DOJ's $27M bread contract to Wildkale.com, Inc. for FCI Cumberland shows potential value concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,027 ($27.0K)

Contractor: Wildkale.com, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-04-07

Contract Duration: 96 days

Daily Burn Rate: $282/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BREAD FY26 QTR 2 FCI CUMBERLAND

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10282

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $27,026.64 to WILDKALE.COM, INC. for work described as: BREAD FY26 QTR 2 FCI CUMBERLAND Key points: 1. The contract's value appears high relative to its short duration, warranting further price analysis. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear due to the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. The firm fixed-price structure shifts risk to the contractor, but the overall value proposition needs scrutiny. 4. This contract represents a small portion of the Bureau of Prisons' overall food service spending. 5. The geographic concentration in New York for this federal prison system need is noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $27,026.64 for a 96-day period (approximately 3 months) suggests a daily cost of around $281.53. Without specific details on the quantity and type of bread products, it is difficult to benchmark this against commercial bakery prices. However, the daily cost seems high for bread alone, indicating a need for a more granular cost breakdown or comparison with similar federal food service contracts to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and may not achieve the same level of price competition as full and open competition. While this method is intended for smaller purchases, the specific competition details, such as the number of quotes received and the basis for award, are not provided. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess if the pricing reflects the best possible value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of simplified acquisition procedures may result in higher prices for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract, as the pool of potential offerors is restricted.

Public Impact

Inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Cumberland will receive bread products as part of their dietary needs. The contract supports the operational requirements of the Federal Prison System, ensuring a consistent supply of essential food items. The primary beneficiaries are the incarcerated individuals served by FCI Cumberland. The contract has a direct impact on the food service operations within the facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for overpayment given the limited competition and unclear unit pricing.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes it hard to verify the reasonableness of the price.
Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-competitions, potentially increasing administrative costs.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts performance risk to the contractor.
Award to a commercial entity suggests access to potentially specialized bakery products.
Contract is for a basic necessity, ensuring inmate welfare.

Sector Analysis

The federal food service market is substantial, with agencies like the Bureau of Prisons requiring consistent and large-scale procurement of food items. This contract, while small in isolation, fits within the broader category of essential supplies for correctional facilities. Benchmarking against other federal food service contracts or large institutional food providers could offer insights into pricing norms, though specific product details are crucial for accurate comparison.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to WILDKALE.COM, INC. does not specify if it is 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 fall under the Federal Prison System's procurement and contract management divisions within the Department of Justice. Transparency is limited by the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, which often involves less public documentation than larger, full-and-open competitions. Inspector General involvement would typically be triggered by allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Service Contracts
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Commissary and Food Procurement
Federal Correctional Institution Operations

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Lack of Detailed Pricing Information
Potential for High Unit Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $27,026.64 to WILDKALE.COM, INC.. BREAD FY26 QTR 2 FCI CUMBERLAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WILDKALE.COM, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27,026.64.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-04-07.

What is the specific type and quantity of bread products being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact types or quantities of bread products. The contract is categorized under 'Commercial Bakeries' (NAICS code 311812), suggesting a range of bakery items. Without this detail, it is challenging to perform a precise cost-benefit analysis or benchmark the price against market rates for specific goods. Understanding the product mix (e.g., loaves, rolls, pastries, dietary specific options) and the volume required is essential for evaluating the $27,026.64 award.

How many quotes were solicited and received under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

The data indicates the contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' but does not provide the number of quotes solicited or received. SAP allows for informal solicitations, often from a pre-approved list of vendors or through public postings on systems like SAM.gov. The number of quotes directly impacts the assessment of competition. A higher number of quotes generally suggests better price discovery and a stronger likelihood of a competitive price. Without this number, the level of competition remains uncertain.

What is the historical spending pattern for bread products at FCI Cumberland or similar facilities?

Historical spending data for bread products at FCI Cumberland or comparable federal correctional facilities is not provided in the current data set. Analyzing past expenditures for similar items would allow for a comparison to identify any significant increases or deviations in pricing. Such a comparison is crucial for determining if the current contract represents a fair market value or if there are potential cost escalations that warrant further investigation by the Bureau of Prisons.

Does WILDKALE.COM, INC. have a track record with federal food service contracts, particularly for correctional institutions?

The provided data does not include information on WILDKALE.COM, INC.'s past performance or contract history with the federal government, specifically within the Bureau of Prisons or other correctional systems. A review of their track record would be necessary to assess their experience, reliability, and pricing consistency. A history of successful, cost-effective performance in similar environments would lend more confidence to the current award, while a lack of relevant experience might raise concerns.

What are the specific performance standards and quality requirements for the bread products?

The contract details do not specify the performance standards or quality requirements for the bread products. For a food service contract, these would typically include aspects like nutritional content, freshness, shelf life, delivery schedules, and adherence to dietary guidelines. The absence of these details makes it difficult to fully assess the value proposition, as higher quality or specialized products would naturally command different price points. Clear specifications are vital for ensuring the contract meets the needs of the facility and its population.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing › Commercial Bakeries

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B10726Q00000018

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 211 N END AVE APT 9D, NEW YORK, NY, 10282

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,027

Exercised Options: $27,027

Current Obligation: $27,027

Actual Outlays: $9,351

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline