REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RFI OFG-RFI0029-26
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Federal Prison Industries (FPI), operating as UNICOR under the Department of Justice, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) OFG-RFI0029-26 to gather market data for a potential 5-year agreement to purchase specialty hardware, including file frames, hinges, and drawer slides. This hardware will be used by UNICOR inmate workers to assemble office furniture for sale to the Federal Government. FPI aims to expand its vendor list, particularly for domestic suppliers, and increase market awareness for an eventual Request for Proposal (RFP). Responses are due by June 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Overview
This RFI serves as market research to identify qualified vendors capable of supplying various specialty hardware components. The primary goal is to support UNICOR's mission by ensuring a robust supply chain for its office furniture manufacturing operations, while also exploring domestic sourcing options and small business participation.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
FPI is seeking information on the supply of specific hardware items, with estimated 5-year quantities for delivery to FCI Ashland, KY, and FCC Forrest City, AR. These quantities are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed:
- Drawer Slides: Including 16" and 20" full extension (min 100 lbs), cabinet rails, and drawer rails.
- File Frame Rails: Various types, including hanging file rails, front/back rails, cross rails, and side-to-side rails in different lengths.
- Hinges: Including 120-degree full overlay, 110-degree full overlay soft close, euro hinges, and mounting plates.
Contract Details
This RFI is solely for information gathering and does not constitute a commitment by the government to award a contract. Any future solicitation resulting from this RFI will be advertised on SAM.gov.
Submission & Evaluation
Respondents are required to answer specific RFI questions covering their interest, company background, domestic sourcing capabilities, small business status, lead times, economic price increase indices, and standard ordering quantities.
- Response Deadline: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by 2:00 PM EST.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to Joshua Hummel (joshua.hummel2@usdoj.gov) and Tiffani Balestrini (tiffani.balestrini@usdoj.gov).
- Email Subject Line: "RFI RESPONSE – Specialty Hardware OFG-RFI0029-26 (Your Organization name)".
Eligibility / Set-Aside
FPI is specifically interested in identifying domestic sources and understanding small business participation. Questions within the RFI directly address the availability of items from domestic sources and the vendor's small business registration status in SAM.
Additional Notes
All costs incurred by respondents in preparing and submitting RFI responses are at their own expense. Information gathered may lead to one-on-one market research discussions.