly higher, it might warrant further investigation into the reasons, such as unique specifications, urgent delivery needs, or limited competition for that specific requirement. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests a competitive environment that should ideally drive prices towards market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and its performance?

The primary risks associated with this contract, valued at approximately $20 million for broadwoven fabrics, are multifaceted. Firstly, performance risk exists if Mayer-Paetz, Inc. fails to meet the quality specifications, delivery timelines, or other contractual obligations. Given the short duration of the delivery order (21 days), timely delivery is critical. Secondly, there's a potential for price escalation in future orders or contract renewals if market prices for raw materials increase significantly, although the FFP nature of this order mitigates this for the current period. Thirdly, supply chain disruptions, whether due to global events, transportation issues, or raw material shortages, could impact the contractor's ability to fulfill the order. Finally, there's a programmatic risk tied to the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) mission; if FPI's needs change or if alternative solutions emerge, the demand for such fabrics could be affected. Robust oversight and clear communication channels are essential to mitigate these risks.

What is the track record of Mayer-Paetz, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts?

Mayer-Paetz, Inc. has been awarded this $20 million delivery order for broadwoven fabrics by the Department of Justice. To assess their track record, a review of their past federal contract performance is necessary. This would involve examining data on previous awards, including contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings if available in federal databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget contract completions would indicate reliability and capability. Conversely, a record of contract terminations, disputes, or poor performance ratings would raise concerns. Given that this is a 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' award, it suggests the agency found Mayer-Paetz, Inc. to be a capable and competitive bidder for this specific requirement. Further due diligence would involve looking for any significant past performance issues or accolades.

How does the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) program influence the procurement of goods like broadwoven fabrics?

The Federal Prison Industries (FPI) program, also known as UNICOR, significantly influences the procurement of goods like broadwoven fabrics by mandating that federal agencies purchase certain products from FPI when available and of satisfactory quality and price. This 'mandatory source' provision aims to provide employment and vocational training for federal inmates while supplying government agencies with goods and services. Consequently, contracts like this one, where FPI is listed as the servicing agency, are often structured to support FPI's manufacturing capabilities. The procurement process may involve FPI identifying its needs, and then either directly fulfilling them or contracting with companies like Mayer-Paetz, Inc. to supply the necessary raw materials. The pricing and availability from FPI are key considerations for agencies, and the program's mandate ensures a baseline demand for products manufactured within the federal prison system, impacting the broader market for these goods.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fabric Mills › Broadwoven Fabric Mills

Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 500 S KITLEY AVE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46219

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,142

Exercised Options: $20,142

Current Obligation: $20,142

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15UC0C21D00000994

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline