DOJ awards $318K for meat products, with 19 bids received under simplified acquisition procedures

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,845 ($31.8K)

Contractor: EMA Foods CO LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 17 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 3RD QTR A1 EMA FOODS MEAT AWARD

Place of Performance

Location: TUPELO, LEE County, MISSISSIPPI, 38801

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $31,845 to EMA FOODS CO LLC for work described as: FY26 3RD QTR A1 EMA FOODS MEAT AWARD Key points: 1. The contract was competed under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. A high number of bids (19) indicates robust market interest and potential for competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, ensuring cost certainty for the government. 4. Awarded for a short duration (17 days), this likely addresses immediate or short-term needs. 5. The contract falls under 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing', a broad category. 6. The geographic location of the award is Mississippi.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $318,450 for meat products appears reasonable given the number of bids received and the nature of the goods. Without specific unit cost data or a direct comparison to similar large-scale food service contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the competitive bidding process suggests that the pricing achieved is likely aligned with market rates for such provisions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under simplified acquisition procedures (SAP), which allows for a streamlined process for procurements under the simplified threshold. The solicitation received 19 bids, indicating a healthy level of competition for this requirement. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought to efficiently acquire goods while still encouraging broad market participation.

Taxpayer Impact: The high number of bidders in a SAP procurement is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through competition, ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its expenditure on essential food supplies.

Public Impact

The Federal Prison System (Bureau of Prisons) is the primary beneficiary, ensuring the provision of meat products for inmate sustenance. This contract directly supports the daily operational needs of correctional facilities. The geographic impact is localized to Mississippi, where the awardee is based. The contract supports jobs within the food manufacturing and distribution sector in Mississippi.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions if the sole awardee faces unforeseen operational issues.
Limited visibility into the specific quality control measures for the meat products beyond standard industry practices.

Positive Signals

High number of bids received (19) indicates strong market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and transfers risk to the contractor.
Short contract duration suggests efficient procurement for immediate needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional needs. The market for supplying food products to government entities, such as correctional facilities, is substantial. While this specific award is relatively small, it represents a segment of the larger federal food procurement landscape, which often involves complex supply chains and diverse product requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under simplified acquisition procedures, which often include provisions for small businesses. However, it is not explicitly stated as a small business set-aside. The awardee, EMA FOODS CO LLC, is listed with a 'MS' status, which typically denotes a 'Minority-Owned Small Business' or 'Small Business' in federal contracting databases. If EMA FOODS CO LLC is indeed a small business, this award contributes to federal small business contracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers within the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System. The Bureau of Prisons has established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with federal acquisition rules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Department of Justice Procurement
Food and Agriculture Supply Chain Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain interruption due to short contract duration.
Limited detail on specific meat product specifications and quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $31,845 to EMA FOODS CO LLC. FY26 3RD QTR A1 EMA FOODS MEAT AWARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EMA FOODS CO 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 $31,845.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the typical price range for similar meat product contracts awarded by the Federal Prison System?

Determining a precise typical price range for similar meat product contracts requires access to a comprehensive database of historical awards with detailed specifications. However, given that this award was made under simplified acquisition procedures (under $250,000), it suggests a requirement for a moderate volume or specific types of meat products. Contracts for larger quantities or more specialized cuts, often awarded through full and open competition, can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually. The 19 bids received for this $318,450 award indicate a competitive market, which generally helps align pricing with prevailing market rates for institutional food service providers.

How does the number of bids (19) compare to the average number of bids for similar simplified acquisition procurements?

Receiving 19 bids for a simplified acquisition procurement (SAP) is generally considered a strong indicator of robust competition. While the average number of bids can vary significantly based on the specific product or service, agency, and economic conditions, many SAP procurements might receive anywhere from 2 to 10 bids. A higher number, like 19, suggests that the solicitation was well-publicized within the relevant market, the requirements were clear, and the opportunity was attractive to a wide range of potential suppliers. This high level of interest is advantageous for the government, as it increases the likelihood of securing a lower price through competitive pressure.

What are the specific types of meat products included in this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'EMA FOODS MEAT AWARD' under the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' NAICS code. However, it does not specify the exact types or cuts of meat included. Typically, contracts for correctional facilities would specify a range of common meat products such as beef, poultry, and pork, often with defined quality standards (e.g., USDA grades) and preparation requirements. Detailed specifications would be found in the solicitation documents associated with this purchase order, which are not included in the summary data.

What is the track record of EMA FOODS CO LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for food products?

To assess the track record of EMA FOODS CO LLC, a review of their past federal contract awards would be necessary. This would involve searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for previous contracts awarded to this entity. Key aspects to examine would include the types of goods or services provided, the agencies they've served, contract values, performance history (if available), and any instances of contract terminations or disputes. Without this specific historical data, it's difficult to provide a detailed assessment of their reliability and experience in fulfilling federal food product contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with a short contract duration (17 days)?

A short contract duration of 17 days, as seen in this award, typically indicates an urgent or immediate need for the goods or services. The primary risk associated with such short durations is the potential for supply chain disruptions if the contractor encounters unforeseen issues (e.g., production delays, transportation problems, ingredient shortages) that prevent timely delivery. For the government, it might also mean less opportunity to establish a long-term relationship or negotiate better terms for sustained supply. However, for a specific, limited need, a short duration can be an efficient way to procure necessary items quickly.

How does the 'MS' status of the awardee impact this contract?

The 'MS' status associated with EMA FOODS CO LLC likely signifies a small business designation, potentially a Minority-Owned Small Business or simply a Small Business. If this is the case, awarding this contract to an 'MS' entity contributes to the government's small business contracting goals. For taxpayers, this can be seen positively as it supports the growth and viability of smaller enterprises within the federal supply chain. The impact on the specific contract's execution depends on the company's capacity and operational efficiency, but the intent behind such designations is to foster a diverse and competitive business landscape.

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: 15B12126Q00000013

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4110 WESTSIDE DR STE C, TUPELO, MS, 38801

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,845

Exercised Options: $31,845

Current Obligation: $31,845

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline