DOJ's $651,600 food service contract awarded to North Star Imports, LLC for prison operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $65,160 ($65.2K)

Contractor: North Star Imports, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-27

End Date: 2026-04-27

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PAUL, DAKOTA County, MINNESOTA, 55122

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $65,160 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC for work described as: 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for food services, indicating essential operational support for federal correctional facilities. 2. The contract value of $651,600 suggests a moderate investment in maintaining food supply chains. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), implying a streamlined procurement process for smaller value contracts. 4. The single-year duration points to a need for regular re-evaluation of service providers and pricing. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 6. The contract's focus on food service highlights the critical role of logistics in maintaining facility operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $651,600 for a one-year food service contract appears within a reasonable range for supporting a federal correctional facility. Without specific details on the number of inmates served or the scope of services (e.g., meal complexity, dietary restrictions), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the award suggests the government has a clear understanding of its cost obligations. Benchmarking against similar contracts for food services in federal prisons would provide a more robust comparison, but the current data suggests a fair, albeit not exceptionally competitive, valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders compared to full and open competition. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP is designed for procurements under a certain dollar threshold, often resulting in less robust competition. This approach can expedite the acquisition process but may limit the potential for achieving the lowest possible price through extensive market engagement. The limited competition could mean that the government did not explore the full breadth of available suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in higher prices for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract, as fewer vendors are incentivized to offer their most competitive bids.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive food services, directly impacting their daily living conditions. The contract supports the operational continuity of the Bureau of Prisons by ensuring a consistent food supply. The services are geographically focused on Minnesota, where the contractor is located. This contract supports jobs within the food service industry, particularly in Minnesota.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals due to limited competition.
Risk of service quality degradation if contractor faces operational challenges not fully mitigated by fixed-price terms.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service like food provision.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded to a specific LLC, suggesting a focused business entity.
Contract duration, though short, allows for periodic review and potential re-competition.

Sector Analysis

The food service industry within the federal government is a significant sector, encompassing a wide range of needs from institutional catering to specialized dietary requirements. Federal agencies, particularly those managing large facilities like correctional institutions, rely heavily on contractors to provide these essential services. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain operational efficiency and inmate welfare. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other food service contracts within the Department of Justice or other agencies with similar facility management responsibilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail any subcontracting plans. Given the award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), it is possible that small businesses were among the bidders. However, without explicit set-aside information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were encouraged to participate or if subcontracting opportunities were mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) within the Department of Justice. The agency is responsible for monitoring contractor performance to ensure compliance with the terms of the purchase order, including food quality, safety standards, and delivery schedules. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract through performance clauses and payment terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Food Procurement
Government Food Service Contracts
Correctional Facility Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals due to limited competition.
Risk of service quality degradation if contractor faces operational challenges not fully mitigated by fixed-price terms.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service like food provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $65,160 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC. 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC.

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 $65,160.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-27. End: 2026-04-27.

What is the track record of North Star Imports, LLC in providing federal food services?

Information regarding North Star Imports, LLC's specific track record in providing federal food services is not detailed in the provided data. As the award is a purchase order, it suggests a potentially smaller or less extensive history with federal contracts compared to larger, multi-year prime contracts. To assess their track record, one would need to examine past performance evaluations, any previous federal awards for similar services, and their history of compliance with government regulations. A review of federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experience and reliability in delivering food services to government entities.

How does the $651,600 contract value compare to similar food service contracts for federal correctional facilities?

The contract value of $651,600 for a one-year food service contract for the Federal Prison System is moderate. Without specific details on the size of the facility (e.g., inmate population) or the exact scope of services required, a direct comparison is difficult. However, food service contracts for federal prisons can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scale of operations. This particular award suggests it may be for a smaller facility, a specific unit within a larger facility, or a contract with a limited scope of services. Benchmarking against contracts for facilities of similar size and operational complexity in the same region (Minnesota) would provide a more accurate assessment of its value relative to market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this food service contract for the Bureau of Prisons?

The primary risks associated with this food service contract include potential disruptions to the food supply chain, which could impact inmate welfare and facility operations. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, there's a risk that the contractor may face challenges in maintaining quality or service levels if their costs exceed projections, potentially leading to disputes or service degradation. Another risk is the limited competition under SAP, which might mean the government did not secure the most cost-effective solution. Furthermore, ensuring food safety and compliance with dietary regulations is a constant concern in correctional environments. The short, one-year duration also introduces a recurring risk of needing to re-compete the contract, potentially leading to temporary service gaps or price fluctuations.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for money for food services?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to expedite the procurement of goods and services below a certain dollar threshold (currently $250,000, though specific agency thresholds may vary). While SAP can increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden, its effectiveness in ensuring maximum value for money for food services can be variable. SAP often involves fewer bidders and less extensive market research compared to full and open competition, which may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs. However, for smaller, routine procurements like this one, SAP can be efficient. The effectiveness hinges on the agency's ability to clearly define requirements and conduct adequate price analysis within the SAP framework to ensure a fair and reasonable price is obtained.

What are the historical spending patterns for food services within the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for food services within the Federal Prison System (FPS) generally show consistent and significant investment due to the essential nature of providing meals to a large inmate population. The FPS, managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), procures food and related services through various contract types, including firm-fixed-price agreements, often utilizing competitive bidding processes. Spending levels fluctuate based on inmate population size, inflation, and the specific services contracted (e.g., full meal preparation, food supply delivery). Analyzing historical data reveals a steady demand for these services, with contract values often in the millions of dollars annually across the entire system. The use of SAP for smaller awards like this one indicates a strategy to manage smaller procurement needs efficiently while larger requirements are likely handled through more extensive competitive processes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Animal Slaughtering and Processing › Meat Processed from Carcasses

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B11026Q00000006

Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: North Star Imports LLC

Address: 3459 WASHINGTON DR STE 201, SAINT PAUL, MN, 55122

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $65,160

Exercised Options: $65,160

Current Obligation: $65,160

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline