DOJ's $16.4M Food Contract Awarded to JNS Foods LLC for Federal Prisons

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,403 ($16.4K)

Contractor: JNS Foods LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 89 days

Daily Burn Rate: $184/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: A1 FY26 QTR2-JNS-SUBSISTENCE SMALL BUSINESS

Place of Performance

Location: CORAL SPRINGS, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33071

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $16,403.25 to JNS FOODS LLC for work described as: A1 FY26 QTR2-JNS-SUBSISTENCE SMALL BUSINESS Key points: 1. Spending on subsistence for federal prisons totals $16.4 million. 2. Contract awarded to JNS Foods LLC, a single entity. 3. The contract is for a fixed price, indicating predictable costs. 4. This spending falls under the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Without benchmark data for similar subsistence contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess if the $16.4 million price is optimal. However, the fixed price provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was likely a limited competition. SAP is designed for smaller purchases, and while it aims for fair pricing, it may not achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential food supplies for federal inmates. The efficiency of the procurement process under SAP will influence the overall value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Ensures food supply for federal inmates. Supports a specific food manufacturing business. Potential for cost savings or overspending depending on SAP competition effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best price.
Lack of specific product details makes cost assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Supports essential inmate services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the food manufacturing sector, specifically for subsistence supplies. Federal spending on food services for correctional facilities is a significant but often overlooked area of government expenditure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if the contract value exceeded typical small business set-aside thresholds.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a purchase order from the Department of Justice, specifically for the Federal Prison System. Standard procurement oversight processes would apply to ensure compliance and proper execution of the contract.

Related Government Programs

All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for non-optimal pricing due to limited competition.
Lack of transparency on specific food items procured.
No indication of small business participation.
Contract duration is relatively short (one quarter).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $16,403.25 to JNS FOODS LLC. A1 FY26 QTR2-JNS-SUBSISTENCE SMALL BUSINESS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JNS 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 $16,403.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the typical cost per inmate for subsistence, and how does this contract compare?

Determining the typical cost per inmate for subsistence requires detailed data on inmate populations, dietary needs, and regional food costs. Without this specific benchmark, it's challenging to directly compare this $16.4 million contract to industry standards. However, the contract's duration and the number of institutions served would be key factors in such an analysis.

What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for food supplies?

Limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) can pose risks such as higher prices than might be achieved through full and open competition, reduced innovation, and potential for vendor lock-in. For essential supplies like food, ensuring a robust supply chain and fair pricing is critical, and SAP's streamlined process might not always guarantee the most competitive outcome.

How effective is the current procurement strategy in ensuring consistent and cost-effective food supply for federal prisons?

The effectiveness of the current procurement strategy hinges on the outcomes of the SAP competition and the performance of JNS Foods LLC. While a fixed-price contract offers cost certainty, the limited competition raises questions about whether the most cost-effective solution was secured. Consistent supply and quality are paramount, and ongoing monitoring of vendor performance is crucial.

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: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1401 N UNIVERSITY DR, CORAL SPRINGS, FL, 33071

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,403

Exercised Options: $16,403

Current Obligation: $16,403

Actual Outlays: $15,303

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline