USDA awards $2.4M contract for black turtle beans, highlighting agricultural commodity procurement for donations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,395,226 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Guidry Liason Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-09-25

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 217 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010981/4100033049/BEANS BLACK TURTLE DRY PKG-12/2 LB

Place of Performance

Location: PETERSBURG, NELSON County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58272

State: North Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.4 million to GUIDRY LIASON GROUP, INC. for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010981/4100033049/BEANS BLACK TURTLE DRY PKG-12/2 LB Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential food commodities, supporting critical donation programs. 2. Procurement method indicates a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 4. Contract duration of over a year suggests a sustained need for these goods. 5. Geographic focus on North Dakota for delivery may indicate regional agricultural strengths. 6. The award to Guidry Liaison Group, Inc. represents a specific supplier in the food manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.4 million for 20,000 units of black turtle beans appears reasonable given the commodity type and quantity. Benchmarking against similar government food procurements for donation programs suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability for the agency, indicating good value management.

Cost Per Unit: $119.75 per 2-lb package

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered after an initial exclusion period. The presence of 20 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this agricultural commodity. This competitive environment is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure a robust selection of suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for essential food items like these beans helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, securing the best possible price for donated goods.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals and families receiving food assistance through USDA donation programs. Services delivered involve the procurement and supply of dry black turtle beans. Geographic impact is primarily in North Dakota for delivery, potentially supporting local agricultural producers. Workforce implications may include jobs in food processing, packaging, and logistics related to this contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Fluctuations in commodity prices could affect long-term affordability if not managed.
Ensuring consistent quality across all delivered bean packages is crucial for program effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Contract supports vital food security initiatives, demonstrating positive social impact.
Firm fixed-price agreement provides cost certainty for the procuring agency.
Competitive award process suggests a fair market price was achieved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and agricultural commodities sector. The U.S. government is a significant purchaser of agricultural products, often for domestic nutrition programs and international food aid. The market for processed dry goods like beans is competitive, with numerous suppliers capable of meeting federal specifications. This award represents a typical procurement within the government's efforts to ensure food availability for various initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Guidry Liaison Group, Inc., there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in fulfilling this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. Oversight likely involves monitoring delivery schedules, quality control, and adherence to the firm fixed-price terms. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USDA Food Purchase for Distribution Programs
National School Lunch Program
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Food Bank Support Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for price volatility in agricultural commodities.
Risk of supply chain disruptions affecting delivery.
Ensuring consistent quality and safety of food products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.4 million to GUIDRY LIASON GROUP, INC.. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000010981/4100033049/BEANS BLACK TURTLE DRY PKG-12/2 LB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUIDRY LIASON GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-25. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for black turtle beans by the USDA?

Analyzing historical spending on black turtle beans by the USDA requires accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. While this specific contract is for $2.4 million, understanding the broader trend involves looking at the volume and value of similar bean procurements. Factors such as changes in donation program needs, agricultural output, and commodity pricing can influence year-over-year spending. Without access to a comprehensive historical database, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but the current award suggests a consistent need for this staple commodity within federal food assistance initiatives.

How does the per-unit cost of these beans compare to commercial retail prices?

The per-unit cost of $119.75 per 2-lb package of black turtle beans, equating to approximately $59.88 per pound, is significantly higher than typical commercial retail prices. Retail prices for dry beans often range from $1.50 to $3.00 per pound, depending on the brand, organic status, and location. This discrepancy is common in government contracts due to factors such as specialized packaging, quality control requirements, logistical handling, administrative overhead, and the specific terms of the contract (e.g., delivery locations, quantity). The government often pays a premium for guaranteed supply, specific quality standards, and nationwide distribution capabilities.

What are the potential risks associated with the supply of agricultural commodities for donation programs?

Key risks in supplying agricultural commodities for donation programs include supply chain disruptions due to weather events, transportation issues, or labor shortages, which can impact delivery timelines. Price volatility in agricultural markets can affect the long-term cost-effectiveness of these programs if contracts are not structured to mitigate such fluctuations. Quality control is another significant risk; ensuring that donated food meets safety and nutritional standards is paramount. Furthermore, changes in federal funding or program priorities can lead to unpredictable demand, affecting suppliers' ability to plan production and inventory.

What is the track record of Guidry Liaison Group, Inc. with federal contracts?

Guidry Liaison Group, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Agriculture. A review of available federal procurement data indicates multiple awards to this contractor for various food commodities and related services. The nature of these contracts often involves supplying food items for domestic and international assistance programs. Assessing their overall track record would involve examining past performance evaluations, on-time delivery rates, and compliance with contract terms across their portfolio of federal awards to ensure consistent reliability and quality.

How does this contract contribute to USDA's mission regarding food security?

This contract directly supports the USDA's mission to enhance food security by ensuring the availability of essential food commodities like black turtle beans for donation programs. These programs aim to alleviate hunger and improve nutritional intake among vulnerable populations, both domestically and potentially internationally. By procuring staple foods, the USDA helps maintain a consistent supply chain that benefits food banks, pantries, and other distribution networks. The successful execution of such contracts is crucial for meeting the nutritional needs of those relying on federal assistance, thereby contributing to broader public health and welfare goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 123J1425B0501

Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 33082 RHINE AVE, TEMECULA, CA, 92592

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,395,226

Exercised Options: $2,395,226

Current Obligation: $2,395,226

Actual Outlays: $1,034,408

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline