DOJ's $1.17M food contract for federal prisons awarded to MINA HOLDINGS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,714 ($11.7K)

Contractor: Mina Holdings LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $130/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 24

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 A1 TBD Q3 SUBSISTENCE APR 26

Place of Performance

Location: HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17111

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $11,714 to MINA HOLDINGS LLC for work described as: FY26 A1 TBD Q3 SUBSISTENCE APR 26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via competitive procurement, suggesting potential for good value. 2. Fixed-price contract type limits risk for the government regarding cost overruns. 3. Short contract duration (90 days) may indicate a need for immediate supply or a pilot program. 4. Focus on perishable prepared foods highlights a critical operational need for correctional facilities. 5. Geographic location in Pennsylvania is noted for this specific award. 6. The contract's value is relatively modest within the broader federal food services landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.17 million for a 90-day period for perishable prepared foods appears reasonable given the nature of the service. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal correctional facilities is challenging without more specific data on quantity and type of meals. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the Bureau of Prisons, mitigating the risk of price escalation during the contract term. The competitive award process further supports the likelihood of a fair market price being achieved.

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 awards below certain thresholds. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the use of SAP suggests that multiple offers were solicited and evaluated. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process, even under SAP, helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Inmates within federal correctional facilities will receive prepared meals, directly impacting daily life and nutrition. The services delivered are essential for the day-to-day operations and well-being of the federal prison system. The geographic impact is focused on the specific federal correctional facility or facilities served from Pennsylvania. This contract supports jobs within the food manufacturing and logistics sectors, particularly in the region where MINA HOLDINGS LLC operates.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting perishable goods delivery.
Ensuring consistent quality and nutritional standards for prepared meals.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service during the contract period.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process likely secured favorable pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Focus on a specific, essential service for correctional facilities.

Sector Analysis

The federal government is a significant purchaser of food services and supplies for its various institutions, including correctional facilities. The market for prepared foods is competitive, with numerous suppliers capable of meeting stringent quality and delivery requirements. This contract represents a small but vital component of the broader federal spending on institutional food services, which aims to ensure the health and welfare of incarcerated individuals while maintaining operational efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, it is unclear if small businesses were specifically targeted or participated in the subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary and Food Operations
Department of Justice Perishable Goods Procurement
Federal Correctional Institution Food Supply Contracts

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term vendor relationship building.
Perishability of goods requires robust supply chain and quality control.
Potential for price fluctuations if follow-on contracts are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $11,714 to MINA HOLDINGS LLC. FY26 A1 TBD Q3 SUBSISTENCE APR 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MINA HOLDINGS 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 $11,714.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for subsistence contracts by the Federal Prison System in Pennsylvania?

Analyzing historical spending for subsistence contracts by the Federal Prison System (FPS) in Pennsylvania requires accessing detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, the FPS procures a wide range of food items, including perishable prepared foods, through various contract vehicles. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on inmate population, specific facility needs, and the competitive landscape. Contracts for prepared meals are often awarded on a fixed-price basis for defined periods. To establish a precise historical pattern, one would need to aggregate data on contract awards, values, durations, and the specific types of food services provided within Pennsylvania facilities over several years. This would reveal trends in vendor selection, average contract values, and the frequency of competitive versus sole-source awards for similar services.

How does the per-unit cost of meals under this contract compare to similar federal correctional facility contracts?

Determining the precise per-unit cost of meals under this contract requires detailed information on the quantity of meals to be provided and the total contract value, which is not fully specified in the provided data. The contract is for 'Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing,' suggesting a broader scope than just individual meal units. However, if we assume a certain number of meals per inmate per day for the 90-day duration, a rough per-meal cost could be estimated. Benchmarking this against other federal correctional facility contracts would involve comparing this estimated cost to similar awards made by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in other regions or for different contract periods. Factors such as geographic location, specific dietary requirements, and the level of preparation involved can significantly influence per-unit costs. Without specific quantity data, a direct comparison is difficult, but the firm fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated rate intended to be cost-effective.

What is MINA HOLDINGS LLC's track record with federal government contracts, particularly in food services?

MINA HOLDINGS LLC's track record with federal government contracts, especially in food services, can be assessed by reviewing historical contract award data. Information available through federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would detail past awards, including the agencies involved, contract values, performance periods, and any reported issues or commendations. A review would indicate if MINA HOLDINGS LLC has prior experience supplying perishable prepared foods or similar services to correctional facilities or other government entities. Assessing their performance history, including on-time delivery, quality compliance, and any disputes or terminations, is crucial for understanding their reliability and capability to fulfill the current contract effectively. A history of successful, timely, and compliant contract performance would be a positive indicator.

What are the potential risks associated with a short-duration contract for perishable food supplies?

Short-duration contracts for perishable food supplies, like this 90-day award, carry specific risks. One primary risk is the potential for supply chain disruptions; if the vendor faces unforeseen issues (e.g., ingredient shortages, transportation problems, labor issues), it could quickly impact the availability of food for the facility. Another risk is the limited opportunity for the government to establish a long-term, stable relationship with a vendor, potentially leading to higher prices in subsequent short-term renewals or requiring frequent re-competition. Furthermore, the vendor might face challenges in optimizing production and logistics for a short period, potentially impacting efficiency or cost. For the government, there's also the risk of needing to quickly transition to a new vendor if performance is unsatisfactory, which can be disruptive.

How does the 'Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing' classification differ from general food supply contracts?

The classification 'Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing' signifies a more involved service compared to general food supply contracts. General food supply contracts typically involve the delivery of raw ingredients or basic food items (e.g., flour, canned goods, fresh produce). In contrast, 'Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing' implies that the contractor is responsible for processing, cooking, and assembling meals that are ready for consumption or require minimal final preparation. This includes ensuring food safety standards throughout the manufacturing process, managing a cold chain for perishable components, and often delivering finished or semi-finished meals. This classification suggests a higher level of service, requiring specialized facilities, quality control measures, and logistical capabilities to handle ready-to-eat or near-ready-to-eat food products.

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

Offers Received: 24

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3901 DERRY ST, HARRISBURG, PA, 17111

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,714

Exercised Options: $11,714

Current Obligation: $11,714

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline