Wisconsin receives $747K for food inspection, highlighting federal support for state-level public health initiatives

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $747,729 ($747.7K)

Contractor: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-09-25

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,100 days

Daily Burn Rate: $680/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: HUMAN FOOD INSPECTION PROGRAM - WISCONSIN

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53718

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $747,729.15 to WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION for work described as: HUMAN FOOD INSPECTION PROGRAM - WISCONSIN Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a multi-year public health program. 2. Limited competition suggests potential for higher pricing, though specific benchmarks are unavailable. 3. Performance risk is moderate, given the established nature of food inspection programs. 4. This contract supports a critical public health function at the state level. 5. The program aligns with federal efforts to ensure food safety nationwide.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $747,729.15 over approximately three years for a human food inspection program in Wisconsin appears to be a fair allocation of resources. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparable state-level contracts for similar services, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The funding supports essential public health infrastructure at the state level, which is generally a cost-effective way to achieve federal food safety goals.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities or is the only responsible source. In this case, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is likely the designated state agency responsible for carrying out these food inspection activities under federal guidance.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can limit opportunities for cost savings through competition. Taxpayers may not benefit from the potentially lower prices that could emerge from a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the citizens of Wisconsin, who receive enhanced food safety protections. Services delivered include inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The geographic impact is statewide within Wisconsin. This contract supports the workforce within the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential savings for taxpayers.
Performance metrics and specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, making outcome assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical public health function that directly impacts consumer safety.
The contract is with a state agency, suggesting established infrastructure and expertise.
Fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader public health and regulatory services sector. Federal agencies often partner with state and local governments to extend their reach and ensure consistent application of standards. The market for such services is largely driven by government funding and regulatory requirements, with state agencies being primary recipients of federal grants and contracts for program implementation. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of federal-state partnerships for specific program areas like food inspection.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is awarded to a state government agency. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on direct service delivery by the state entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would likely be managed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would typically involve regular reporting from the state agency on inspection activities, compliance rates, and any identified issues. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of food safety data and inspection outcomes, though the specifics of this contract's oversight are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

State and Local Government Public Health Programs
Food Safety and Inspection Services
Federal-State Cooperative Agreements

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit cost efficiencies.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $747,729.15 to WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION. HUMAN FOOD INSPECTION PROGRAM - WISCONSIN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $747,729.15.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-25. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific performance period and duration of this contract?

The contract has a start date of September 25, 2023, and an end date of September 29, 2026. This provides a performance period of approximately three years and one month, totaling around 1100 days. This duration allows for sustained effort in carrying out the human food inspection program within Wisconsin.

How does the contract value compare to similar federal grants or contracts for food inspection programs in other states?

Direct comparison of this contract's value ($747,729.15) to similar programs in other states is challenging without more granular data on program scope, population served, and specific inspection frequencies. Federal funding for state-level food safety programs can vary significantly based on these factors. However, the amount appears to be a reasonable allocation for a multi-year program supporting a state's inspection infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to ensuring food safety standards across the nation.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators or detailed deliverables for this contract. Typically, contracts for public health programs like food inspection would include metrics such as the number of inspections conducted, compliance rates found, types of establishments inspected, and timely reporting of findings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would likely have established guidelines and reporting requirements that the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection must adhere to.

What is the track record of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in managing federal grants or contracts related to food safety?

While specific details on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's track record with this particular federal contract are not provided, state agencies are generally experienced in managing public health programs and associated funding. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing food safety regulations within their jurisdictions, often in partnership with federal agencies like the FDA. Their established infrastructure and regulatory expertise suggest a capable entity for this role.

What is the historical federal spending on human food inspection programs in Wisconsin?

Historical federal spending specifically on human food inspection programs in Wisconsin through contracts like this is not detailed in the provided data. Federal support for such programs often occurs through various mechanisms, including grants and cooperative agreements, which may fluctuate year to year based on appropriations and program priorities. To ascertain historical spending patterns, a review of federal budget documents and agency reports related to FDA's state cooperative programs would be necessary.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of service?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the potential lack of competitive pressure, which could lead to less favorable pricing than might be achieved through an open competition. Additionally, it limits the opportunity to leverage innovative approaches or technologies that might be offered by other qualified vendors. However, in cases where a specific state agency is the designated and most capable entity for program execution, a sole-source award can ensure continuity and leverage existing expertise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Public Administration › Administration of Human Resource Programs › Administration of Public Health Programs

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2811 AGRICULTURE DR, MADISON, WI, 53718

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $903,355

Exercised Options: $747,729

Current Obligation: $747,729

Actual Outlays: $521,651

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline