USDA Food Donations: $7M for Frozen Fruit Cups Awarded to Tabatchnick Fine Foods

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,002,999 ($7.0M)

Contractor: Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-11-07

End Date: 2023-02-28

Contract Duration: 113 days

Daily Burn Rate: $62.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000008911/4400001477/4100026397/STRAWBERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ,MIXED BERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.OZ

Place of Performance

Location: SOMERSET, SOMERSET County, NEW JERSEY, 08873

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $7.0 million to TABATCHNICK FINE FOODS INC for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000008911/4400001477/4100026397/STRAWBERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ,MIXED BERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.OZ Key points: 1. Spending focuses on frozen fruit cups for food donations. 2. Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. This purchase falls under the Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7M for frozen fruit cups appears reasonable given the quantity and nature of the goods. Benchmarking against similar large-scale food procurement contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process was intended. However, the specific exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to ensure maximum price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to procure food for donation programs, aiming to support food security initiatives.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of food items for federal donation programs. Supports agricultural producers and food manufacturers within the specified sector. Contributes to efforts addressing food insecurity through government-backed initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10

Warning Flags

Need to understand the 'exclusion of sources' rationale.
Verify if the quantity meets the actual demand for donations.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical government function (food donations).
Procurement process aimed for competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Food Manufacturing sector, specifically frozen fruit, juice, and vegetable production. Spending benchmarks for similar large-volume food procurements by government agencies would be relevant for comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. Oversight would involve ensuring timely delivery, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Marketing Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of clarity on 'exclusion of sources'.
Potential for price variation compared to commercial markets.
Need for detailed impact assessment on food insecurity.
Limited information on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $7.0 million to TABATCHNICK FINE FOODS INC. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000008911/4400001477/4100026397/STRAWBERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ,MIXED BERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.OZ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TABATCHNICK FINE FOODS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-07. End: 2023-02-28.

What was the specific rationale for excluding certain sources during the full and open competition?

The rationale for excluding sources in a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award is crucial for understanding the procurement's integrity. Agencies typically exclude sources based on specific technical requirements, past performance issues, or national security concerns. Without this information, it's difficult to ascertain if the exclusion limited competition unnecessarily or was justified, potentially impacting the final price and overall value for taxpayers.

How does the unit cost of these frozen fruit cups compare to commercially available similar products?

Comparing the unit cost of these government-procured frozen fruit cups to similar commercially available products is essential for assessing value for money. Factors like bulk purchasing power, specific product formulations, and packaging requirements can influence costs. A significant deviation from commercial pricing, after accounting for these factors, could indicate potential overpricing or exceptional value, warranting further investigation into the contract's financial aspects.

What is the expected impact of these food donations on food insecurity rates in the recipient areas?

The effectiveness of these food donations in combating food insecurity hinges on several factors, including the quantity procured, the distribution channels, and the specific needs of the recipient populations. While the $7M investment signifies a substantial commitment, its true impact is measured by how many individuals or families are reached and how significantly their nutritional needs are met. Tracking distribution and recipient feedback would provide insights into the program's success.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing › Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 123J1422B0296

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1230 HAMILTON ST, SOMERSET, NJ, 08873

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,002,999

Exercised Options: $7,002,999

Current Obligation: $7,002,999

Actual Outlays: $6,997,925

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1422D0020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline