DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $1.6M for chicken to Apex Food Group, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,036 ($16.0K)

Contractor: Apex Food Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-09

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 52 days

Daily Burn Rate: $308/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SST - FY26 A1 APEX FOOD GROUP CHICKEN QTR 3

Place of Performance

Location: LITTLE ROCK, PULASKI County, ARKANSAS, 72207

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $16,036 to APEX FOOD GROUP, LLC for work described as: SST - FY26 A1 APEX FOOD GROUP CHICKEN QTR 3 Key points: 1. Spending on chicken for federal prisons is a recurring need. 2. Apex Food Group, LLC is the sole awardee for this specific contract. 3. The contract is for a short duration, indicating potential for future competition. 4. The sector is food manufacturing, essential for institutional operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.6M for a 52-day period seems high for chicken procurement. 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

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

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for food procurement. The efficiency of the procurement process and the final price will determine the overall taxpayer impact.

Public Impact

Ensures food supply for federal inmates. Supports a specific food manufacturing company. Potential for price fluctuations in food commodities impacting government spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher prices.
Reliance on a single supplier for a critical commodity.
Short contract duration could lead to frequent re-procurement costs.

Positive Signals

Meets essential operational needs for the Bureau of Prisons.
Utilizes established procurement procedures (SAP).

Sector Analysis

The food manufacturing sector is critical for government institutions, including correctional facilities. Spending benchmarks for institutional food supply vary widely based on quantity, type of food, and location.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if Apex Food Group, LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for oversight of this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment due to limited competition.
Supply chain vulnerability with a single awardee.
Lack of transparency in pricing without detailed cost breakdown.
Short contract duration may lead to administrative overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $16,036 to APEX FOOD GROUP, LLC. SST - FY26 A1 APEX FOOD GROUP CHICKEN QTR 3

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APEX FOOD GROUP, 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 $16,036.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-09. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the typical per-unit cost for chicken procured by federal agencies of similar size?

Determining the typical per-unit cost for chicken procured by federal agencies requires detailed market research and access to historical contract data. Factors like cut of chicken, volume, delivery location, and contract type significantly influence pricing. Without specific benchmarks, it's difficult to assess if the $1.6M for 52 days is competitive.

What are the risks associated with a limited competition procurement for essential food items?

Limited competition for essential food items like chicken poses risks of inflated prices due to lack of competitive pressure, potential for supply chain disruptions if the sole awardee faces issues, and reduced incentive for the vendor to innovate or offer cost savings. It also limits opportunities for other qualified vendors to secure government contracts.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for money in food procurement?

SAP is designed for smaller purchases to expedite the process, but its effectiveness in ensuring value for money for larger contracts, like this $1.6M award, can be limited. While it allows for quicker acquisition, the reduced competition inherent in SAP may not always yield the best prices or terms compared to full and open competition.

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: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Apex Food Group LLC

Address: 2 ARMISTEAD RD, LITTLE ROCK, AR, 72207

Business Categories: Category Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,036

Exercised Options: $16,036

Current Obligation: $16,036

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline