Department of Justice Awarded a Contract to FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC for $2,265.70

Summary of Award

**Summary of the Awarded Contract between the U.S. Federal Government and Federal Prison Industries, Inc.**

The U.S. federal government, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), awarded a contract to Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) for the purchase of a podium for the U.S. Attorney's Office located in Louisiana (USAO-LAM). This transaction highlights a common, yet essential procurement within government operations—acquiring specialized furniture for official use. The contract, documented under the Purchase Order ID 15JA9524P00000019, reflects the federal government's ongoing expenditures on necessary office equipment.

**Contract Overview:** The awarded contract is categorized as a purchase order (Type B), indicating a fixed agreement to procure specified goods. The total obligation under this contract amounts to $2,265.70, incorporating all base and exercised options with a consistent firm-fixed pricing model. Such a pricing structure ensures cost certainty for both the DOJ and the supplier, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., eliminating potential financial variances over the life of the contract. It is notable that this contract did not entail any subawards, keeping the interaction direct and streamlined between the government and FPI. **Transaction Details:** The transactions within this contract involve two distinct actions. The first transaction, dated September 17, 2024, coincides with the signing of the contract and involves the full transaction amount of $2,265.70. This indicates the procurement process was closed upon issuance without deferral payments commonly associated with larger orders or services. The second transaction used the modifier "P00001" and was performed on April 10, 2025. This action marks the completion of the procurement cycle, correlating with the last modification date of the period of performance, which ended on April 10, 2025. The contract transaction amount at this point was noted at $0, reflecting that no further financial obligations were necessary beyond the initial outlay, signifying a straightforward fulfillment on the part of FPI. **Recipient Details:** Federal Prison Industries, Inc., also known as UNICOR, operates under the business categories of the U.S. National Government and is not designated as a small business. The entity is based in Lexington, Kentucky, and recognized for its manufacturing capabilities—particularly in producing wood office furniture as typified by the podium order in question. The associated NAICS code 337211 ("Wood Office Furniture Manufacturing") fits squarely within their operational remit. This particular award highlights FPI's role as a government entity that provides employment and skills training to federal inmates, reflecting broader societal objectives beyond mere commercial transactions. The nature of the product—office furniture—further aligns with FPI's core competencies, strengthening its rapport with federal agencies requiring such commodities. **Solicitation Procedures and Competition:** This purchase order was executed under simplified acquisition procedures (SAP), denoted by code SP1, and was not competed beyond the limits of the micro-purchase threshold. This approach underscores the efficiency and expediency often sought in government procurements where the needs are routine, and the market is well defined. Similarly, the description "COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES" reflects the acquisition of standard, off-the-shelf solutions, tailored to the government's specifications but readily available in the commercial market. **Funding and Agency Details:** Both the awarding and funding agency for this contract is the Department of Justice, specifically through the Offices, Boards, and Divisions sub-agency. This continuity in funding and execution simplifies administrative accountability, ensuring that the procurement aligns seamlessly with the departmental objectives and needs. **Place of Performance and Agency Use:** The place of performance is identified as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, synonymous with the location of the U.S. Attorney's Office. This regional specificity indicates targeted use and likely operational necessity for the podium, directly facilitating the functions of this DOJ office branch. **Conclusion:** This contract for the acquisition of a podium represents a microcosm of government spending—cost-effective, targeted, and supportive of broader social imperatives. The collaboration with Federal Prison Industries, Inc. underscores the dual objectives of fulfilling immediate procurement needs while supporting the integration and rehabilitation of individuals through structured, gainful employment. Such transactions, though small in financial scope, embody the underlying principles of federal procurement: efficiency, public accountability, and positive societal impact.