DOJ awards $21.3M for bread, highlighting potential for cost savings in commissary supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,349 ($21.3K)

Contractor: Wildkale.com, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 86 days

Daily Burn Rate: $248/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: A1 PHL FY26 3RD QTR BREAD

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10282

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $21,349.2 to WILDKALE.COM, INC. for work described as: A1 PHL FY26 3RD QTR BREAD Key points: 1. The contract's firm fixed-price structure offers predictable costs for the Bureau of Prisons. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a potentially efficient procurement process for this commodity. 3. A single award indicates a need to monitor future competition for price discovery. 4. The short duration may limit long-term price volatility risks. 5. Geographic concentration in New York could impact delivery logistics and costs. 6. The nature of the product (bread) suggests a stable market with established suppliers.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $21.3 million for bread over a short period appears reasonable given the quantity and nature of the product. Benchmarking against similar commissary supply contracts for staple goods would provide a clearer picture of value. The firm fixed-price nature helps mitigate cost escalation risks for the government. However, without specific per-unit cost data or comparisons to commercial bulk pricing, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of bidders, often below the full and open competition threshold. While this can expedite the procurement process for lower-value items, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to broader solicitations. The fact that it was a single award suggests that only one offeror met the requirements or provided the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may mean taxpayers do not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from a consistent supply of bread. This contract ensures the availability of a basic food staple for correctional facilities. The primary geographic impact is within New York, where the supplier is located. The contract supports the food service workforce within the Bureau of Prisons' facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals due to limited competition.
Dependence on a single supplier could create supply chain vulnerabilities.
Geographic concentration of the supplier may lead to logistical challenges or higher transportation costs.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Simplified acquisition process likely led to a timely award.
The product is a common commodity with readily available suppliers.

Sector Analysis

The food services sector within government procurement is characterized by the need for reliable, cost-effective supply of essential goods. This contract for bread falls under the broader category of food and beverage supplies, a market often dominated by established commercial bakeries and food distributors. Spending in this area is generally stable, driven by consistent demand from institutions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar food items purchased in bulk by agencies like the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is WILDKALE.COM, INC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this award. Without specific subcontracting plans or data, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though larger contracts often have subcontracting requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding performance or pricing arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Food Service Contracts
Commercial Bakery Supply Contracts
Federal Food Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Geographic concentration of supplier.
Short contract duration may limit long-term value optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $21,349.2 to WILDKALE.COM, INC.. A1 PHL FY26 3RD QTR BREAD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WILDKALE.COM, 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 $21,349.2.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending pattern for bread or similar bakery products by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending data for the Federal Prison System (FPS) on bread and similar bakery products is crucial for understanding spending trends and identifying potential anomalies. While this specific award is for FY26, examining previous years' expenditures can reveal patterns of contract duration, pricing fluctuations, and the number of bidders. For instance, if the FPS has consistently awarded similar contracts to a small pool of vendors, it might indicate a stable but potentially less competitive market. Conversely, a history of competitive bidding and price variations could suggest opportunities for cost savings. Without access to historical FPS procurement data specifically for bread, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but general trends in institutional food procurement suggest a steady demand for such staples.

How does the per-unit cost of bread in this contract compare to commercial bulk pricing or other federal agency contracts?

A key aspect of assessing value for money is comparing the per-unit cost of bread in this contract to commercial bulk pricing and similar federal contracts. Since the provided data does not include specific unit quantities or prices, a direct comparison is not possible. However, federal agencies often leverage bulk purchasing power to negotiate favorable rates. If this contract's implied unit cost is significantly higher than commercial bulk rates or rates secured by other agencies for comparable quality and quantity, it could indicate a lack of optimal price discovery or potential overpayment. Conversely, if it aligns with or beats benchmarks, it suggests effective negotiation or competitive pricing. Further analysis would require detailed pricing breakdowns and access to benchmark data.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source or limited competition award for essential food items like bread?

While this contract was competed under SAP and not a sole-source award, limited competition can still present risks. For essential food items like bread, limited competition can lead to price inflation over time, as the contractor may face less pressure to offer competitive pricing in subsequent renewals. It can also create supply chain vulnerabilities; if the sole or primary supplier experiences production issues, the government may face shortages. Furthermore, limited competition can reduce transparency and make it harder to ensure that taxpayers are receiving the best possible value. Agencies typically mitigate these risks by actively seeking new sources, conducting market research, and ensuring robust performance monitoring.

What is the track record of WILDKALE.COM, INC. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for food supplies?

Evaluating the track record of WILDKALE.COM, INC. is essential for understanding the reliability and performance associated with this contract. Information on past federal contract performance, including on-time delivery, product quality, and adherence to contract terms, provides insight into the contractor's capabilities. A history of successful contract completions, especially in the food supply sector, would suggest a lower performance risk for this award. Conversely, past issues such as delivery delays, quality complaints, or contract disputes would raise concerns and warrant closer scrutiny of this new award and the contractor's ability to meet the Bureau of Prisons' requirements. Access to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or similar databases would be necessary to conduct a thorough review of their past performance.

How does the contract's duration and delivery schedule impact the overall value and risk for the Bureau of Prisons?

The contract duration of approximately 3 months (April 1, 2026, to June 26, 2026) for this bread purchase is relatively short. This short duration can be advantageous by allowing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to re-evaluate market conditions and pricing more frequently, potentially leading to better deals in future solicitations. It also limits the government's exposure to long-term price escalations or contractor performance issues. However, a very short duration might also mean less opportunity for the contractor to achieve economies of scale, potentially impacting the unit price. The delivery schedule, though not detailed here, is critical; frequent, reliable deliveries are necessary to ensure a consistent supply of fresh bread to correctional facilities without excessive inventory management burdens.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing › Commercial Bakeries

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: 211 N END AVE APT 9D, NEW YORK, NY, 10282

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,349

Exercised Options: $21,349

Current Obligation: $21,349

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline