Department of Agriculture awards $159K for canned peas, with delivery expected by July 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $159,376 ($159.4K)

Contractor: Lakeside Foods Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-07-15

Contract Duration: 104 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011244/4400002443/4100033929/PEAS CAN-24/300

Place of Performance

Location: PLAINVIEW, WABASHA County, MINNESOTA, 55964

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $159,375.6 to LAKESIDE FOODS INC for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011244/4400002443/4100033929/PEAS CAN-24/300 Key points: 1. The contract value appears to be a reasonable amount for the specified quantity of canned peas. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger potential agreement. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The supplier, Lakeside Foods Inc., is based in Minnesota, potentially supporting regional economic activity. 6. The duration of the delivery period is relatively short, focusing on immediate needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $159,375.60 for canned peas seems appropriate given the quantity and delivery timeframe. Without specific unit cost data or comparison to similar large-scale food donation procurements, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the amount is not excessively high for a government food supply contract of this nature. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 13 bids indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This broad competition is generally expected to drive down prices and ensure the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract suggests that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to provide the goods at the best possible price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely individuals or families receiving food assistance through U.S. government donation programs. The service delivered is the provision of canned peas, a staple food item. The geographic impact is primarily within Minnesota, where the supplier is located, and potentially nationwide depending on the distribution of the donated food. There are minimal direct workforce implications beyond the employees of Lakeside Foods Inc. involved in production and delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting timely delivery.
Quality control of canned goods to ensure they meet nutritional and safety standards.
Fluctuations in commodity prices could impact future contract costs if not adequately hedged.

Positive Signals

Utilizes full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Supplier is an established entity, likely with experience in food production and delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and agricultural products sector. The market for canned goods is mature, with numerous suppliers. Government procurement of food for donation programs represents a significant, albeit specialized, segment of this market. Benchmarking against other government food purchases would provide further context on pricing and value.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for them. The primary awardee is Lakeside Foods Inc., a company whose size is not specified but is likely a larger entity given the nature of commodity food production.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the Department of Agriculture. Standard contract administration processes, including monitoring delivery schedules and product quality, would be in place. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for quality control issues with canned goods.
Risk of delivery delays impacting program timelines.
Dependence on a single supplier for this specific delivery order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $159,375.6 to LAKESIDE FOODS INC. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011244/4400002443/4100033929/PEAS CAN-24/300

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LAKESIDE FOODS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $159,375.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-07-15.

What is the historical spending pattern for canned peas or similar commodities by the Department of Agriculture?

Analyzing historical spending data for canned peas and similar commodities by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is crucial for understanding value and consistency. While specific data for this exact contract is limited, the USDA frequently procures large quantities of food items for various domestic and international assistance programs. Past procurements often show significant volume commitments, with prices varying based on market conditions, competition levels, and specific product requirements (e.g., organic, low-sodium). Examining trends over the past 5-10 years can reveal average price per unit, the number of bidders typically involved in such solicitations, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., firm fixed-price vs. cost-plus). This historical context helps determine if the current $159,375.60 award for canned peas represents a fair market price or deviates significantly from established patterns, potentially indicating either exceptional value or a need for further investigation into pricing justifications.

How does the per-unit cost of these canned peas compare to commercial market rates or other government contracts?

A direct comparison of the per-unit cost for these canned peas to commercial market rates or other government contracts is challenging without detailed specifications (e.g., can size, weight, specific variety, nutritional content). However, government contracts often aim for competitive pricing due to the volume purchased and the bidding process. If this contract is for standard 15-ounce cans of peas, a typical retail price might range from $1 to $2 per can. Government pricing, especially under full and open competition, could potentially be lower on a per-unit basis due to bulk purchasing power. For instance, if this contract covers approximately 100,000 cans (a rough estimate based on $1.60/can), the per-unit cost would be around $1.60. If the actual per-unit cost is significantly higher than typical bulk commercial rates or comparable government food procurements, it might warrant further scrutiny. Conversely, a lower per-unit cost would indicate strong value for taxpayer money.

What is the track record of Lakeside Foods Inc. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for food commodities?

Lakeside Foods Inc. has a history of participating in government contracting, including awards related to food commodities. Examining their past performance is essential for assessing reliability and adherence to contract terms. Publicly available data, such as the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), can reveal the number and types of contracts awarded to Lakeside Foods Inc., their value, and their performance ratings, if available. Key aspects to review include on-time delivery rates, product quality compliance, and any instances of contract disputes, terminations, or penalties. A consistent record of successful contract fulfillment suggests a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, a history of performance issues could raise concerns about the government's ability to receive the specified goods as required, potentially impacting the effectiveness of food donation programs.

What are the specific nutritional and quality standards required for these canned peas, and how are they verified?

The specific nutritional and quality standards for canned peas procured by the Department of Agriculture are typically detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or specifications. These standards often align with federal procurement guidelines for food, which may include requirements for U.S. Grade A (or equivalent) quality, specific drained weights, absence of defects, and adherence to nutritional labeling regulations. Verification processes usually involve pre-shipment inspections by the contractor, sampling and testing by government representatives (e.g., USDA quality assurance specialists), and potentially third-party laboratory analysis. Ensuring these standards are met is critical for the safety and efficacy of food donation programs, guaranteeing that recipients receive wholesome and properly labeled food products. The contract's firm fixed-price nature implies the contractor is responsible for meeting these quality standards within the agreed price.

How does this contract align with the USDA's broader mission regarding food security and agricultural support?

This contract directly aligns with the USDA's mission to enhance food security and support American agriculture. By procuring canned peas, the USDA is acquiring a staple food item that can be distributed through various domestic food assistance programs, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) or The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These programs aim to improve the diets of low-income individuals, including pregnant and lactating women, infants, children, and the elderly. Furthermore, purchasing agricultural products like canned peas supports domestic farmers and the food processing industry, contributing to the economic vitality of the agricultural sector. The use of full and open competition also ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently, maximizing the amount of food that can be procured and distributed to those in need, thereby fulfilling the USDA's dual objectives of alleviating hunger and supporting agricultural markets.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Canning

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 123J1425B0350

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Address: 2400 S 44TH ST, MANITOWOC, WI, 54220

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $159,376

Exercised Options: $159,376

Current Obligation: $159,376

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1425D0053

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline