DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $18.6M contract for M&B food products to M & B PRODUCTS, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,579 ($18.6K)

Contractor: M & B Products, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $204/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NATIONAL MENU Q1 FY26 M&B PRODUCT

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33637

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $18,578.53 to M & B PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: NATIONAL MENU Q1 FY26 M&B PRODUCT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to M & B PRODUCTS, INC. for $18.6M. 2. Procurement method: Competed under SAP. 3. Contract type: Firm Fixed Price. 4. Duration: 91 days. 5. Location: Florida.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.6M for a 91-day period suggests a significant per-diem cost. Benchmarking against similar food service contracts for correctional facilities is needed to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically implies a limited competition environment. This method may not always yield the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this procurement. The effectiveness of the competition method will directly impact the overall value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Ensures food supply for the Federal Prison System. Supports the Bureau of Prisons' operational needs. Impacts inmates' daily nutrition and well-being. Potential for price fluctuations if competition was limited.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP.
Short contract duration may limit long-term price stability.
No indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical operational need for the Bureau of Prisons.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' category. Spending in this sector for government agencies is generally consistent, driven by operational requirements for food services.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to compete.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the Department of Justice, Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but accountability for pricing and performance remains crucial.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for inflated pricing due to limited competition.
Lack of transparency on small business participation.
Short contract duration may not reflect long-term cost efficiencies.
Dependence on a single vendor for essential supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $18,578.53 to M & B PRODUCTS, INC.. NATIONAL MENU Q1 FY26 M&B PRODUCT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M & B PRODUCTS, 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 $18,578.53.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the typical per-unit cost for M&B products in similar correctional facility contracts?

Determining the typical per-unit cost requires access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts. Factors like product specifications, delivery logistics, and contract volume significantly influence pricing. Without specific product details and market data, a precise benchmark is difficult to establish, but general food service costs for institutions can range widely.

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

Limited competition under SAP can increase the risk of paying above-market prices and reduce the incentive for the awarded vendor to offer the best value. It may also limit the government's ability to secure specialized products or innovative solutions. Ensuring fair pricing and adequate quality requires careful vendor selection and contract monitoring.

How effectively does this contract support the Bureau of Prisons' mission regarding inmate welfare?

This contract directly supports the Bureau of Prisons' mission by ensuring the provision of essential food products. The effectiveness hinges on the quality, timeliness, and nutritional adequacy of the delivered goods. While the contract secures supply, ongoing monitoring of vendor performance and product quality is vital to guarantee inmate welfare standards are met.

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: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8601 HARNEY RD, TAMPA, FL, 33637

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,579

Exercised Options: $18,579

Current Obligation: $18,579

Actual Outlays: $17,186

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline