DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $95.4M contract for fresh produce to Brothers Produce of Dallas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,408 ($95.4K)

Contractor: Brothers Produce of Dallas, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 85 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY 2026 Q3 - PRODUCE

Place of Performance

Location: GARLAND, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75041

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $95,407.5 to BROTHERS PRODUCE OF DALLAS, INC. for work described as: FY 2026 Q3 - PRODUCE Key points: 1. The contract is for fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale, a recurring need for federal institutions. 2. Brothers Produce of Dallas, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract value of $95.4M over 85 days indicates significant daily expenditure. 4. The sector is essential for inmate welfare and nutrition within the Federal Prison System.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $95.4M for 85 days suggests a high daily spend. Benchmarking against similar fresh produce contracts for correctional facilities would be necessary to assess pricing fairness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was intended for smaller value procurements. The award to a single vendor may limit price discovery and competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to procure essential food supplies for federal inmates. Ensuring competitive pricing is crucial for maximizing the value of this expenditure.

Public Impact

Ensures a consistent supply of fresh produce for federal inmates, contributing to their nutritional needs. Supports the operational requirements of the Federal Prison System by providing essential food items. Potential for price fluctuations and availability issues if competition is not robust. Impacts the food service industry and local economies where produce is sourced.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for price escalation in a sole-source award scenario.
Dependence on a single supplier for essential goods.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical operational need for the Bureau of Prisons.
Utilizes a standard procurement method (SAP) for efficiency.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The Federal Prison System's procurement of fresh produce falls under the broader food services sector. Spending benchmarks for correctional facility food contracts vary widely based on inmate population, location, and specific dietary requirements.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was competed under SAP, it's unclear if small businesses were actively solicited or had the opportunity to participate. Further analysis is needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for purchase orders, including performance monitoring and payment verification, should be in place.

Related Government Programs

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment due to limited competition.
Risk of supply chain disruption if Brothers Produce faces issues.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Contract duration is relatively short for a large-scale supply need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $95,407.5 to BROTHERS PRODUCE OF DALLAS, INC.. FY 2026 Q3 - PRODUCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BROTHERS PRODUCE OF DALLAS, 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 $95,407.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the typical cost per inmate for fresh produce in federal correctional facilities, and how does this contract's implied daily cost compare?

Determining the exact per-inmate cost requires knowing the inmate population served by this contract. However, the contract's value of approximately $1.12 million per day ($95.4M / 85 days) is substantial. Benchmarking against industry averages for correctional facility food service contracts, which can range from $5-$15 per inmate per day for all food, would provide context. A detailed cost analysis comparing this contract's implied daily rate to similar facilities is recommended.

What specific factors led to the use of SAP and a limited competition for a contract of this magnitude?

The use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) is typically reserved for acquisitions below certain dollar thresholds, often $250,000. A contract valued at $95.4 million significantly exceeds these thresholds, suggesting a potential misapplication of SAP or an error in the data provided. If SAP was indeed used, it implies a justification for limited competition, possibly due to urgency, unique circumstances, or a misunderstanding of procurement regulations for larger value contracts.

How does the firm fixed price contract structure mitigate risks associated with fluctuating fresh produce market prices?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract shifts the risk of price fluctuations to the contractor, Brothers Produce of Dallas, Inc. This means the government is obligated to pay the agreed-upon price regardless of changes in the market cost of fruits and vegetables. While this provides budget certainty for the government, it could lead to higher initial pricing to account for the contractor's risk. The contractor benefits from any cost savings if market prices decrease.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers › Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B50226Q00000041

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2600 MCCREE RD, GARLAND, TX, 75041

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,408

Exercised Options: $95,408

Current Obligation: $95,408

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline