USDA awards $10.79M contract for frozen fish fillets to Channel Fish Processing Co., Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,791,525 ($10.8M)

Contractor: Channel Fish Processing CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-09-25

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 431 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.0K/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: 2000010983/4100033038/FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB

Place of Performance

Location: BRAINTREE, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02184

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $10.8 million to CHANNEL FISH PROCESSING CO., INC. for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010983/4100033038/FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Channel Fish Processing Co., Inc. for frozen fish fillets. 2. The contract falls under the Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging NAICS code. 3. This is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 4. The contract duration is 431 days. 5. No small business participation is noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.79 million for frozen fish fillets appears to be within a reasonable range for bulk food commodity procurement. However, without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to similar government food donation contracts, a precise valuation is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices, though the specific price discovery mechanisms are not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of taxpayer funds for food donations aims to support food security programs. The efficiency of this spending depends on the cost-effectiveness of the procured goods.

Public Impact

Supports federal food donation programs, potentially aiding food banks and vulnerable populations. Ensures a supply of essential protein for beneficiaries of USDA food assistance. The procurement process aims for competitive pricing to maximize the impact of federal dollars.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed per-unit cost data for benchmarking.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Contract duration extends over a year, requiring ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Supports important federal food assistance initiatives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food and agriculture sector, specifically related to seafood processing and distribution. Government spending in this area supports domestic producers and ensures the availability of nutritious food for federal programs.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award, as the 'sb' field is false. Future solicitations could explore opportunities to engage small businesses in the supply chain for these commodities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the USDA is responsible for this procurement. Oversight would involve ensuring contract compliance, quality control of the delivered product, and adherence to delivery schedules.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment if market prices decrease.
Lack of transparency on specific fish type and quality standards.
No indication of small business utilization.
Long contract duration requires sustained monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $10.8 million to CHANNEL FISH PROCESSING CO., INC.. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010983/4100033038/FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHANNEL FISH PROCESSING CO., INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-25. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the average cost per pound of these frozen fish fillets, and how does it compare to market rates for similar products procured by other government agencies or large institutions?

The total contract value is $10,791,525 for an unspecified quantity of fish fillets, with a duration of 431 days. To determine the cost per pound, the total weight of the fillets must be known. Without this, a direct cost-per-unit comparison is impossible. Benchmarking against similar government food procurements or commercial bulk purchases would require access to detailed quantity information and prevailing market prices at the time of award.

What specific types of fish are included in 'FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB', and are there any quality or sustainability certifications required for this procurement?

The description 'FISH AK PLCK FILLETS FRZ PKG-20/2 LB' likely refers to Alaska pollock fillets, frozen, packaged in 20-pound boxes, with each fillet weighing approximately 2 pounds. Specific quality standards and sustainability certifications are not detailed in the provided data. Government contracts typically include specifications for product quality, but these would need to be reviewed in the full contract document.

How does the firm fixed price structure of this contract ensure value for money, considering the potential for price fluctuations in commodity markets over the contract's 1.5-year duration?

A firm fixed price contract shifts the risk of price fluctuations to the contractor, Channel Fish Processing Co., Inc. This provides budget certainty for the USDA. However, if market prices for fish decrease significantly during the contract period, the government might be paying a premium. Conversely, if prices rise, the government benefits from the locked-in rate. The initial pricing strategy and market analysis by the contractor are crucial for ensuring value.

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: 123J1425B0503

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 200 COMMERCE DR, BRAINTREE, MA, 02184

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,791,525

Exercised Options: $10,791,525

Current Obligation: $10,791,525

Actual Outlays: $1,712,310

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline