DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $336K for kosher meat, with 11 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,600 ($33.6K)

Contractor: Foods Galore Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 29 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 32

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCI FAIRTON 3RD QUARTER FY26 SUBSISTENCE. SUBSISTENCE/FROZEN/KOSHER/MEAT.

Place of Performance

Location: PENNSAUKEN, CAMDEN County, NEW JERSEY, 08110

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $33,600 to FOODS GALORE INC for work described as: FCI FAIRTON 3RD QUARTER FY26 SUBSISTENCE. SUBSISTENCE/FROZEN/KOSHER/MEAT. Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product. 2. Strong competition with 11 bids suggests a competitive market for this niche food service. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a short duration and firm fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context is a single month, indicating a short-term need. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader food services and logistics for correctional facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $336,000 for a one-month supply of kosher meat is specific to the needs of the Federal Prison System. Benchmarking against similar specialized food contracts for correctional facilities is challenging due to the niche requirements. However, the number of bids received suggests that the pricing is likely competitive within this specialized market.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition for a purchase order valued under the federal threshold for simplified acquisitions. The receipt of 11 bids demonstrates a healthy level of competition for this requirement, suggesting that multiple vendors were aware of and able to bid on the opportunity.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition among 11 bidders is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government received a fair market value for the specialized kosher meat.

Public Impact

Inmates at FCI Fairton will receive kosher meat, fulfilling specific dietary and religious requirements. The service directly supports the operational needs of the Federal Prison System. The geographic impact is localized to FCI Fairton in New Jersey. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the supply chain and delivery of the food products.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery of perishable goods.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to kosher certification standards.

Positive Signals

Clear contract terms with a firm fixed-price structure.
Defined delivery period limits exposure.
Multiple bidders indicate a stable vendor pool.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader food services and logistics sector, specifically catering to institutional needs. The market for specialized food items, such as kosher meat for correctional facilities, is a niche segment within the larger food supply industry. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique requirements, but the overall federal spending on food services for correctional institutions is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the product and the number of bidders, it is possible that small businesses participated in the competition. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order issued by the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System. Oversight would typically involve contract officers and facility staff monitoring delivery and quality. Transparency is provided through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Correctional Facility Operations
Specialty Food Procurement

Risk Flags

Perishable Goods Delivery Risk
Specialized Dietary Requirement Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $33,600 to FOODS GALORE INC. FCI FAIRTON 3RD QUARTER FY26 SUBSISTENCE. SUBSISTENCE/FROZEN/KOSHER/MEAT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FOODS GALORE 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 $33,600.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of FOODS GALORE INC with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to assess the track record of FOODS GALORE INC. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Without specific data on this contractor's history, it is difficult to provide a detailed assessment of their reliability and past performance in fulfilling federal requirements. However, the award of this contract suggests they met the basic qualifications and were deemed a responsible source by the contracting agency.

How does the price of $336,000 for one month of kosher meat compare to market rates?

Determining the precise market rate for $336,000 worth of kosher meat for a single month is complex without detailed specifications (e.g., types of meat, quantities, specific cuts, kosher certification level). However, the fact that 11 vendors bid on this contract suggests a competitive environment. If the pricing were significantly out of line with market expectations, it would likely deter bidders or lead to concerns from the contracting officer. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also implies that the awarded price was deemed acceptable by both parties at the time of award.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are related to the perishable nature of the goods. These include potential supply chain disruptions that could delay delivery, leading to shortages for the facility. There is also a risk concerning the quality and consistency of the meat, ensuring it meets the specific kosher certification requirements and inmate satisfaction. Finally, as with any food service contract, there's a risk of spoilage if not handled and stored properly upon delivery.

How effective is the Bureau of Prisons in procuring specialized food items?

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) generally has established procedures for procuring a wide range of food items, including specialized ones like kosher meat. The successful award of this contract, with multiple bids, indicates that their procurement processes are functional for this type of requirement. Effectiveness can be further gauged by inmate satisfaction surveys, audit reports from the Inspector General, and the absence of significant supply disruptions. The BOP's ability to consistently meet dietary needs across diverse inmate populations is a key indicator of its procurement effectiveness in this area.

What is the historical spending pattern for subsistence at FCI Fairton?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for subsistence at FCI Fairton would require access to detailed historical contract data for this specific facility. This would involve looking at previous awards for similar food items, their values, durations, and the number of bidders. Without this specific data, it's impossible to describe the historical spending pattern. However, it is reasonable to assume that the facility has ongoing needs for subsistence, and spending would fluctuate based on contract renewals, market prices, and changes in inmate population or dietary requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B20426Q00000002

Offers Received: 32

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9246 COMMERCE HWY, PENNSAUKEN, NJ, 08110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,600

Exercised Options: $33,600

Current Obligation: $33,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline