USDA awards $7.2M for fresh fruit, including nectarines and peaches, to Trinity Fruit Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,234,560 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Trinity Fruit Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-06-14

End Date: 2024-10-15

Contract Duration: 123 days

Daily Burn Rate: $58.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010152/4400002165/4100030268/NECTARINES FRESH BAG PKG#12/2 LB,PEACHES FRESH BAG PKG#12/2 LB,PLUMS FRESH CTN-28 LB

Place of Performance

Location: REEDLEY, FRESNO County, CALIFORNIA, 93654

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $7.2 million to TRINITY FRUIT COMPANY, INC. for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010152/4400002165/4100030268/NECTARINES FRESH BAG PKG#12/2 LB,PEACHES FRESH BAG PKG#12/2 LB,PLUMS FRESH CTN-28 LB Key points: 1. Significant award for perishable goods, highlighting agricultural supply chain needs. 2. Competition method suggests potential for better pricing, but exclusion of sources warrants review. 3. Risk of price volatility and spoilage inherent in fresh produce procurement. 4. Focus on California-grown produce impacts regional economies and transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $7.2M for 16 delivery orders appears reasonable for bulk fresh fruit. Benchmarking against similar large-scale agricultural procurements would provide a more precise valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This method, while allowing for competition, may limit the pool of bidders and potentially impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for food donations, supporting food security initiatives. The chosen competition method aims for value while ensuring specific sourcing requirements are met.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of fresh fruit for U.S. government food donation programs. Supports agricultural producers and distributors in California. Contributes to food security and nutritional assistance efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 58 / 10

Warning Flags

Exclusion of sources in competition
Perishable nature of goods
Potential for price fluctuations in agricultural markets

Positive Signals

Supports critical food donation programs
Utilizes domestic agricultural resources
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the agricultural sector, specifically focusing on perishable food commodities. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale fruit procurements by government agencies can vary widely based on type, quantity, and season.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific award or as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for this procurement. Oversight would focus on ensuring timely delivery, quality of produce, and adherence to contract terms, particularly given the perishable nature of the items.

Related Government Programs

Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Marketing Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion
High risk associated with perishable goods
Potential for price volatility in agricultural markets
Dependence on specific regional production (California)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $7.2 million to TRINITY FRUIT COMPANY, INC.. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010152/4400002165/4100030268/NECTARINES FRESH BAG PKG#12/2 LB,PEACHES FRESH BAG PKG#12/2 LB,PLUMS FRESH CTN-28 LB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRINITY FRUIT COMPANY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-14. End: 2024-10-15.

What is the specific justification for excluding sources in this full and open competition?

The justification for excluding sources in a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' typically relates to specific requirements that only a limited number of vendors can meet. This could include unique production capabilities, specific geographic origins, or specialized handling and distribution networks necessary for the particular commodity, such as these fresh fruits.

How is the risk of spoilage and waste managed for these perishable food donations?

Managing spoilage risk involves stringent delivery schedules, appropriate packaging, and potentially rapid distribution to end-users. The contract duration and delivery order structure suggest a plan for phased delivery to minimize time between harvest and donation. The government likely relies on the contractor's established cold chain logistics and may have quality inspection protocols upon receipt.

What is the overall effectiveness of this procurement in meeting the goals of the food donation program?

The effectiveness hinges on the successful delivery of quality produce to intended recipients within the program's timeframe. If the donations reach food banks and aid organizations efficiently, and the produce is consumed, the procurement is effective. Monitoring recipient feedback and program impact metrics would provide a clearer picture of its success.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › Perishable Prepared Food 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: 123J1424B0398

Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Trinity Fruit Company Inc.

Address: 7571 N REMINGTON AVE, FRESNO, CA, 93711

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,234,560

Exercised Options: $7,234,560

Current Obligation: $7,234,560

Actual Outlays: $7,220,801

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1424D0125

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline