DoD Awards $12.8M for Combat Rations, Dog & Cat Food Manufacturing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,802,800 ($12.8M)
Contractor: So-Pak-Co, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-12-03
End Date: 2026-05-01
Contract Duration: 149 days
Daily Burn Rate: $85.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 8511790304!RATION,COMBAT
Place of Performance
Location: MULLINS, MARION County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29574
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.8 million to SO-PAK-CO, INC for work described as: 8511790304!RATION,COMBAT Key points: 1. Significant award for essential sustenance, impacting military readiness. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate given the nature of the product and established supplier. 4. Sector is Defense Logistics, a critical area for military operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award value of $12.8M for combat rations and pet food appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar DoD food supply contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The specific price discovery mechanisms within this competition are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: This contract ensures the provision of essential supplies for military personnel and their support animals, contributing to operational effectiveness and morale.
Public Impact
Ensures availability of critical food supplies for military personnel and their service animals. Supports the defense supply chain for essential rations and pet food. Potential impact on the pet food manufacturing industry through government contracts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting delivery timelines.
- Quality control of rations and pet food is paramount.
- Fluctuations in raw material costs could impact firm fixed price.
Positive Signals
- Ensures readiness and morale through provision of essential food.
- Full and open competition can lead to cost savings.
- Established supplier may indicate reliability.
Sector Analysis
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages a vast array of supplies, including food services. Spending in this sub-sector is consistent with operational needs, with benchmarks varying based on quantity and specific product requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for this procurement. Oversight would focus on contract performance, delivery schedules, and quality assurance to ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Supply chain vulnerability
- Quality control failures
- Raw material price volatility
- Contractor performance issues
Tags
dog-and-cat-food-manufacturing, department-of-defense, sc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.8 million to SO-PAK-CO, INC. 8511790304!RATION,COMBAT
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 $12.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-03. End: 2026-05-01.
What is the historical pricing trend for similar combat ration and pet food contracts awarded by the DLA?
Historical pricing data for similar contracts is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment. Analyzing past awards for combat rations and pet food by the DLA can reveal trends in per-unit costs, identify potential cost efficiencies achieved through competition, and highlight any significant price escalations over time. This context is vital for determining if the current $12.8M award represents a fair and reasonable price.
What are the specific quality assurance and inspection protocols for these combat rations and dog/cat food?
Robust quality assurance and inspection protocols are essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of both combat rations and pet food. Understanding these procedures, including testing for nutritional content, shelf-life verification, and absence of contaminants, is critical. This mitigates the risk of substandard products impacting military readiness or the health of service animals.
How does the 'Firm Fixed Price' contract type affect the government's exposure to cost overruns given potential raw material price volatility?
A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract generally places the cost overrun risk on the contractor. However, significant volatility in raw material prices for food production could incentivize the contractor to seek contract modifications or impact future bidding. The DLA's ability to manage this risk depends on the contract's specific clauses regarding price adjustments and the contractor's historical performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Animal Food Manufacturing › Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
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, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,802,800
Exercised Options: $12,802,800
Current Obligation: $12,802,800
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SPE3S125DZ100
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-03
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-03
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