Justice Department awards $20.8K for emergency lunch box meals, highlighting supply chain resilience needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,761 ($20.8K)

Contractor: KMA Foods LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 174 days

Daily Burn Rate: $119/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LUNCH BOX MEALS REPLACEMENT DUE TO USING THEM FOR MEDIUM LOCK-DOWN. REPLACING HURRICANE SEASON SUPPLY OF BOX MEALS. MIKE@KMAFOODS.COM 470-436-2411

Place of Performance

Location: WOODSTOCK, CHEROKEE County, GEORGIA, 30189

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $20,761.44 to KMA FOODS LLC for work described as: LUNCH BOX MEALS REPLACEMENT DUE TO USING THEM FOR MEDIUM LOCK-DOWN. REPLACING HURRICANE SEASON SUPPLY OF BOX MEALS. MIKE@KMAFOODS.COM 470-436-2411 Key points: 1. Contract addresses urgent need for replacement meals, indicating potential supply chain disruptions. 2. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on rapid procurement for smaller needs. 3. The fixed-price nature of the purchase order provides cost certainty for the government. 4. The short duration of the contract (approx. 5.8 months) aligns with emergency or seasonal requirements. 5. Geographic location of the contractor (Georgia) may influence logistics and delivery times. 6. The specific need for 'replacement' meals points to unforeseen circumstances impacting initial supply.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $20,761.44 is relatively small, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. Given the nature of the goods (lunch box meals) and the urgency implied by 'replacement due to using them for medium lock-down' and 'hurricane season supply', the pricing is likely assessed against immediate market availability and emergency sourcing costs. Without specific unit cost data or a clear benchmark for emergency food supplies, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the amount appears reasonable for a limited, urgent need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for less formal competition than full and open procedures. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP typically involves a limited number of quotes or proposals. This method is often used for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold or for those where only a few sources are reasonably available. The limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to slightly higher prices than might be achieved through broader market solicitation. However, it also enables faster response times for urgent needs, which can be critical in situations like emergency supply replacements.

Public Impact

Prison facilities within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the provision of essential meal supplies. The contract ensures the availability of food services for inmates during critical periods, such as lockdowns or seasonal emergencies. The services delivered are the provision of pre-packaged lunch box meals. The geographic impact is primarily within the Federal Prison System facilities served by KMA Foods LLC, located in Georgia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs due to limited competition under SAP.
Reliance on a single vendor for emergency supplies could pose a risk if the vendor faces disruptions.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality and timeliness beyond basic delivery.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a critical need for food services in a correctional environment.
The use of a fixed-price purchase order provides budget certainty.
The contractor, KMA Foods LLC, is fulfilling a specific, time-sensitive requirement.

Sector Analysis

The food manufacturing and distribution sector is a critical component of the broader supply chain, particularly for government institutions like correctional facilities. This contract falls within the Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing category. Spending in this area is often driven by operational needs, emergency preparedness, and the requirement for consistent, reliable food services. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically focus on per-meal costs, delivery logistics, and adherence to food safety standards.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned. KMA Foods LLC's status as a small business is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but the contract's value is well within the range where small businesses can compete. The lack of set-aside indicates that the procurement was likely focused on obtaining the best value from available sources, rather than specifically targeting small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) within the Department of Justice. As a purchase order awarded under SAP, the oversight mechanisms might be less formalized than for larger, more complex contracts. Accountability is ensured through the terms of the purchase order, including delivery schedules and product specifications. Transparency is facilitated by federal procurement databases, where such awards are typically reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Emergency Preparedness Supplies
Correctional Facility Operations
Food Manufacturing Contracts
Department of Justice Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Urgent need procurement
Limited competition implications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $20,761.44 to KMA FOODS LLC. LUNCH BOX MEALS REPLACEMENT DUE TO USING THEM FOR MEDIUM LOCK-DOWN. REPLACING HURRICANE SEASON SUPPLY OF BOX MEALS. MIKE@KMAFOODS.COM 470-436-2411

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KMA FOODS 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 $20,761.44.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the typical cost per meal for lunch box meals provided to federal correctional facilities?

Determining a precise 'typical' cost per meal for lunch box meals in federal correctional facilities is complex, as it varies significantly based on factors like location, specific dietary requirements, volume, contract duration, and whether the meals are for general consumption or emergency/lockdown situations. For standard meal contracts, costs can range from $3 to $7 per meal. However, for emergency supplies or specialized 'box meals' intended for situations like lockdowns or hurricane preparedness, the per-meal cost can be higher due to factors such as specialized packaging, shorter lead times, and potentially less competitive sourcing. The provided data does not offer a per-meal breakdown, making a direct comparison difficult, but the total award of $20,761.44 for an unspecified quantity of meals suggests a per-meal cost that might be at the higher end of the spectrum if it's intended for immediate or emergency deployment.

How does the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) impact the pricing and competition for this contract?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for purchases generally valued between the micro-purchase threshold and $250,000. This process allows for more streamlined procurement, often involving fewer documentation requirements and potentially a smaller number of solicited vendors compared to full and open competition. For this $20,761.44 contract, using SAP likely means the Department of Justice obtained quotes from a limited number of sources, possibly three or more, rather than conducting a broad solicitation. While SAP enables faster acquisition, especially for urgent needs like emergency meal replacements, it can sometimes result in less aggressive pricing because the vendor pool is smaller. The government aims to get 'best value' within this framework, but the potential for lower prices is generally greater in a wider, more competitive bidding environment.

What are the specific risks associated with procuring emergency food supplies under limited competition?

Procuring emergency food supplies under limited competition, such as through SAP, carries several risks. Firstly, there's a heightened risk of paying a premium due to the restricted vendor pool; suppliers may offer higher prices knowing that fewer competitors are vying for the contract. Secondly, the speed required for emergency procurements can sometimes lead to less rigorous vetting of vendors, potentially increasing the risk of non-performance or substandard quality, although this is mitigated by the government's ability to assess past performance. Thirdly, reliance on a limited number of suppliers for critical items like food can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain; if the chosen vendor experiences disruptions, the government may struggle to find immediate replacements. Finally, the urgency might overshadow opportunities for long-term strategic sourcing or negotiating more favorable terms.

What does the contract duration of approximately 5.8 months suggest about the nature of the need?

The contract duration, spanning from April 9, 2026, to September 30, 2026 (approximately 174 days or 5.8 months), suggests that this procurement is not intended for long-term, ongoing supply. Instead, it points towards a specific, time-bound requirement. The mention of 'hurricane season supply' strongly indicates that this contract is related to seasonal preparedness, aiming to ensure adequate provisions are available during a period known for potential disruptions. The need for 'replacement' meals further reinforces the idea of addressing unforeseen circumstances or topping up existing stocks before or during a critical period, rather than establishing a continuous food service contract.

How does this contract fit into the broader spending patterns for food services within the Federal Prison System?

This contract represents a very small fraction of the overall spending on food services within the Federal Prison System (FPS). The FPS manages a large inmate population, requiring substantial and continuous food service operations. Annual spending on food and catering services for federal prisons typically runs into hundreds of millions of dollars. This particular award of $20,761.44 is likely an ancillary or supplementary purchase, addressing a specific, short-term need such as emergency stock replenishment or specialized meal requirements during lockdowns, rather than core operational sustenance. It highlights the system's need for agile procurement mechanisms to handle such localized or emergent demands alongside its massive, long-term food service contracts.

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

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4008 DREAM CATCHER DR, WOODSTOCK, GA, 30189

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, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,761

Exercised Options: $20,761

Current Obligation: $20,761

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline