How to bid on various connectors for UNICOR Marion, Federal Prison Industries

What Federal Prison Industries is buying

The Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) facility in Marion, Illinois, is seeking various electrical components. These include connectors, adapters, wire, and cable, which are needed for building and constructing cable assemblies. This is an opportunity for small businesses to supply essential parts for government operations.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on November 14, 2025. All quotes must be submitted electronically to Gregory Lipe at [email protected] by November 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your quote on time, as late submissions may not be considered.

The government plans to make awards based on the best value, considering price, technical acceptability, delivery, and past performance. Deliveries must be completed by the specified date after the award is issued.

Who this opportunity suits

This solicitation is a small business set-aside, making it suitable for small businesses specializing in manufacturing or supplying electrical components. The NAICS code for this opportunity is 334417, which covers electronic coil, transformer, and other inductor manufacturing. Firms that can provide connectors, adapters, wire, and cable for cable assemblies are encouraged to respond.

Faith-based and community-based organizations are also eligible to submit quotes.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view some documents.

Quotes must be submitted electronically to Gregory Lipe at [email protected]. All questions regarding the requirements, specifications, or the solicitation process must be submitted in writing via email to Gregory Lipe. Do not contact factory or Central Office staff with questions.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your quote clearly addresses all requirements outlined in the solicitation, paying close attention to technical specifications for the electrical components. Since best value is a key factor, highlight not only your competitive pricing but also your ability to meet delivery schedules and your relevant past performance.

Double-check that your electronic submission is sent to the correct email address by the deadline. Organize your quote clearly, making it easy for the contracting officer to evaluate against the stated criteria of price, technical acceptability, delivery, and past performance.