DOJ's $42.8K Purchase Order for Certified Kosher/Halah Items Awarded to L.A. FOODS, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,853 ($42.9K)

Contractor: L.A. Foods, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY 2026 Q3 - CERTIFIED KOSHER/HALAH ITEMS

Place of Performance

Location: AGOURA HILLS, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91301

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $42,853.16 to L.A. FOODS, LLC for work described as: FY 2026 Q3 - CERTIFIED KOSHER/HALAH ITEMS Key points: 1. Spending on specialized food items for federal correctional facilities. 2. Limited competition likely due to specific dietary requirements. 3. Risk of higher costs due to niche product sourcing. 4. Sector: Food Services/Supplies within Government Operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $42,853.16. Without specific unit pricing or comparison data for certified kosher/halah food items, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, specialized food items often carry a premium.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting an expectation of limited competition. This method is often used for smaller dollar amounts or specialized items where broad competition is not feasible, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to procure specialized food items to meet the religious dietary needs of inmates within the Federal Prison System.

Public Impact

Ensures religious dietary compliance for inmates. Supports specialized food suppliers and manufacturers. Potential for increased costs compared to standard food procurement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher prices.
Reliance on a single supplier for specialized goods.
Potential for supply chain disruptions for niche products.

Positive Signals

Meets specific inmate dietary and religious requirements.
Utilizes established procurement procedures (SAP).

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the broader food services and supplies sector for government operations. Spending benchmarks for specialized dietary items are highly variable and depend on the specific product and quantity required.

Small Business Impact

Analysis of small business participation is not directly available from the provided data. The award to L.A. FOODS, LLC does not specify if they are a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order under SAP, indicating a streamlined process for this acquisition. Standard government oversight applies to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Price Premium
Niche Product Sourcing
Supplier Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $42,853.16 to L.A. FOODS, LLC. FY 2026 Q3 - CERTIFIED KOSHER/HALAH ITEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L.A. FOODS, 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 $42,853.16.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost difference between certified kosher/halah food items and standard food items procured by the Federal Prison System?

The cost difference can vary significantly based on the specific food item, volume, and supplier. Certified kosher and halah foods often involve additional costs related to certification, specialized processing, and sourcing. Without detailed product comparisons, it's challenging to quantify precisely, but premiums of 10-50% or more are not uncommon for such specialized items compared to their non-certified counterparts.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring specialized dietary items like certified kosher/halah foods for federal inmates?

The primary risks include higher unit costs due to limited supplier pools and specialized production, potential supply chain vulnerabilities if only a few suppliers exist, and challenges in ensuring consistent quality and availability. There's also a risk of non-compliance if certifications lapse or if the supplier cannot meet the specific religious requirements accurately.

How effectively does this procurement method (SAP) serve the goal of providing necessary dietary items while managing taxpayer costs?

Using SAP for specialized items like certified kosher/halah foods can be effective in streamlining the acquisition process and potentially reducing administrative overhead. However, its effectiveness in managing taxpayer costs is contingent on the level of competition achievable under SAP and the pricing negotiated. For niche items, SAP might be the most practical route, but continuous monitoring of pricing against benchmarks is crucial.

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: 15B50226Q00000039

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5115 CLARETON DR STE 200, AGOURA HILLS, CA, 91301

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,853

Exercised Options: $42,853

Current Obligation: $42,853

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline