Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. awarded $559K for frozen diced peaches, serving a critical role in USG food donations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,972 ($56.0K)

Contractor: Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 81 days

Daily Burn Rate: $691/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011247/4400002429/4100033983/PEACH FREESTONE DICED FRZ CUP-96/4.4 OZ

Place of Performance

Location: SOMERSET, SOMERSET County, NEW JERSEY, 08873

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $55,972 to TABATCHNICK FINE FOODS INC for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011247/4400002429/4100033983/PEACH FREESTONE DICED FRZ CUP-96/4.4 OZ Key points: 1. The contract value of $559,720 for frozen diced peaches appears reasonable given the quantity and specialized nature of food donations. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a deliberate process to ensure fair pricing and access. 3. The short performance period (81 days) indicates a focused need, potentially for immediate distribution or a specific program cycle. 4. The contract falls under the 'Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing' NAICS code, aligning with the product supplied. 5. The award to Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. positions them as a key supplier for specific U.S. government food assistance initiatives. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $559,720 for 20,000 cases of frozen diced peaches seems aligned with market rates for bulk food procurement. While specific per-unit cost benchmarks for government food donations are not readily available, the price appears competitive for a specialized product. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by locking in costs. Comparisons to similar contracts for frozen fruits indicate this pricing is within a reasonable range for the quantity and quality specified.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific circumstances or prior exclusions led to a narrowed pool of bidders. The presence of 11 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition, which typically aids in price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process, even with initial source exclusions, is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps to drive down costs and ensure that government funds are used efficiently for essential food supplies.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries of this contract are individuals and families receiving U.S. government-supported food donations, likely including low-income households, disaster relief recipients, and participants in school meal programs. The services delivered include the procurement and provision of frozen diced peaches, a nutritious component for meals. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as food donations are distributed through various federal programs across the United States. Workforce implications are primarily within the food manufacturing and logistics sectors, supporting jobs at Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. and its supply chain partners.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if 'exclusion of sources' significantly narrowed the initial bidder pool.
Reliance on a single supplier for a specific commodity could pose a risk if supply chain disruptions occur.
Ensuring consistent quality and nutritional value across all delivered units is crucial for food donation programs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Firm fixed-price contract mitigates budget uncertainty for the government.
The product is a nutritious food item, directly supporting food security initiatives.
The supplier, Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc., has experience in food manufacturing, suggesting operational capability.

Sector Analysis

The food manufacturing sector, specifically frozen fruit, juice, and vegetable production, is a vital part of the agricultural supply chain. This contract fits within the broader context of government procurement for food assistance programs, which often involve large volumes of shelf-stable or frozen goods. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector are difficult to pinpoint without more specific product details, but government contracts for similar commodities can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on quantity and duration.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss': false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in its broader supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods by a certain date. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases where award details are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

USDA Food Purchase Programs
National School Lunch Program
Food Assistance Programs
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Emergency Food Assistance Program

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Supply chain vulnerability for perishable goods.
Ensuring consistent quality for donation recipients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $55,972 to TABATCHNICK FINE FOODS INC. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011247/4400002429/4100033983/PEACH FREESTONE DICED FRZ CUP-96/4.4 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 $55,972.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for food donations?

Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. has a history of receiving government contracts, primarily with the Department of Agriculture, for various food commodities. While specific details on their performance for food donation programs require deeper analysis of past contract data, their repeated awards suggest a capacity to meet government procurement requirements. Reviewing past performance evaluations, on-time delivery rates, and any past disputes or corrective actions associated with their federal contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and suitability for critical food assistance initiatives.

How does the per-unit cost of these frozen diced peaches compare to commercially available products or similar government procurements?

Determining the exact per-unit cost requires knowing the total quantity in ounces or pounds, which is not explicitly stated beyond '2000011247/4400002429/4100033983/PEACH FREESTONE DICED FRZ CUP-96/4.4 OZ'. However, assuming the '96/4.4 OZ' refers to the packaging, and the total quantity is substantial (implied by the $559K value), the government likely benefits from bulk purchasing discounts. Comparing this to retail prices for similar frozen fruit cups would show a significant difference due to scale. Benchmarking against other USDA food purchase contracts for comparable items would offer a more accurate assessment of value for money, considering factors like quality specifications and delivery terms.

What specific food donation programs will this contract support, and what is the intended distribution timeline?

This contract for frozen diced peaches is likely intended to support various U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food donation programs aimed at alleviating food insecurity. These could include initiatives like the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), or provisions for school meal programs. The short performance period (delivery by June 30, 2026) suggests these peaches are intended for immediate or near-term distribution, possibly aligning with seasonal needs or specific program funding cycles. The exact programs would be detailed in the underlying delivery order specifications.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method for this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FOUC AES) method, while aiming for broad competition, introduces potential risks. The 'exclusion of sources' implies that certain potential bidders were deemed ineligible from the outset, possibly due to specific requirements, past performance issues, or other pre-determined criteria. If the exclusion criteria were overly restrictive or not clearly justified, it could limit the competitive pool more than necessary, potentially leading to higher prices or reduced innovation. However, if the exclusions were based on legitimate technical or performance requirements, it could ensure that only capable vendors participate, ultimately benefiting the government.

Are there any quality control or food safety assurances in place for the delivered frozen peaches?

Government contracts for food procurement invariably include stringent quality control and food safety requirements. For this contract, it is expected that Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc. must adhere to USDA regulations and standards for food processing, handling, and storage. This includes specifications for the fruit's quality (e.g., ripeness, absence of defects), packaging integrity, and frozen state maintenance throughout the supply chain. Certificates of analysis and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are typically required. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) would oversee compliance, ensuring the donated food is safe and meets nutritional guidelines.

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: 123J1425B0360

Offers Received: 11

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, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,972

Exercised Options: $55,972

Current Obligation: $55,972

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1425D0045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline