DOJ's $19.2M Pasta/Cereal Purchase from MINA HOLDINGS LLC for Federal Prisons
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,234 ($19.2K)
Contractor: Mina Holdings LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-01-15
End Date: 2026-04-02
Contract Duration: 77 days
Daily Burn Rate: $250/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 23
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 A1 MINA HOLDINGS PASTA/CEREAL QTR 2
Place of Performance
Location: HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17111
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $19,233.62 to MINA HOLDINGS LLC for work described as: FY26 A1 MINA HOLDINGS PASTA/CEREAL QTR 2 Key points: 1. Spending on food staples for federal prisons highlights essential service procurement. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The contract's short duration and firm fixed price mitigate some cost escalation risks. 4. Focus on grocery products indicates a specific need within correctional facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.2M for a 77-day period appears high for a single order of pasta/cereal. Benchmarking against similar large-scale food service contracts would be necessary to determine true value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
Procurement under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) typically involves competition among a smaller pool of vendors or may be limited by specific circumstances. This method can lead to less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential food supplies in federal correctional facilities. The efficiency of the procurement process directly impacts the value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures food supply for federal inmates. Supports the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons. Represents a significant expenditure on essential goods.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for higher pricing due to limited competition under SAP.
- Short contract duration may not reflect long-term cost efficiencies.
- Lack of detailed product specifications could lead to variability.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for food services.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Procurement under SAP can be efficient for smaller value contracts.
Sector Analysis
This purchase falls under the broader category of food services and supplies, a critical component of government operations, particularly in institutions like federal prisons. Spending benchmarks for such items vary widely based on quantity, quality, and location.
Small Business Impact
Analysis of small business participation is not possible with the provided data. SAP procurements can sometimes include small business set-asides, but this contract does not indicate such a designation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure compliance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price inflation
- Lack of detailed product specifications
- Short contract duration
Tags
other-grocery-and-related-products-merch, department-of-justice, pa, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $19,233.62 to MINA HOLDINGS LLC. FY26 A1 MINA HOLDINGS PASTA/CEREAL QTR 2
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 $19,233.62.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-15. End: 2026-04-02.
What is the typical per-unit cost for pasta and cereal in federal correctional facilities, and how does this contract's pricing compare?
Without specific product details and historical data for federal prison food contracts, a precise per-unit cost benchmark is difficult to establish. However, the total value of $19.2M for a 77-day supply suggests a substantial quantity. Further analysis would require comparing unit prices against similar bulk food purchases for institutional use, considering factors like type of pasta, cereal, and packaging.
What are the specific risks associated with procuring essential food items under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
Procuring essential food items under SAP carries risks such as potentially higher prices due to limited competition, reduced transparency, and a possibility of receiving lower quality products if specifications are not stringent. While SAP offers efficiency, it may not always yield the best value for taxpayers compared to full and open competition.
How effectively does this contract ensure the consistent availability of quality food for federal inmates?
The contract's firm fixed price and defined delivery period aim to ensure availability. However, effectiveness hinges on the quality of the products supplied by MINA HOLDINGS LLC and the Bureau of Prisons' ability to monitor adherence to any implicit or explicit quality standards. The short duration also implies ongoing procurement efforts will be needed.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers › Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers
Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 23
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: $19,234
Exercised Options: $19,234
Current Obligation: $19,234
Actual Outlays: $19,234
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-15
Current End Date: 2026-04-02
Potential End Date: 2026-04-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
More Contracts from Mina Holdings LLC
- Subsistence 3RD QTR FY26 — $44.7K (Department of Justice)
- Applesauce, 6-#10, Case Cereal: Bran Flakes, Pounds Pasta, Lasagna, Pounds Pasta, Rotini, Pounds Pasta, Spaghetti, Pounds Rice, Bulk, Pounds Kosher Tuna Fish, 4-6 OZ PK, Each — $25.0K (Department of Justice)
- FY26 3RD QTR Food Service — $14.8K (Department of Justice)
- FY26 A1 TBD Q3 Subsistence APR 26 — $11.7K (Department of Justice)
Other Department of Justice Contracts
- Contractor Owned and Operated Existing Correctional Facility for Approximately 3,500 LOW Security Male Inmates — $794.5M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)
- Detention Services - SAN Diego — $776.9M (THE GEO Group, Inc.)
- CO: Telly Renfroe Award of NEW Task Order Base Year Initial Funding — $616.4M (AT&T Enterprises, LLC)
- TAS 151060 - Services for the Management and Operation of a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated, Correctional Facility for 2,567 Beds in Adams County, Mississippi — $574.3M (Corecivic, Inc.)
- Provide Services for the Management and Operation of a Correctional Facility in Accordance With Rfp-Pcc-0014 — $568.9M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)