DOJ's $2.8M food contract with MATTS TRADING INC shows strong competition and fair pricing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,350 ($28.4K)

Contractor: Matts Trading Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-30

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 32 days

Daily Burn Rate: $886/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 A1 FPC YANKTON FS SUBSISTENCE QTR 3 - MATT'S

Place of Performance

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

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28,350 to MATTS TRADING INC for work described as: FY26 A1 FPC YANKTON FS SUBSISTENCE QTR 3 - MATT'S Key points: 1. Value for money appears favorable given the competitive bidding process. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a robust bidding environment. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context suggests routine subsistence procurement for federal facilities. 5. This contract fits within the broader 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty. While specific unit pricing benchmarks are not available without more granular data, the competitive award suggests pricing is likely aligned with market rates for subsistence goods. The total award amount of $2.835 million for a 32-day period indicates a significant but potentially reasonable expenditure for the services rendered, especially considering the number of bidders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for a broad range of potential bidders, especially for procurements under certain dollar thresholds. With 12 bidders participating, this indicates a healthy level of competition for this subsistence contract. The significant number of bidders suggests that the government received multiple competitive offers, which is conducive to achieving fair and reasonable pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process with 12 bidders helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System facilities will receive necessary subsistence supplies. Inmates and staff at federal correctional institutions will have access to food provisions. The contract supports the operational readiness of correctional facilities. The geographic impact is primarily within the Federal Prison System's operational areas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Multiple bidders (12) indicate a competitive market.
Awarded under SAP, suggesting efficient procurement for this value range.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the broad category of food manufacturing and distribution, a critical component of the supply chain for various institutions. The market for federal food procurement is substantial, with numerous suppliers vying for government contracts. This specific award, while for a short duration, represents a typical procurement action within the larger food services sector, where competition is generally robust for standard supplies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or if MATTS TRADING INC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses and the overall impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the competitive nature of the award suggests that small businesses, if capable, would have had an opportunity to bid.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for smaller procurements. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the Federal Prison System's procurement division. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
General Services Administration Schedule Contracts (potential alternatives)
Department of Defense Food Procurement

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate a stop-gap measure or specific need.
Limited performance period requires close monitoring for timely delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28,350 to MATTS TRADING INC. FY26 A1 FPC YANKTON FS SUBSISTENCE QTR 3 - MATT'S

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 $28,350.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-30. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the historical spending pattern for subsistence at Federal Prison System facilities?

Historical spending on subsistence for the Federal Prison System (FPS) is substantial, reflecting the daily needs of a large inmate population across numerous facilities. While specific figures for FY26 are not yet available, past trends indicate consistent and significant annual expenditures. For instance, in previous fiscal years, the Bureau of Prisons has awarded numerous contracts for food and subsistence items, often through competitive bidding processes similar to the one used here. These expenditures are crucial for maintaining operational capacity and inmate welfare. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract values, types of goods procured, and the average cost per inmate per day, providing a baseline against which current contracts can be evaluated for efficiency and value.

How does MATTS TRADING INC's track record influence the assessment of this contract?

MATTS TRADING INC's track record is a key factor in assessing the reliability and performance of this contract. A history of successful contract performance, timely delivery, and adherence to quality standards would increase confidence in their ability to fulfill this current purchase order. Conversely, past performance issues, such as delivery delays, quality control problems, or disputes, would raise concerns. Without specific details on MATTS TRADING INC's past performance with federal agencies, a definitive assessment is challenging. However, the fact that they were awarded this contract, especially in a competitive environment, suggests they met the minimum qualifications and likely have some level of relevant experience. Further due diligence would involve reviewing past performance evaluations if available.

What are the primary risks associated with this subsistence contract?

The primary risks associated with this subsistence contract include supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, and potential price volatility. Supply chain disruptions could arise from various factors, such as transportation problems, natural disasters affecting production, or geopolitical events impacting global food markets. Quality control is critical; any lapse could lead to the provision of substandard or unsafe food, impacting inmate health and morale. Price volatility is another concern, particularly for perishable goods, where market fluctuations can affect the cost of procurement over the contract period, although the firm fixed-price nature mitigates some of this risk for the government. Ensuring robust quality assurance and contingency planning for supply chain issues are key risk mitigation strategies.

How does the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' category compare to broader food service contracts?

The 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' category is a specific classification within the broader food industry, often encompassing specialized food products or processing that don't fit into more defined categories like dairy, meat, or grain products. Contracts under this NAICS code typically involve the procurement of specific food items or ingredients rather than comprehensive food services (which would include preparation, serving, and management). Compared to broader food service contracts, which might cover cafeteria operations or catering for events, this category focuses on the supply of manufactured food goods. The competitive dynamics and pricing structures can differ; specialized manufacturing might involve fewer suppliers but potentially higher value per unit, whereas broad food services often rely on economies of scale and extensive logistics networks.

What is the typical duration and value of similar Federal Prison System subsistence contracts?

Typical durations for Federal Prison System subsistence contracts can vary significantly, ranging from short-term purchase orders for immediate needs, like this 32-day contract, to longer-term indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts spanning several years. The value also varies widely based on the facility size, inmate population, and the specific goods required. While this $2.835 million contract for a short period is substantial, it's not unusual for larger, multi-year contracts to run into tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars to cover the ongoing needs of the entire prison system. Shorter-term contracts like this one are often used for specific needs, seasonal items, or when a new, larger contract is being established.

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

Solicitation ID: 15B41626Q00000001

Offers Received: 12

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: $28,350

Exercised Options: $28,350

Current Obligation: $28,350

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline