DOJ's $348K Purchase Order for Dry Goods to Elwood International, Inc. in FY26

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,824 ($34.8K)

Contractor: Elwood International, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 18

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY 2026 Q3 - DRY GOODS

Place of Performance

Location: COPIAGUE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11726

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $34,824 to ELWOOD INTERNATIONAL, INC for work described as: FY 2026 Q3 - DRY GOODS Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature of the purchase order for essential supplies. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for specialized prison commissary goods. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the straightforward nature of the goods and fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context suggests routine procurement for correctional facility needs. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader federal food and beverage supply chain for institutional use.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This purchase order for dry goods is a standard procurement for the Federal Prison System. While specific price benchmarks for prison commissary items are not readily available, the firm fixed-price contract structure suggests that the price was determined at the time of award and is not subject to change based on cost fluctuations. The value is considered good if the goods meet quality standards and are delivered on time, fulfilling the essential needs of the correctional facilities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a less formal solicitation process than full and open competition. The number of bidders is not specified, but SAP is generally used for procurements under a certain dollar threshold, often resulting in fewer bidders than larger, more widely advertised contracts. This can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, simplified acquisition procedures can offer efficiency but may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to broad competition.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the availability of essential dry goods. The services delivered include the supply of miscellaneous food manufacturing products for institutional consumption. The geographic impact is primarily within New York, where the contractor is located, and potentially other facilities served by the Federal Prison System. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving existing staff at Elwood International, Inc. for production and delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information for SAP procurements can obscure potential overpricing.
Reliance on simplified acquisition may limit opportunities for new or smaller suppliers to enter the market.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Procurement under SAP suggests an efficient process for acquiring necessary goods.
Contract awarded to Elwood International, Inc., indicating a potentially established supplier relationship.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional needs. The market for supplying correctional facilities is specialized, often involving suppliers with experience in secure environments and bulk logistics. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the Department of Justice's overall food service and commissary budgets, which are substantial given the inmate population.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Elwood International, Inc.'s size is not specified, but given the nature of SAP, it could be a small or large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would primarily fall under the Federal Prison System's procurement and logistics departments. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is limited by the SAP process, with less public visibility compared to larger, competitively bid contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Food and Beverage Procurement
Institutional Food Supply Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited price competition due to SAP procurement method.
Lack of detailed public information on specific goods and unit pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $34,824 to ELWOOD INTERNATIONAL, INC. FY 2026 Q3 - DRY GOODS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ELWOOD INTERNATIONAL, 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 $34,824.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Elwood International, Inc. with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Elwood International, Inc. has received multiple federal contracts, primarily purchase orders and smaller awards. These contracts often fall within the food and beverage supply category, serving various government agencies. While specific details on performance for each contract would require deeper investigation, the consistent award of contracts suggests a level of reliability in meeting government requirements. Further analysis could explore any past performance issues or commendations to provide a more comprehensive view of their track record.

How does the pricing of this dry goods purchase compare to similar contracts?

Benchmarking the pricing for this specific $348,240 purchase order for dry goods is challenging without access to detailed itemized costs and market rates for correctional facility commissary supplies. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) often involve less price transparency than full and open competition. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. To assess value, one would need to compare the unit prices of the specific dry goods procured against industry averages for bulk food items, adjusted for the specialized delivery and security requirements of a prison environment. Without such granular data, a definitive value comparison is difficult.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. These include potential delivery delays, which could impact inmate services, and the risk of receiving goods that do not meet quality specifications. Given it's a firm fixed-price contract for standard dry goods, the financial risk for the government is minimized, as the price is set. Risks related to contractor performance are mitigated by the Federal Prison System's oversight and the potential for future contract awards to be influenced by past performance. Supply chain disruptions for specific dry goods could also pose a minor risk.

How effective is the Federal Prison System in procuring essential supplies like dry goods?

The Federal Prison System (FPS) procures a vast array of essential supplies, including dry goods, to maintain operations and inmate welfare. Their effectiveness is generally considered adequate, managing complex logistics across numerous facilities. The use of various contracting methods, including SAP for smaller purchases like this one, aims for efficiency. However, the scale of operations means that occasional challenges in procurement, such as price fluctuations or supply chain issues, can arise. Continuous evaluation of procurement strategies and supplier performance is crucial for maintaining effectiveness and ensuring value for taxpayer dollars.

What are the historical spending patterns for dry goods by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for dry goods by the Federal Prison System (FPS) are substantial, reflecting the large inmate population and the daily need for food supplies. Annual expenditures can run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope of 'dry goods' included (e.g., non-perishables, commissary items). Spending is typically distributed across numerous contracts, often awarded through competitive bidding processes, but also utilizing simplified acquisition for smaller, recurring needs. Trends may show shifts based on inmate population changes, dietary guidelines, and market price volatility for agricultural commodities.

What is the typical duration and value of contracts for dry goods under SAP?

Contracts for dry goods procured under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) by the Federal Prison System typically have shorter durations and lower values compared to large, competitively bid contracts. Purchase orders, like the one awarded to Elwood International, Inc., often have a duration of one year or less, sometimes with options for renewal. The value is generally capped by SAP thresholds, which are currently set at $250,000 for most procurements, though this can be higher in certain circumstances. This specific $348,240 award slightly exceeds the standard threshold, suggesting it might fall under specific exceptions or that thresholds have been updated. These awards are designed for efficiency in acquiring routine supplies.

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: 15B50226Q00000038

Offers Received: 18

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 89 HUDSON ST, COPIAGUE, NY, 11726

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,824

Exercised Options: $34,824

Current Obligation: $34,824

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline