USDA's $258K Corn Seed Purchase: 10-Day Firm Fixed Price PO Awarded to Shannon Franklin

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,869 ($25.9K)

Contractor: Shannon Franklin

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-18

Contract Duration: 9 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 106 AND 110 DAY MATURITY FIELD CORN SEED

Place of Performance

Location: WESTMINSTER, CARROLL County, MARYLAND, 21158

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $25,869.36 to SHANNON FRANKLIN for work described as: 106 AND 110 DAY MATURITY FIELD CORN SEED Key points: 1. Spending on corn seed is essential for agricultural research and development. 2. The award went to a single vendor, Shannon Franklin. 3. Potential risk lies in the limited competition for this specific seed type. 4. The agricultural sector relies on consistent access to quality seeds.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $258,693.60 for 10 units of corn seed over 9 days appears reasonable given the specific nature of the product. Benchmarking against similar specialized agricultural supply contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: $25,869.36

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting some level of competition, but the award to a single vendor indicates limited options or a specific requirement met by one source. This limited competition may impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential agricultural research inputs. The price appears fair, minimizing undue burden.

Public Impact

Supports ongoing agricultural research by the USDA. Ensures availability of specific corn seed varieties for experiments. Contributes to advancements in crop science and food production.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition for specialized seed
Short performance period
Firm Fixed Price contract may not account for unforeseen market fluctuations

Positive Signals

Supports critical agricultural research
Clear vendor and product identified
Defined contract period

Sector Analysis

The agricultural sector, particularly research arms like ARS, requires specialized inputs such as specific seed varieties. Spending benchmarks for agricultural research supplies vary widely based on the research scope and scale.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved or could have been.

Oversight & Accountability

The purchase order was issued under SAP, indicating adherence to procurement procedures. Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance and ensuring delivery meets specifications.

Related Government Programs

Corn Farming
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Short performance period
Potential for price volatility in specialized markets
Lack of detail on research impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $25,869.36 to SHANNON FRANKLIN. 106 AND 110 DAY MATURITY FIELD CORN SEED

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SHANNON FRANKLIN.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25,869.36.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-18.

What is the specific research purpose for this corn seed purchase, and how does it align with ARS's mission?

The specific research purpose for this corn seed purchase is not detailed in the provided data. However, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) mission focuses on delivering scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges. This purchase likely supports experiments aimed at improving crop yields, disease resistance, or nutritional content, contributing to ARS's broader goals.

What are the risks associated with a firm fixed price contract for specialized agricultural inputs with a short delivery window?

A firm fixed price contract for specialized agricultural inputs with a short delivery window carries risks of price escalation if market conditions change unexpectedly or if unforeseen logistical challenges arise during procurement. The vendor might absorb these costs, potentially impacting future pricing, or the government might miss out on potential savings if prices were to drop.

How effective is the current procurement method (competed under SAP) in ensuring value for money for specialized agricultural research supplies?

Competing under SAP (Small Acquisition Program) can be effective for smaller or specialized purchases by streamlining the process. However, for highly specialized items like specific corn seed varieties, the effectiveness in ensuring value for money depends on the breadth of outreach within the SAP framework. If only a few vendors can supply the item, true price discovery might be limited.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Oilseed and Grain Farming › Corn Farming

Product/Service Code: AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0177

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 303 JASONTOWN RD, WESTMINSTER, MD, 21158

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,869

Exercised Options: $25,869

Current Obligation: $25,869

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline