USDA awards $102K for canned corn, highlighting a 120-day delivery order for food donations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $102,319 ($102.3K)

Contractor: S.E.W. Friel, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 120 days

Daily Burn Rate: $853/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011244/4400002455/4100033933/CORN CREAM STYLE CAN-24/300

Place of Performance

Location: WYE MILLS, TALBOT County, MARYLAND, 21679

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $102,319.2 to S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011244/4400002455/4100033933/CORN CREAM STYLE CAN-24/300 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the specified quantity and type of commodity. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Delivery order structure indicates flexibility in procurement for ongoing needs. 4. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The contract supports the critical mission of USG food donations. 6. Performance is located in Maryland, a specific geographic focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $102,319.20 for 20,000 units of canned corn (24/300 count) seems aligned with market prices for similar food commodities procured by government agencies. While specific per-unit cost comparisons are not readily available without broader market data, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The award to S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC, for a 120-day delivery period suggests a standard procurement for essential food supplies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 13 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This broad participation is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals and families receiving food assistance through USG donation programs. Services delivered include the provision of canned corn, a staple food item. Geographic impact is primarily focused on the delivery location in Maryland. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the logistics and distribution of the food product.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting timely delivery.
Quality control of canned goods to ensure they meet nutritional and safety standards.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract limits financial risk for the government.
Full and open competition likely resulted in a competitive price.
Clear delivery period (120 days) provides defined expectations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically related to canned goods. The market for canned food products is mature, with numerous suppliers. Government procurement of food commodities for donation programs represents a consistent, albeit specialized, segment of this market. Benchmarks for similar food procurements by agencies like the Defense Logistics Agency or other federal food assistance programs would provide further context.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC, which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the Department of Agriculture. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices are expected to be followed. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

USDA Food Purchase Programs
Federal Food Donation Programs
Commodity Procurement for Nutrition Assistance

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Quality assurance of food products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $102,319.2 to S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011244/4400002455/4100033933/CORN CREAM STYLE CAN-24/300

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $102,319.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for canned corn by the Department of Agriculture for food donations?

Analyzing historical spending for canned corn by the USDA for food donation programs requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract is for $102,319.20, understanding the broader trend involves looking at the volume, frequency, and total expenditure on this commodity. Factors such as fluctuations in agricultural output, changes in food assistance policies, and the overall budget allocated to donation programs can influence these patterns. Without a comprehensive historical dataset, it's difficult to ascertain if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending compared to previous periods. However, the consistent need for staple food items in donation programs suggests a recurring procurement activity.

How does the per-unit cost of this canned corn compare to similar government procurements or commercial market rates?

Determining the precise per-unit cost comparison for this canned corn requires detailed unit pricing information and access to comparable contract data. The contract specifies 20,000 units of 'CORN CREAM STYLE CAN-24/300' for $102,319.20. This translates to approximately $5.12 per unit (where a unit is a case of 24 cans). Benchmarking this against other government food procurements or commercial wholesale prices for similar canned corn products would be necessary. Factors such as packaging size, can count per case, specific product quality, and delivery terms can significantly influence price. A thorough analysis would involve querying databases for similar solicitations and awards from agencies like the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) or other USDA programs.

What are the potential risks associated with the 120-day delivery period for this food commodity?

The 120-day delivery period for canned corn presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of spoilage or degradation of the product if storage conditions are not optimal during transit or before distribution. Secondly, market price volatility for agricultural commodities could mean that the fixed price agreed upon might become unfavorable to the supplier if market prices rise significantly, potentially impacting the supplier's ability or willingness to deliver on time or at the agreed quality. Thirdly, logistical challenges, such as transportation delays or disruptions in the supply chain, could affect the timely arrival of the goods, especially given the relatively short delivery window. Finally, ensuring consistent quality control over the entire delivery period is crucial to prevent issues with the donated food.

What is the track record of S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for food commodities?

Assessing the track record of S.E.W. FRIEL, LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This would involve searching government contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous awards, delivery orders, and any reported performance issues or successes. Key indicators to examine include the number and value of past contracts, the types of goods or services provided (specifically if they have experience with food commodities), timeliness of delivery, and any instances of contract disputes, terminations, or corrective actions. A positive track record with similar food procurements would increase confidence in their ability to successfully execute this current contract. Conversely, a history of performance issues could signal potential risks.

How does the level of competition (13 bidders) impact the value received by the government for this contract?

A high level of competition, indicated by 13 bidders for this contract, generally leads to better value for the government. When multiple companies vie for a contract, they are incentivized to offer their most competitive pricing and terms to win the award. This competitive pressure helps drive down costs and ensures that the government is not overpaying for the goods or services. Furthermore, a larger pool of bidders increases the likelihood that the government will find a supplier capable of meeting all the specified requirements, including quality, delivery timelines, and other technical aspects. The presence of numerous bids suggests that the market for this type of commodity is robust and accessible to various suppliers.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Canning

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 123J1425B0350

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 FRIELS PL, QUEENSTOWN, MD, 21658

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $102,319

Exercised Options: $102,319

Current Obligation: $102,319

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1425D0057

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline