OFG RFI0032-26 LEATHER.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION:

OFG-RFI0032-26 LEATHER

RFI Disclaimer This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a solicitation or procurement process will follow. Participation in this RFI does not provide any advantage or special consideration in any future tender, solicitation, or procurement activity.

Should a solicitation be released, it will be posted under “Contracting Opportunities” on SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of prospective offerors and bidders to monitor SAM.gov for any related announcements.

This RFI does not commit the U.S. Government to any specific course of action. Respondents are advised that the Government will not reimburse any costs associated with responding to this RFI. All expenses incurred by interested parties are solely their responsibility.

Overview Federal Prison Industries (FPI), operating as UNICOR, is seeking information from industry regarding a potential five‑year agreement for the purchase of various colors and styles of leather. These materials will support UNICOR’s Office Furniture Group in manufacturing task, ergonomic, and lounge seating products, assembled by FPI inmate workers for sale to Federal Government customers.

Current delivery locations include:

· FCC Allenwood, PA

· FCI Beckley, WV The primary objectives of this RFI are to collaborate with industry to best structure a future Request for Proposal (RFP) and to:

1. Expand the pool of domestic, small‑business vendors.

2. Increase engagement and participation from qualified and capable suppliers.

This RFI serves as the initial step toward enhancing market awareness and guiding the development of an eventual RFP.

Background Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), operating under the trade name UNICOR, was established by statute and Executive Order 6917 in 1934. Its mission is to equip federal inmates with meaningful job skills and work experience to support successful reintegration into their communities. FPI fulfills this mission without the use of appropriated taxpayer funds and is unique in operating as a manufacturing enterprise within the Federal Government.

FPI consists of seven business sectors:

· Agribusiness

· Electronics

· Clothing & Textiles

· Fleet Services

· Recycling

· Office Furniture

· Services Across its 85‑year history, FPI has adapted to evolving market demands, offering hundreds of products and services to Federal agencies including the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Defense Logistics Agency, while also serving select private‑sector customers.

RFI Objectives and Questions To support development of an effective and competitive RFP, FPI seeks industry feedback on the following:

RFI Question 1: Please confirm your interest in participating in this RFI/RFP process and provide an overview of your company’s background.

RFI Question 2: Are the requested leather materials manufactured in the United States? If not, please specify the country of origin.

RFI Question 3: Is your company currently registered as a small business in SAM.gov?

RFI Question 4: Please provide general market information, including:

• Industry‑standard lead times

• Appropriate pricing index for Economic Price Adjustments

• Standard ordering quantities

• Standard leather colors typically available

Submission Guidelines Please structure your responses by referencing the corresponding “RFI Question #” designation.

Information provided may lead to one‑on‑one market research discussions or further industry engagement. While all feedback will be reviewed and considered, FPI makes no commitment to adopt any specific recommendations.

Responses are requested no later than 12:00 PM EST, Friday, September 4, 2026.

Please submit electronically to: tiffani.balestrini@usdoj.gov Subject line: “RFI RESPONSE – Leather OFG‑RFI0032‑26 (Your Organization Name)”