DOJ's $23K food purchase for federal prisons awarded to JNS FOODS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,334 ($23.3K)

Contractor: JNS Foods LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-01-23

Contract Duration: 22 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MDC BROOKLYN - FY26 2ND QTR FOOD ITEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: CORAL SPRINGS, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33071

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $23,333.72 to JNS FOODS LLC for work described as: MDC BROOKLYN - FY26 2ND QTR FOOD ITEMS. Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and specific nature of the purchase. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement process for this type of good. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small dollar amount and short performance period. 4. Performance context suggests a routine supply of essential items for correctional facilities. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader federal food supply chain for institutional needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23,333.72 for a 22-day period for food items is modest. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale food supply contracts for federal institutions suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Without specific itemized costs, a detailed value-for-money assessment is limited, but the overall expenditure appears proportionate to the service duration and quantity implied.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies that multiple offers were solicited and considered. This level of competition is generally sufficient to ensure fair pricing for smaller procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this purchase suggests that taxpayers benefited from a competitive process that likely yielded a fair market price for the food items.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the consistent supply of food items. Essential food provisions will be delivered to federal correctional facilities. The geographic impact is primarily within Florida, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving logistics and distribution personnel for JNS FOODS LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions if JNS FOODS LLC faces unforeseen operational issues.
Limited visibility into the specific nutritional quality or origin of the food items without further detail.

Positive Signals

Award to a single vendor ensures a clear point of accountability for delivery.
Firm fixed-price contract mitigates the risk of cost overruns for the government.
Completion under SAP suggests adherence to standard procurement regulations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional clients. The federal government is a significant purchaser of food products for its various agencies, including correctional facilities. Spending in this category is generally stable, driven by the ongoing need for provisions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other food supply contracts awarded to federal prisons or similar institutions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities given its nature and value. The award to JNS FOODS LLC, without further information on its size, does not provide clear insight into its impact on the broader small business ecosystem, though it represents a direct award to a single entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically reside with the contracting officer within the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price agreement and the vendor's obligation to deliver specified food items. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where such awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Procurement

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term performance assessment.
Lack of detailed itemization prevents granular price analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $23,333.72 to JNS FOODS LLC. MDC BROOKLYN - FY26 2ND QTR FOOD ITEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JNS 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 $23,333.72.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-01-23.

What is the track record of JNS FOODS LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for food items?

Information regarding JNS FOODS LLC's specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues. Without this historical data, it's difficult to assess their reliability and past performance in delivering similar food items to government entities. The current award is a Purchase Order, suggesting a potentially smaller or routine transaction, but a review of their contract history would be crucial for a complete risk assessment.

How does the price of $23,333.72 for 22 days of food items compare to market rates for similar institutional supplies?

The provided data lacks the specifics (quantity, type of food items) needed for a precise market rate comparison. However, the total value for a short 22-day period is relatively modest for an institution. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts for federal correctional facilities or similar institutions, looking at per-diem food costs or unit prices for staple items. Given it was competed under SAP, the expectation is that the price achieved is competitive for the scope. A detailed breakdown of the food items and quantities would be necessary for a more granular price analysis against industry standards.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific food supply contract?

The primary risks for this contract are relatively low due to its short duration (22 days) and modest value ($23,333.72). Potential risks include supply chain disruptions affecting JNS FOODS LLC's ability to deliver on time, quality control issues with the food items (e.g., spoilage, incorrect specifications), and potential minor cost fluctuations if the firm fixed-price contract doesn't perfectly account for unforeseen market shifts. However, the limited scope and the competitive award process under SAP mitigate many larger-scale contract risks, such as significant cost overruns or prolonged performance failures.

How effective is the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' process for ensuring value in procurements of this size?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to provide a streamlined and efficient method for procuring goods and services below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000). For a $23,333.72 purchase, SAP typically involves soliciting quotes from multiple sources, ensuring a degree of competition. This process is generally effective for ensuring fair and reasonable pricing and good value for procurements of this size, as it balances the need for competition with the administrative burden of larger, more complex procurement methods. The effectiveness hinges on the agency properly soliciting and evaluating offers.

What is the historical spending pattern for food items by the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons?

Historical spending data for food items by the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons is not provided in this specific contract award notice. However, it is well-established that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a significant and consistent purchaser of food supplies to meet the nutritional needs of the federal inmate population. Annual spending on food items typically runs into the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the scale of the federal prison system. Analyzing past BOP solicitations and awards for food services and supplies would reveal trends in contract values, types of food procured, and primary suppliers over time.

Are there any specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined for this contract?

The provided data for this contract (Purchase Order for food items) does not detail specific performance metrics or deliverables beyond the general requirement to supply 'FOOD ITEMS' within the specified timeframe (January 1-23, 2026). Typically, such contracts would imply adherence to quality standards (e.g., FDA regulations for food safety), timely delivery to designated facilities, and provision of items matching the agreed-upon specifications. More detailed performance standards would likely be found in the full contract documentation or associated delivery orders, focusing on aspects like delivery windows, product freshness, and compliance with dietary guidelines if applicable.

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

Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1401 N UNIVERSITY DR, CORAL SPRINGS, FL, 33071

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,334

Exercised Options: $23,334

Current Obligation: $23,334

Actual Outlays: $6,029

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline