DOJ awards $3.3M for subsistence, MATTS TRADING INC secures 90-day contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,360 ($33.4K)

Contractor: Matts Trading Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $371/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OATS-FCI JES-A1-FY26 QTR3-MATTS TRADIN-SUBSISTENCE SMALL BUSINESS

Place of Performance

Location: BOCA RATON, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33431

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $33,360 to MATTS TRADING INC for work described as: OATS-FCI JES-A1-FY26 QTR3-MATTS TRADIN-SUBSISTENCE SMALL BUSINESS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. Short contract duration suggests a need for immediate or interim supply. 3. Focus on subsistence items indicates essential operational support. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 5. Awarded under SAP, implying a streamlined procurement process for smaller value contracts. 6. Geographic location in Florida may indicate a specific facility or regional need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.3 million for a 90-day period for subsistence items appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized food procurement. However, without specific details on the exact items and quantities, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar Federal Prison System contracts for subsistence would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The firm fixed-price nature of the award helps mitigate cost overrun risks for this short duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. With 28 bids received, there was some level of market engagement, but the specific details of the solicitation and evaluation criteria are not provided. The number of bidders suggests that while the market was aware of the requirement, the procurement method may have limited the pool of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP and the number of bids indicate a balance between efficient procurement and ensuring a reasonable price for taxpayers. While not fully competed, the 28 bids suggest a degree of price discovery was achieved.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the provision of subsistence items. The contract ensures the availability of essential food supplies for correctional facilities. The primary geographic impact is within Florida, likely serving one or more federal correctional institutions. The contract supports the food manufacturing and distribution workforce involved in supplying these goods.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP procurement method.
Short contract duration may indicate a stop-gap measure or potential for follow-on contracts.
Lack of detailed itemization makes it difficult to assess the true value and necessity of the award.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Multiple bids received (28) suggest market interest and some level of competition.
Awarded to a single vendor for a defined period, simplifying management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Food Manufacturing and Distribution sector, specifically for subsistence items. The federal government is a significant purchaser of food products for its various agencies, including correctional facilities. The market for specialized food suppliers to government entities is competitive, with many firms capable of meeting stringent requirements. This award represents a small portion of the overall federal food procurement spending, which can run into billions annually.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Given the value and the nature of the procurement (likely involving established food distributors), it's possible that larger businesses were the primary focus. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons procurement and contract management divisions. Standard contract clauses would govern performance, quality, and delivery. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight may be involved if any irregularities or performance issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Department of Justice Procurement
Subsistence Supply Contracts
Food Manufacturing and Distribution Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP
Short contract duration
Lack of detailed itemization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $33,360 to MATTS TRADING INC. OATS-FCI JES-A1-FY26 QTR3-MATTS TRADIN-SUBSISTENCE SMALL BUSINESS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATTS TRADING 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 $33,360.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific breakdown of subsistence items included in this $3.3 million contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific breakdown of subsistence items. This information would typically be found in the contract's statement of work or line item details. Understanding the exact items (e.g., frozen meats, vegetables, dairy, specialty items) and their quantities is crucial for a thorough value analysis and to ensure the items align with nutritional and operational requirements of the Federal Prison System. Without this breakdown, it's difficult to benchmark pricing effectively against market rates or compare it to similar past procurements.

How does the pricing of MATTS TRADING INC compare to other vendors for similar subsistence items?

A direct price comparison is not possible with the current data. The contract was awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) with a firm fixed price. To assess MATTS TRADING INC's pricing, one would need to compare the unit prices for specific items against historical contract awards for the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies procuring similar subsistence goods. The 28 bids received suggest a competitive process, but the final price relative to market value depends heavily on the specific items, quantities, and delivery terms. Further investigation into the solicitation's price evaluation criteria would be beneficial.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a 90-day contract for subsistence supplies?

The primary risks associated with a short-duration contract like this include potential supply chain disruptions if the vendor faces unforeseen issues, and the possibility that the government may need to re-compete or extend the contract quickly if needs persist beyond the 90 days. For the vendor, the short term might limit their ability to optimize production or secure long-term supply agreements. From a government perspective, it could lead to higher per-unit costs if the vendor factors in the short duration into their pricing, or it might indicate a need for a more strategic, longer-term solution that is currently being developed.

What is the track record of MATTS TRADING INC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for subsistence items?

Information on MATTS TRADING INC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for subsistence items, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance history in federal procurement databases. This would include examining previous awards, contract values, duration, and any reported performance issues or successes. Understanding their experience with similar items and agencies like the Bureau of Prisons is key to evaluating their reliability and capability for this current award.

How does the $3.3 million award for 90 days fit into the Bureau of Prisons' overall annual spending on subsistence?

This $3.3 million award represents a short-term procurement, likely for a specific facility or region within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP's total annual spending on subsistence items is significantly higher, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars, to support its vast network of correctional institutions nationwide. This contract, covering only three months, would be a fraction of that total. Analyzing its proportion requires understanding the BOP's procurement strategy, which often involves multiple contracts of varying durations and scopes to ensure continuous supply and manage costs effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing › Frozen Specialty Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2202 SW BRADFORD PL, PALM CITY, FL, 34990

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,360

Exercised Options: $33,360

Current Obligation: $33,360

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline