Federal Prison Industries contract for 30 days of bed sheets valued at $3,141.50, raising questions about competition and value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,142 ($3.1K)
Contractor: Federal Prison Industries, Inc
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-05-02
Contract Duration: 30 days
Daily Burn Rate: $105/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Other
Official Description: SHEET, BED, POLYESTER/COTTON: (35% MIN) BLEND PERCALE FLAT SHEET. 66 IN. WIDE BY 96 IN. LONG WHITE. PLASTIC PACKAGING/PACKING MATERIALS PROHIBITED. U/I DZ (12)
Place of Performance
Location: TERRE HAUTE, VIGO County, INDIANA, 47802
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $3,141.5 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: SHEET, BED, POLYESTER/COTTON: (35% MIN) BLEND PERCALE FLAT SHEET. 66 IN. WIDE BY 96 IN. LONG WHITE. PLASTIC PACKAGING/PACKING MATERIALS PROHIBITED. U/I DZ (12) Key points: 1. The contract's short duration and specific product requirements may limit competitive opportunities. 2. Sole-source procurement from Federal Prison Industries, Inc. bypasses standard competitive bidding processes. 3. The unit price for these sheets needs careful benchmarking against commercial equivalents. 4. Performance context is limited due to the short delivery period and lack of historical data. 5. This contract falls within the textile manufacturing sector, specifically for bedding. 6. The absence of small business set-asides is noted, though not applicable for this specific award. 7. Oversight is primarily managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The unit price of approximately $261.79 per dozen ($21.81 per sheet) for percale flat sheets appears high when compared to typical commercial wholesale pricing for similar quality bedding. While the specific blend and dimensions are noted, the lack of competitive bidding makes a definitive value assessment difficult. The economic price adjustment clause also introduces potential for cost increases over the contract term, further complicating value for money analysis.
Cost Per Unit: Approximately $21.81 per sheet, which is above typical wholesale market rates for standard percale sheets.
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded under a sole-source basis to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR. FPI is statutorily mandated to be the supplier for certain federal government procurements, which bypasses the standard full and open competition requirements. As a result, there were no other bidders considered for this specific award, and the pricing and terms are set by FPI.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are not benefiting from potential cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process. The government is obligated to purchase from FPI, potentially at prices that may not reflect the lowest achievable market rate.
Public Impact
Inmates employed by Federal Prison Industries, Inc. will benefit from work opportunities and skills development. The primary service delivered is the provision of bed sheets for federal facilities. The geographic impact is localized to the delivery destination within Indiana. Workforce implications are internal to the federal prison system's manufacturing operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential taxpayer savings.
- Lack of competition may lead to less favorable pricing compared to market alternatives.
- Economic price adjustment clause introduces uncertainty and potential for cost escalation.
- Short contract duration may not reflect long-term needs or allow for economies of scale.
- Limited transparency on the cost breakdown and profit margins for FPI.
Positive Signals
- Provides employment and vocational training opportunities for federal inmates.
- Ensures a consistent supply of essential goods for federal institutions.
- Contract award supports the mission of rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Meets specific product requirements for federal use.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader textile and apparel manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on the production of bedding. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 313110, Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills, is related, though the final product is a finished good. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. is a unique entity within this sector, operating as a government-owned corporation. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the sole-source nature and the specific mandate of FPI.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. and did not include a small business set-aside. As FPI is a government-owned entity, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not typically a component of its awards. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore negligible for this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the GSA's procurement oversight framework. Transparency is somewhat limited due to the sole-source nature of the award and the unique operational structure of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically fall under the Department of Justice for FPI's operations.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) Contracts
- General Services Administration (GSA) Procurement
- Textile and Apparel Manufacturing
- Federal Correctional Institution Supplies
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential for above-market pricing
- Limited transparency on cost structure
Tags
textile-manufacturing, federal-prison-industries, general-services-administration, delivery-order, fixed-price-with-economic-price-adjustment, sole-source, bedding, indiana, short-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $3,141.5 to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. SHEET, BED, POLYESTER/COTTON: (35% MIN) BLEND PERCALE FLAT SHEET. 66 IN. WIDE BY 96 IN. LONG WHITE. PLASTIC PACKAGING/PACKING MATERIALS PROHIBITED. U/I DZ (12)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3,141.5.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-02.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar bed sheets procured by the federal government?
Historical spending data for similar bed sheets procured through competitive means by the federal government is not readily available in a directly comparable format due to the unique sole-source nature of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) awards. Typically, competitive solicitations for bedding would yield a range of prices based on volume, material quality, and supplier competition. Without access to FPI's internal cost structures and profit margins, it is challenging to establish a precise historical benchmark. However, general market analysis suggests that prices achieved through competitive bidding for similar commercial-grade percale sheets are often lower than the unit price observed in this FPI contract, especially when considering bulk purchasing power.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to commercial market rates for equivalent products?
The pricing of this contract, at approximately $21.81 per sheet, appears to be above typical commercial market rates for equivalent percale flat sheets. Commercial wholesale prices for similar quality sheets, especially when purchased in bulk, often range from $10 to $15 per sheet. Factors such as the specific blend percentage (minimum 35% cotton), weave, thread count, and dimensions contribute to cost, but the observed price point suggests a potential premium. The lack of competition inherent in a sole-source award to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) limits the ability to definitively ascertain the 'best value' price, as market forces are not fully engaged.
What are the specific risks associated with sole-source procurement from Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI)?
The primary risk associated with sole-source procurement from FPI is the lack of price competition, which can lead to higher costs for the government compared to what might be achieved through an open bidding process. This reduces the government's ability to leverage market dynamics for cost savings. Additionally, there is a potential risk of complacency in quality or service if FPI faces no competitive pressure. While FPI serves a valuable social mission, taxpayers bear the risk of potentially paying a premium for goods and services. Transparency regarding FPI's cost structures and profit margins is also limited, making it difficult to fully assess the fairness of the pricing.
What is the track record of Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) in delivering textile products to the government?
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), operating as UNICOR, has a long-standing history of supplying various products, including textiles, to federal agencies. Its track record is mixed, with some agencies reporting satisfactory delivery and product quality, while others have encountered issues related to delivery timelines, product consistency, and pricing. FPI's mandate is to provide employment and training for federal inmates, which is a key social objective. However, its performance is often scrutinized against commercial market standards for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Specific performance data for textile deliveries can vary widely depending on the product and the specific manufacturing facility involved.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis stems from the statutory authority granted to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) under Title 18, Section 4124 of the U.S. Code, which mandates that federal agencies give preference to FPI products when available. This legislation aims to support the rehabilitation and employment of federal prisoners. Consequently, FPI products are often procured without full and open competition, as they are considered a mandatory source for certain goods. The specific justification would typically reference this statutory requirement, indicating that the government is obligated to procure these bed sheets from FPI.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills › Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills
Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Government of the United States
Address: 3301 LEESTOWN RD, LEXINGTON, KY, 40511
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, Manufacturer of Goods, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,142
Exercised Options: $3,142
Current Obligation: $3,142
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07FAA559
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-02
Potential End Date: 2026-05-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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 General Services Administration Contracts
- Software Life Cycle Development — $1.4B (Science Applications International Corporation)
- Task Order (TO) 47qfca21f0018 IS Hereby Awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. (BAH) to Provide Enterprise Level Data to the Ousd(c), and ITS Strategic Partners (I.E., DOD Fourth Estate, DOD Departments, and IC Community) — $1.4B (Booz Allen Hamilton Inc)
- Federal Contract — $1.2B (Booz Allen Hamilton Inc)
- THE Scope of the to IS to Provide Enterprise IT Services for the Usace — $1.1B (Science Applications International Corporation)
- Task Order Award — $1.1B (Booz Allen Hamilton Inc)