USDA awards $25M for frozen Alaska Pollock products to Trident Seafoods under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,065,551 ($25.1M)

Contractor: Trident Seafoods Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-03-06

End Date: 2025-07-08

Contract Duration: 124 days

Daily Burn Rate: $202.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010644/4100031905/FISH AK POLLOCK NUGGETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB,FISH AK POLLOCK STICKS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB,FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB

Place of Performance

Location: ANACORTES, SKAGIT County, WASHINGTON, 98221

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $25.1 million to TRIDENT SEAFOODS CORPORATION for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010644/4100031905/FISH AK POLLOCK NUGGETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB,FISH AK POLLOCK STICKS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB,FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB Key points: 1. Trident Seafoods Corporation secured a significant contract for frozen Alaska Pollock products. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm fixed price contract type indicates price certainty for the government. 4. The spending is categorized under Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $25,065,551.36 for frozen Alaska Pollock products appears reasonable given the quantity and type of goods. Benchmarking against similar large-scale food commodity 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 existence of multiple bids (no: 3) further supports this.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is expected to result in fair pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds allocated for food donations.

Public Impact

Ensures supply of essential food commodities for USG food donation programs. Supports the domestic seafood industry, specifically in Alaska. Provides nutritional food resources to beneficiaries of government programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in seafood commodities.
Logistical challenges in delivering frozen products.

Positive Signals

Use of firm fixed price contract.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports domestic industry.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and processing sector, specifically focusing on seafood. Government procurement of food commodities for donation is a significant area of spending, often benchmarked against commercial market prices and other federal contracts.

Small Business Impact

While the award went to Trident Seafoods Corporation, a large entity, the full and open competition process theoretically allows for small business participation as subcontractors or through joint ventures, though direct award data is not provided.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service, indicating established oversight for procurement and delivery. The definitive contract type suggests a structured agreement with clear terms.

Related Government Programs

Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Marketing Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for price volatility in seafood markets.
Dependence on a single large supplier.
Logistical complexity of frozen food distribution.
Ensuring consistent quality across large batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $25.1 million to TRIDENT SEAFOODS CORPORATION. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010644/4100031905/FISH AK POLLOCK NUGGETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB,FISH AK POLLOCK STICKS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB,FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIDENT SEAFOODS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Marketing Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-06. End: 2025-07-08.

What is the historical pricing trend for Alaska Pollock nuggets and sticks, and how does this contract's price compare?

Analyzing historical pricing data for Alaska Pollock nuggets and sticks is crucial. Factors like market supply, demand, fuel costs, and processing expenses influence these prices. Comparing this contract's unit price against historical averages and similar government procurements will reveal if the $25 million award represents a favorable or unfavorable rate for the taxpayer, considering the firm fixed price ensures cost stability for the government.

What are the specific nutritional requirements and quality standards for these seafood products, and how are they verified?

The contract likely specifies detailed nutritional content and quality standards for the Alaska Pollock products, including fat content, protein levels, and absence of contaminants. Verification typically involves pre-shipment inspections, laboratory testing by third-party or government agencies, and adherence to USDA or FDA guidelines. Ensuring these standards are met mitigates the risk of receiving substandard or unsafe food products for donation programs.

How effectively does this procurement process ensure the timely delivery of these perishable goods to intended donation sites?

The effectiveness of delivery hinges on the logistical capabilities of Trident Seafoods and the coordination with the Agricultural Marketing Service. The short contract duration (124 days) and defined delivery period (May to August 2025) suggest a need for efficient cold chain management. Monitoring delivery schedules and recipient feedback is essential to assess if the food reaches its intended destinations promptly and in good condition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging › Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 123J1425B0224

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5303 SHILSHOLE AVE NW, SEATTLE, WA, 98107

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,065,551

Exercised Options: $25,065,551

Current Obligation: $25,065,551

Actual Outlays: $25,020,582

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline