DOJ awards $18.8K purchase order for inmate meat supplies, highlighting efficient procurement for essential services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,780 ($18.8K)

Contractor: Matts Trading Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 15 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCI THREE RIVERS FY26 Q3 MEATS FOR INMATE POPULATION

Place of Performance

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

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $18,780 to MATTS TRADING INC for work described as: FCI THREE RIVERS FY26 Q3 MEATS FOR INMATE POPULATION Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focus on specific, essential needs rather than large-scale programs. 2. Procurement was conducted under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a streamlined process for lower-value purchases. 3. The short duration of 15 days points to an immediate or short-term requirement for the goods. 4. The award to MATTS TRADING INC suggests a competitive landscape for specialized food supply contracts. 5. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 6. The contract is for inmate population needs, directly supporting correctional facility operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This purchase order for inmate meat supplies at $18,780 is a modest expenditure. Given the short duration and the nature of the goods, it's difficult to benchmark against larger, long-term contracts. However, the use of SAP suggests an efficient process for acquiring necessary items without extensive administrative overhead. The fixed-price agreement ensures predictable costs for this specific procurement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves soliciting offers from multiple sources, though not necessarily a full and open competition in the traditional sense. The number of bids received (28) indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of supply contract, suggesting that the government likely received competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process, even under SAP, helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices for essential goods like food supplies for federal inmates.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive necessary food provisions. The Bureau of Prisons ensures operational continuity by securing essential supplies. The contract supports the food manufacturing sector, specifically businesses supplying to government institutions. The procurement directly impacts the daily lives and welfare of the incarcerated population.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting timely delivery of critical food items.
Ensuring consistent quality and safety standards for food products supplied to correctional facilities.

Positive Signals

Successful competition with 28 bids indicates a robust vendor pool.
Use of SAP streamlines procurement for efficient acquisition of goods.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability and budget control.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' sector, a niche within the broader food industry. Government contracts for correctional facility supplies are a consistent market, often characterized by requirements for reliability, volume, and adherence to strict safety and quality standards. While the dollar amount is small, it represents a typical transaction for essential operational needs within the federal prison system.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was competed under SAP, it's not explicitly stated if it was a small business set-aside. The high number of bidders (28) suggests that small businesses could have participated and potentially won. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order, a common instrument for straightforward acquisitions. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and relevant personnel within the Federal Prison System. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where such awards are recorded. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Procurement
Bureau of Prisons Supply Chain Management
Department of Justice Essential Services Contracts
Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Food Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Ensuring food safety and quality standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $18,780 to MATTS TRADING INC. FCI THREE RIVERS FY26 Q3 MEATS FOR INMATE POPULATION

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 $18,780.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-23.

What is the historical spending pattern for inmate meat supplies by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending for inmate meat supplies by the Federal Prison System requires accessing detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, such spending is consistent, driven by inmate population levels and dietary requirements. Contracts are often awarded through competitive bidding processes, with prices fluctuating based on market conditions, inflation, and the specific types of meat procured. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) aims to secure cost-effective solutions while meeting nutritional standards. Examining past awards for similar items (e.g., beef, poultry, pork) can reveal average unit costs, dominant suppliers, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., fixed-price vs. cost-reimbursement). Trends might show an increase in spending due to rising food costs or changes in inmate demographics. Understanding this historical context is crucial for evaluating the value and competitiveness of current awards like the one to MATTS TRADING INC.

How does the price of this contract compare to similar procurements for correctional facilities in other states or federal agencies?

Benchmarking the price of this $18,780 purchase order against similar procurements requires access to comparable contract data. Factors influencing price include the specific types and cuts of meat, quantity, delivery location, and contract duration. State correctional systems or other federal agencies (like Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers) procuring similar food items can serve as benchmarks. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) often result in different pricing dynamics than large-scale, long-term contracts. A direct comparison might involve looking at per-pound costs for specific meat types. If data indicates significantly higher or lower prices than comparable contracts, it could signal issues with price discovery, market competition, or the specific needs of the facility. The 28 bids received suggest competitive pricing was likely achieved for this specific award.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around supply chain reliability and quality assurance. For a 15-day purchase order of perishable goods like meat, disruptions in delivery could impact inmate meal services, leading to operational issues and potential dissatisfaction. Ensuring the meat meets stringent safety, health, and nutritional standards required for correctional facilities is paramount. Mitigation strategies likely include robust vendor vetting by the Bureau of Prisons, clear contract terms specifying delivery schedules and quality specifications, and potentially backup suppliers or contingency plans. The fixed-price nature of the contract mitigates financial risk for the government, locking in the cost. The competitive bidding process itself helps mitigate risks by selecting vendors with a demonstrated ability to meet requirements.

What is the track record of MATTS TRADING INC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for food supplies?

Assessing the track record of MATTS TRADING INC requires examining their past performance on federal contracts, especially those involving food supplies or services to correctional institutions. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would provide insights into their history. Key indicators include on-time delivery rates, adherence to contract specifications (quality, quantity), past disputes or contract terminations, and overall customer satisfaction ratings from previous government agencies. A history of successful, timely, and compliant contract performance would indicate a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, any past issues could raise concerns about reliability and performance, necessitating closer monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons.

How does the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) impact the overall cost-effectiveness and efficiency of this procurement?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), aiming to reduce administrative burden and speed up the procurement process for smaller dollar value items. For this $18,780 purchase order, using SAP likely resulted in lower administrative costs compared to a full and open competition requiring extensive documentation and evaluation. The process typically involves soliciting quotes from multiple sources, encouraging competition while maintaining efficiency. The fact that 28 bids were received suggests SAP effectively stimulated market interest. This approach enhances cost-effectiveness by minimizing overhead associated with procurement itself, allowing agencies to acquire necessary goods like inmate food supplies more rapidly and with less bureaucratic delay, ultimately benefiting taxpayer value for these specific transactions.

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: 1206931

Offers Received: 28

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: $18,780

Exercised Options: $18,780

Current Obligation: $18,780

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline