Aluminum Blanks
JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF.FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC.UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, DBA FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES · Response deadline: Fri, 13 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
Federal Prison Industries (FPI), operating within the Department of Justice, is seeking aluminum blanks through a small business set-aside. Aluminum blanks are typically raw or semi-finished aluminum forms—such as sheets, plates, or extrusions—that serve as starting materials for manufacturing or fabrication processes. In a correctional industries context, these blanks may support vocational training programs, institutional manufacturing operations, or supply chain activities managed by FPI.
NAICS code 331315 corresponds to Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing. This industry classification covers establishments primarily engaged in flat-rolling aluminum and aluminum alloy basic shapes, including sheet, plate, and foil. Vendors in this space generally produce mill products rather than finished goods, supplying material that downstream fabricators form into end products.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Justice, Federal Prison Industries (FPI) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SV0120-27 |
| NAICS | 331315 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set-Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | November 13, 2026, 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Maryland |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to small business concerns under NAICS 331315. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code. As of widely published SBA standards, NAICS 331315 typically carries a 1,000-employee size threshold, but you should verify the current standard at SBA.gov since thresholds are subject to periodic adjustment.
You must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active registration maintained through the contract performance period. If you hold any relevant manufacturing certifications—such as ISO 9001 for quality management or specific aluminum industry standards—ensure these are current and documented, though see the solicitation for any explicit certification requirements.
FPI operates under unique statutory authorities (18 U.S.C. § 4121 et seq.) that prioritize inmate employment and training, so understand that your aluminum blanks may supply FPI's internal operations rather than direct resale. This distinction can affect delivery specifications, inspection protocols, and payment terms.
How to put together a competitive bid
Focus your proposal on material specifications and consistency. Aluminum sheet, plate, and foil products vary significantly by alloy series (1xxx through 7xxx), temper designation, thickness tolerance, and surface finish. See the solicitation for exact alloy, temper, dimension, and quantity requirements—never assume based on past FPI purchases.
Pricing strategy: Aluminum pricing fluctuates with London Metal Exchange (LME) spot prices. Determine whether the solicitation permits price adjustment clauses or requires firm fixed pricing. If FPI specifies a delivery schedule spanning months, consider hedging or escalation provisions, though see the solicitation for allowed mechanisms.
Technical proposal elements likely to matter:
- Mill test reports (MTRs) certifying chemical composition and mechanical properties
- Traceability documentation back to primary aluminum source
- Packaging suitable for industrial handling and potential correctional facility security requirements
- Lead time and production capacity commitments
Past performance: If you lack federal contracting history, emphasize commercial contracts with similar volume and specification requirements. FPI may evaluate manufacturing capability more heavily than generic government experience.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SV0120-27. The combined synopsis/solicitation format typically contains complete specifications, evaluation criteria, and clause provisions within the notice itself. Confirm all line-item quantities, delivery requirements, and any FPI-specific contract terms.
Critical deadline: Responses are due November 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Allow buffer time for SAM.gov technical issues and any required submission format (electronic upload, hard copy, or both). Late submissions are generally not accepted in federal procurements.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →