DOJ's $362K Food Service Contract Awarded to East Baking Company, Inc. for Federal Prison System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,238 ($36.2K)

Contractor: East Baking Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-06-30

End Date: 2026-06-30

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

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

Place of Performance

Location: HOLYOKE, HAMPDEN County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01040

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $36,238.4 to EAST BAKING COMPANY, INC. for work described as: 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to East Baking Company, Inc. for food services. 2. The contract is for the 3rd Quarter FY26, with a period of performance ending June 30, 2026. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a focus on smaller procurements. 4. The total award amount is $362,384.40. 5. This procurement falls under the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $362,384.40 for food services appears reasonable for a federal prison system, though specific per-unit cost comparisons are not available without further data on inmate populations and service levels.

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 offers. While competed, the SAP process may not achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential food services within the Federal Prison System. The use of SAP suggests an effort to procure efficiently for this specific need.

Public Impact

Ensures continued food service operations for inmates within the Federal Prison System. Supports a specific business, East Baking Company, Inc., through a government contract. The contract's duration and scope directly impact the daily lives of incarcerated individuals. Procurement decisions like this reflect the operational needs and budget allocations of the Department of Justice.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition remains limited.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a specific company, providing essential services.
Procurement process followed established procedures for acquisitions under SAP.
Clear period of performance and award amount.

Sector Analysis

The food service sector within government contracts is crucial for maintaining operational facilities like prisons. Spending benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on the size and type of facility, but consistent service delivery is a key performance indicator.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if East Baking Company, Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in federal contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System. Oversight would typically involve contract management officials ensuring service delivery and compliance with the purchase order terms.

Related Government Programs

All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher costs due to SAP
Lack of detailed performance metrics
No indication of small business status

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $36,238.4 to EAST BAKING COMPANY, INC.. 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EAST BAKING COMPANY, 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 $36,238.4.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost per inmate for food services in federal prisons, and how does this contract compare?

Determining the exact cost per inmate requires detailed data on the number of inmates served, the specific dietary requirements, and the scope of services provided. Without this granular information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, general industry benchmarks suggest that food service costs in correctional facilities can range significantly, and this contract's value should be assessed against the inmate population it serves to gauge its efficiency.

What are the risks associated with awarding food service contracts under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

The primary risk of using SAP for food service contracts is potentially reduced price competition, which could lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to full and open competition. Additionally, the vetting process for vendors under SAP might be less rigorous, potentially increasing risks related to service quality, reliability, or compliance. However, SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds, balancing cost and speed.

How effective is the current procurement strategy in ensuring consistent and high-quality food services for the Federal Prison System?

The effectiveness of this specific procurement strategy hinges on the performance of East Baking Company, Inc. and the oversight provided by the Bureau of Prisons. While the contract ensures service delivery for a defined period, the limited competition inherent in SAP may not guarantee the most cost-effective or highest quality outcome long-term. Continuous monitoring of service delivery and periodic market research for future procurements are essential for sustained effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B11026Q00000004

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 104 WHITING FARMS RD, HOLYOKE, MA, 01040

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,238

Exercised Options: $36,238

Current Obligation: $36,238

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline