DOJ's $248K Contract for Prison Food Services Awarded to Rainmaker, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,840 ($24.8K)

Contractor: Rainmaker, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 86 days

Daily Burn Rate: $289/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 3RD QTR SUBSISTENCE

Place of Performance

Location: OAKLAND PARK, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33334

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $24,840 to RAINMAKER, INC. for work described as: FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 3RD QTR SUBSISTENCE Key points: 1. The contract value of $248,400 for perishable prepared food manufacturing is modest. 2. Competition under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) suggests a less competitive environment than full and open. 3. Risk is moderate, primarily related to food quality, safety, and timely delivery for inmate subsistence. 4. The sector is essential government services, specifically supporting correctional facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is relatively small, making direct comparison difficult. However, for perishable food services, pricing is generally driven by volume and specific nutritional requirements. Without more detailed cost breakdowns, it's hard to definitively assess if this price is optimal.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, indicating it likely fell below the threshold for full and open competition. This method can lead to faster awards but may limit the pool of potential bidders and potentially impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely minimal given the contract's relatively small value. However, ensuring cost-effectiveness in food services is crucial for efficient prison operations.

Public Impact

Ensures essential food services for inmates at Federal Prison System facilities. Supports the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons. Potential impact on inmate welfare and morale through food quality and availability. Contributes to the supply chain for government-provided necessities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for price increases in future solicitations.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Contract supports essential government function.
Clear performance period.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the government services sector, specifically supporting correctional facilities. Spending benchmarks for food services can vary widely based on inmate population, location, and dietary requirements. The $248K value suggests a smaller facility or a specific subset of food services.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. SAP procurements can sometimes be set aside for small businesses, but this is not specified here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Bureau of Prisons contracting officers and facility staff, ensuring compliance with the purchase order terms and conditions, including food quality and delivery schedules.

Related Government Programs

Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited vendor pool due to SAP.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical subsistence needs.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for price validation.
Perishability of goods introduces logistical and quality risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $24,840 to RAINMAKER, INC.. FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 3RD QTR SUBSISTENCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAINMAKER, 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 $24,840.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-26.

What is the typical cost per inmate per day for subsistence in federal prisons, and how does this contract's implied cost compare?

The average cost per inmate per day for subsistence in federal prisons can range significantly, often between $3-$7, depending on location, dietary needs, and contract specifics. Without knowing the exact inmate population served by this contract and the precise food items procured, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the total contract value of $248,400 over approximately 3 months suggests a substantial number of meals, and the pricing would need to align with established per-meal or per-diem cost benchmarks to be considered efficient.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring perishable food services for correctional facilities, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Key risks include foodborne illnesses, supply chain disruptions, nutritional deficiencies, and potential for waste. Mitigation strategies in this contract likely involve strict quality control clauses, adherence to food safety standards (e.g., HACCP), defined delivery schedules, and potentially penalties for non-compliance. The Firm Fixed Price structure also shifts some cost risk to the contractor.

How effective is competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for money for essential services like inmate subsistence?

SAP can be effective for smaller procurements by streamlining the process and reducing administrative burden, potentially leading to quicker delivery of needed goods and services. However, it inherently limits the number of potential bidders compared to full and open competition. For essential services like subsistence, while SAP might ensure basic availability, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing or the widest range of innovative solutions available through broader market engagement.

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: 15B21726Q00000003

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1100 E OAKLAND PARK BLVD, OAKLAND PARK, FL, 33334

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,840

Exercised Options: $24,840

Current Obligation: $24,840

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline