DoD Awards $109.8M for MREs to SO-PAK-CO, Inc. under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $109,804,438 ($109.8M)

Contractor: So-Pak-Co, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-10-26

End Date: 2024-01-09

Contract Duration: 440 days

Daily Burn Rate: $249.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 8509487233!MEAL, READY-TO-EAT, IND,

Place of Performance

Location: MULLINS, MARION County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29574

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $109.8 million to SO-PAK-CO, INC for work described as: 8509487233!MEAL, READY-TO-EAT, IND, Key points: 1. Significant contract value for essential food supplies. 2. Competition method indicates a potentially competitive market. 3. Risk of supply chain disruptions for critical rations. 4. Defense sector reliance on specialized food production.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $109.8 million for MREs appears reasonable given the duration and nature of the product. Benchmarking against similar large-scale food procurement contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting an initial limited approach that was later broadened. This method can impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher prices if the exclusion was not justified.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential military provisions. The competitive nature of the award aims to ensure value for money, but the 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Ensures readiness and morale for deployed military personnel. Supports the Defense Logistics Agency's mission to provide essential supplies. Potential economic impact on the food production and logistics sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
  • Reliance on a single awardee for a critical item.
  • Limited visibility into the 'exclusion of sources' rationale.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under a competitive process, aiming for best value.
  • Addresses a critical need for military rations.
  • Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the broader food and beverage manufacturing sector, with specific application to military logistics. Defense spending on subsistence items is a consistent requirement, with benchmarks varying based on item type and quantity.

Small Business Impact

Analysis of small business participation is not directly available from the provided data. However, large prime contracts often involve subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the food supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for this procurement. Oversight would typically involve contract management, performance monitoring, and ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations.

Related Government Programs

  • Fruit and Vegetable Canning
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Logistics Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Supply chain vulnerability
  • Potential for price inflation due to source exclusion
  • Dependence on a single contractor for a critical item
  • Lack of detailed cost breakdown for value assessment

Tags

fruit-and-vegetable-canning, department-of-defense, sc, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $109.8 million to SO-PAK-CO, INC. 8509487233!MEAL, READY-TO-EAT, IND,

Who is the contractor on this award?

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

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $109.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-26. End: 2024-01-09.

What was the specific justification for the initial exclusion of sources before opening to full competition?

The justification for excluding sources prior to opening to full and open competition is not detailed in the provided data. Understanding this rationale is crucial for assessing whether the initial limitation unnecessarily restricted competition and potentially impacted the final price achieved for the MREs.

How does the unit cost of these MREs compare to commercially available or similar government procurements?

Without specific unit cost data or comparable benchmarks, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the firm fixed price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. A detailed cost analysis against industry standards and historical government purchases would be necessary for a thorough evaluation.

What are the contingency plans in place to mitigate supply chain risks for these essential rations?

Contingency plans for supply chain risks are not detailed here. Given the critical nature of MREs for military operations, the Defense Logistics Agency likely has established protocols for managing disruptions, such as identifying alternative suppliers or maintaining buffer stock. Further investigation into these plans would be warranted.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingFruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food ManufacturingFruit and Vegetable Canning

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Unaka Company, Incorporated

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

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $109,804,438

Exercised Options: $109,804,438

Current Obligation: $109,804,438

Actual Outlays: $75,396,020

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE3S122DZ146

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2022-10-26

Current End Date: 2024-01-09

Potential End Date: 2024-01-09 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-12-21

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