DOJ awards $459K for food services to Quality Produce LLC under competitive SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,904 ($45.9K)

Contractor: Quality Produce LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $126/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Place of Performance

Location: OPELIKA, LEE County, ALABAMA, 36801

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $45,904.28 to QUALITY PRODUCE LLC for work described as: TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for food services to a specific federal prison system. 2. The contract value is $459,040.28 for a one-year period. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller procurements. 4. The vendor is Quality Produce LLC, with the contract type being Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $459,040.28 for a one-year food service contract appears reasonable for a federal facility. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed service scope, a precise benchmark is difficult, but it falls within typical ranges for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of offers. While competed, SAP may not always achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition, potentially impacting the final price.

Taxpayer Impact: The award of $459,040.28 represents a direct expenditure of taxpayer funds for essential services. The competitive nature, even under SAP, aims to secure value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures essential food services are provided to inmates within the Federal Prison System. Supports a private company, Quality Produce LLC, contributing to the local economy. The contract's duration of one year allows for regular review and potential re-competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
Lack of detailed service scope makes precise value assessment challenging.
No indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Contract was competed, not sole-source.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded to a specific vendor for a defined period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' NAICS code, which is a niche sector. Spending in this area is generally consistent, driven by the ongoing need for food supplies in government institutions. Benchmarks are difficult without more specific service details.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-aside goals were considered or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer at the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons. Performance monitoring and quality assurance are crucial to ensure the food services meet contractual requirements and standards.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed service scope.
Potential for limited price competition under SAP.
No small business participation identified.
Vendor capacity and performance history not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $45,904.28 to QUALITY PRODUCE LLC. TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUALITY PRODUCE 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 $45,904.28.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the specific scope of 'food service' being provided, and how does it compare to industry standards for correctional facilities?

The provided data lacks specifics on the scope of 'food service.' Understanding the exact deliverables, such as meal types, dietary accommodations, preparation methods, and delivery logistics, is crucial. Comparing these to industry standards for correctional facilities would reveal if the $459,040.28 contract represents good value and meets the unique operational demands of a prison environment.

What were the key factors that led to the selection of Quality Produce LLC under SAP, and were there any potential risks associated with this vendor?

Under SAP, competition is typically limited, often to vendors within a certain geographic area or those who respond to a specific solicitation. Key factors likely included price, past performance, and ability to meet requirements. Risks might include vendor capacity for large-scale operations, supply chain vulnerabilities, or potential quality control issues, which should have been assessed during the procurement process.

How effectively does this contract meet the nutritional and operational needs of the Federal Prison System compared to alternative procurement methods?

The effectiveness of this contract hinges on Quality Produce LLC's ability to consistently deliver safe, nutritious, and timely food services that meet the specific dietary requirements and security protocols of the prison. While SAP offers efficiency for smaller procurements, alternative methods like larger, more broadly competed contracts might offer greater economies of scale or access to specialized food service providers, potentially leading to better overall value and service quality.

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: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3616 3RD AVE, OPELIKA, AL, 36801

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,904

Exercised Options: $45,904

Current Obligation: $45,904

Actual Outlays: $46,628

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline