USDA Buys 32,000 Cattle Backtags for $1.2M from E.J. Brooks Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,197,440 ($1.2M)

Contractor: E.J. Brooks Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 32,000 BOXES OF CATTLE BACKTAGS

Place of Performance

Location: ANGOLA, STEUBEN County, INDIANA, 46703

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $1.2 million to E.J. BROOKS COMPANY for work described as: 32,000 BOXES OF CATTLE BACKTAGS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to E.J. Brooks Company for $1,197,440. 2. Product is 32,000 boxes of cattle backtags. 3. Contract falls under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 4. Delivery period is April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract price of $1,197,440 for 32,000 boxes of cattle backtags appears reasonable given the firm fixed price and full and open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should lead to fair pricing. The award was a delivery order.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive process for essential agricultural supplies.

Public Impact

Ensures continued tracking and identification of cattle for disease control. Supports agricultural industry by providing necessary tools for animal health management. Facilitates compliance with animal identification regulations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 65 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in raw materials for backtags.
Dependence on a single supplier for this specific order.

Positive Signals

Clear need for the product identified.
Competitive bidding process utilized.
Defined delivery period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Other' sector, specifically related to agricultural supplies and animal health. Benchmarks for similar agricultural supply contracts would typically focus on unit cost and delivery reliability.

Small Business Impact

No specific information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved or could have been involved.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract appears to be managed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is responsible for overseeing animal health and disease control programs. Oversight would focus on delivery and quality.

Related Government Programs

Paper Mills
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption.
Dependence on specific raw materials.
Need for ongoing quality assurance.
Long-term cost-effectiveness of backtagging program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $1.2 million to E.J. BROOKS COMPANY. 32,000 BOXES OF CATTLE BACKTAGS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is E.J. BROOKS COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the historical pricing trend for cattle backtags?

Historical pricing data for cattle backtags is not readily available in this dataset. However, the current contract's firm fixed price and full and open competition suggest a market-driven price. Analyzing past solicitations and awards for similar items could provide insights into price trends and potential cost savings over time.

What are the risks associated with the supply chain for these backtags?

Risks include potential disruptions in the manufacturing or transportation of the backtags, especially if raw material sourcing is concentrated. The firm fixed price contract mitigates some financial risk for the government, but delays could impact animal health monitoring programs. The supplier's financial stability and production capacity are also factors.

How effective is the current backtag system in preventing disease spread?

The effectiveness of the backtag system in preventing disease spread is a broader programmatic question beyond the scope of this specific contract. However, the consistent procurement of backtags by APHIS indicates their perceived importance in animal health surveillance and traceability efforts, which are crucial for disease containment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills › Paper Mills

Product/Service Code: NONMETALLIC FABRICATED MATERIALS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 409 HOOSIER DR, ANGOLA, IN, 46703

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,197,440

Exercised Options: $1,197,440

Current Obligation: $1,197,440

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12639525D0048

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline