FEMA Awards $2.68M for 675K Reduced Sodium Meals to SO-PAK-CO, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,688,162 ($2.7M)

Contractor: So-Pak-Co, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2025-01-30

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS FIRM-FIXED PRICE (FFP)DELIVERY ORDER AWARD IS TO PROVIDE 675,418 REDUCED SODIUM MEAL REPLENISHMENT WITH 30-36 MONTHS SHELF LIFE WHICH SHALL BE DELIVERED TO FEMA DISTRIBUTION CENTER ATLANTA, GA IN ORDER TO REPLENISH INVENTORY UTILI

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30341

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.7 million to SO-PAK-CO, INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS FIRM-FIXED PRICE (FFP)DELIVERY ORDER AWARD IS TO PROVIDE 675,418 REDUCED SODIUM MEAL REPLENISHMENT WITH 30-36 MONTHS SHELF LIFE WHICH SHALL BE DELIVERED TO FEMA DISTRIBUTION CENTER ATLANTA, GA IN ORDER TO REPLENISH INVENTORY UTILI Key points: 1. Procurement focuses on essential food replenishment for disaster relief. 2. SO-PAK-CO, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract value is $2,688,162.02 for 675,418 meal units. 4. Shelf life of 30-36 months ensures long-term inventory readiness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price per meal unit is approximately $3.98 ($2,688,162.02 / 675,418). This appears reasonable given the specialized nature of reduced sodium, long shelf-life meal replenishment for emergency preparedness.

Cost Per Unit: $3.98

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process generally leads to fair market pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical supplies.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential food supplies for disaster response. Supports FEMA's mission to prepare for and respond to national emergencies. Provides a specific dietary option (reduced sodium) for vulnerable populations. Contributes to national preparedness and resilience.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting delivery.
Ensuring consistent quality and nutritional value across all meal units.

Positive Signals

Long shelf-life reduces waste and ensures readiness.
Competitive award suggests good value for taxpayer money.
Addresses specific dietary needs in emergency rations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing sector, specifically for emergency food supplies. Spending in this area is critical for national security and disaster preparedness, with benchmarks often driven by volume, shelf-life requirements, and specialized nutritional content.

Small Business Impact

While this specific award went to SO-PAK-CO, Inc., the 'full and open competition' clause suggests that small businesses could have participated if they met the requirements. Future solicitations should continue to encourage small business involvement in the supply chain for emergency preparedness goods.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a Delivery Order under an existing contract, implying prior vetting and oversight. FEMA's procurement processes are subject to standard federal oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Supply chain vulnerability
Quality control for long shelf-life products
Potential for price escalation in future orders
Ensuring adequate distribution logistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.7 million to SO-PAK-CO, INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS FIRM-FIXED PRICE (FFP)DELIVERY ORDER AWARD IS TO PROVIDE 675,418 REDUCED SODIUM MEAL REPLENISHMENT WITH 30-36 MONTHS SHELF LIFE WHICH SHALL BE DELIVERED TO FEMA DISTRIBUTION CENTER ATLANTA, GA IN ORDER TO REPLENISH INVENTORY UTILI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SO-PAK-CO, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2025-01-30.

What is the historical pricing trend for similar reduced-sodium, long-shelf-life meal replenishment contracts awarded by FEMA or other federal agencies?

Analyzing historical pricing data for comparable meal replenishment contracts is crucial for validating the current award's value. Factors like inflation, raw material costs, and specific nutritional requirements can influence price variations. A benchmark analysis against similar FFP contracts over the past 3-5 years would provide a clearer picture of whether this $3.98 per unit price is competitive or deviates significantly from established norms.

What are the specific quality assurance and testing protocols in place to guarantee the nutritional content and safety of these meal units throughout their 30-36 month shelf life?

Robust quality assurance protocols are essential to ensure the 675,418 meal units meet all nutritional and safety standards for their extended shelf life. This includes regular batch testing, adherence to food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), and verification of ingredient sourcing. FEMA should have clear procedures for inspecting deliveries and addressing any quality discrepancies to maintain the integrity of the national food reserve.

How does the reduced sodium content impact the overall cost compared to standard meal replenishment options, and is this a standard requirement across FEMA's inventory?

The reduced sodium requirement likely contributes to a higher per-unit cost compared to standard meal replenishment options due to specialized ingredient sourcing and formulation. Understanding if this is a widespread requirement or a specific need for certain populations during emergencies helps assess the overall cost-effectiveness of FEMA's inventory strategy. It's important to balance dietary needs with budget constraints.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70FB7024R00000021

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 118 S CYPRESS ST, MULLINS, SC, 29574

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,688,162

Exercised Options: $2,688,162

Current Obligation: $2,688,162

Actual Outlays: $2,688,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB7022D00000025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline