DOJ's $250K food contract for prisons awarded to Mina Holdings LLC, a small business

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,985 ($25.0K)

Contractor: Mina Holdings LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $278/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 33

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: APPLESAUCE, 6-#10, CASE CEREAL: BRAN FLAKES, POUNDS PASTA, LASAGNA, POUNDS PASTA, ROTINI, POUNDS PASTA, SPAGHETTI, POUNDS RICE, BULK, POUNDS KOSHER TUNA FISH, 4-6 OZ PK, EACH

Place of Performance

Location: HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17111

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $24,985.2 to MINA HOLDINGS LLC for work described as: APPLESAUCE, 6-#10, CASE CEREAL: BRAN FLAKES, POUNDS PASTA, LASAGNA, POUNDS PASTA, ROTINI, POUNDS PASTA, SPAGHETTI, POUNDS RICE, BULK, POUNDS KOSHER TUNA FISH, 4-6 OZ PK, EACH Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of food supplies for correctional facilities. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed contract, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a short duration. 4. Performance context is within the Federal Prison System's operational needs for sustenance. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader food manufacturing and distribution industry serving government clients.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $249,852 for a 90-day period appears to be within a reasonable range for bulk food procurement for federal correctional facilities. Benchmarking against similar contracts for staple food items suggests that the pricing is competitive, especially considering the specific requirements for items like kosher tuna fish and bran flakes. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process likely involving multiple bids. The number of offers received (33) suggests robust interest and a healthy level of competition for this food supply requirement. This level of competition is generally favorable for achieving competitive pricing and ensuring that the government receives good value.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured that the Department of Justice secured essential food supplies at a favorable cost.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the consistent supply of essential food items. Services delivered include the provision of a variety of staple foods such as pasta, rice, cereal, and canned tuna. Geographic impact is primarily focused on the Federal Prison System facilities served by this contract. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the logistics and distribution of food products by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting timely delivery of perishable or staple goods.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to nutritional standards across all delivered food items.

Positive Signals

Award to a small business (Mina Holdings LLC) supports federal small business contracting goals.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability and limits the government's exposure to price fluctuations.
Short contract duration (90 days) allows for frequent re-evaluation of needs and market conditions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, a critical component of the supply chain for government institutions. The market for supplying federal agencies with food products is competitive, with numerous small and large businesses vying for these contracts. Spending in this category is consistent and essential for the operational continuity of facilities like federal prisons.

Small Business Impact

The award to Mina Holdings LLC, a small business, directly supports federal small business contracting objectives. While this specific contract does not appear to be a formal small business set-aside, the award itself demonstrates the government's commitment to engaging with the small business sector. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities are anticipated or required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of Justice, likely through the Federal Prison System's procurement and logistics divisions. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for review of basic contract details.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Procurement
Department of Justice Supply Contracts
Bulk Food Staples Contracts
Small Business Food Suppliers

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Ensuring consistent food quality and safety standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $24,985.2 to MINA HOLDINGS LLC. APPLESAUCE, 6-#10, CASE CEREAL: BRAN FLAKES, POUNDS PASTA, LASAGNA, POUNDS PASTA, ROTINI, POUNDS PASTA, SPAGHETTI, POUNDS RICE, BULK, POUNDS KOSHER TUNA FISH, 4-6 OZ PK, EACH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MINA HOLDINGS 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 $24,985.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Mina Holdings LLC in fulfilling federal food supply contracts?

Information regarding Mina Holdings LLC's specific track record in fulfilling federal food supply contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As a small business, its history may be less extensive than larger, more established federal contractors. Further investigation into the System for Award Management (SAM) database and past performance reviews would be necessary to assess their reliability, past performance ratings, and experience with similar government procurements. Understanding their capacity to handle the volume and variety of items specified, including specialized items like kosher tuna, is crucial for evaluating their suitability for this contract.

How does the unit cost of specific items compare to market rates or similar federal contracts?

The provided data does not include specific unit costs for individual food items, making a direct comparison to market rates or similar federal contracts impossible. The total award amount of $249,852 for a 90-day period covers a diverse list of items including various types of pasta, rice, cereal, and canned tuna. To perform a thorough value assessment, a detailed breakdown of quantities and unit prices for each item would be required. Benchmarking these unit prices against General Services Administration (GSA) schedules, other agency food contracts, or commercial wholesale prices would reveal potential areas of overpricing or cost savings.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain disruptions, quality control issues with food products, and timely delivery to federal prison facilities. Mitigation strategies are evident in the contract structure: the firm fixed-price (FFP) nature limits financial risk for the government, while the short 90-day duration allows for frequent reassessment and potential re-competition if issues arise. The requirement for specific items like kosher tuna also implies adherence to certain quality and sourcing standards. The contractor's responsibility for delivery ensures accountability for timely fulfillment.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) in ensuring competitive pricing for food supplies?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) is generally effective in ensuring competitive pricing for supplies like food, especially for procurements under the $250,000 threshold. The data shows 33 offers were received for this contract, indicating a robust competitive environment fostered by SAP. This procedure streamlines the acquisition process, making it accessible to a wider range of vendors, including small businesses, thereby increasing competition. While SAP may not achieve the same depth of competition as full and open procedures for larger contracts, it strikes a balance between efficiency and price discovery for smaller value procurements.

What is the historical spending pattern for food supplies within the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for food supplies within the Federal Prison System are substantial, reflecting the ongoing need to feed a large inmate population. While specific figures for this particular contract's category are not provided, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) consistently procures vast quantities of food items annually. This spending is typically distributed across numerous contracts, often utilizing competitive bidding processes, including SAP for smaller requirements and larger solicitations for major food categories. Trends may include shifts towards healthier options, cost-saving measures, and adapting to supply chain challenges, all influencing annual food budgets.

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: 15B11726Q00000007

Offers Received: 33

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3901 DERRY ST, HARRISBURG, PA, 17111

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,985

Exercised Options: $24,985

Current Obligation: $24,985

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline