USDA awards $41K for frozen vegetables, highlighting a need for commodity procurement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,362 ($41.4K)

Contractor: INN Foods Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 114 days

Daily Burn Rate: $363/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: 2000011256/4400002476/4100033957/BEANS GREEN FRZ CTN-30 LB,CARROTS FRZ CTN-30 LB

Place of Performance

Location: BROCKPORT, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14420

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $41,362.2 to INN FOODS INC for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011256/4400002476/4100033957/BEANS GREEN FRZ CTN-30 LB,CARROTS FRZ CTN-30 LB Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the commodity type and quantity. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these food items. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a need for timely delivery. 4. Performance context is tied to USG food donation programs. 5. Sector positioning is within food manufacturing and distribution for government use.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $41,362.20 for frozen beans and carrots seems appropriate for the specified quantities and delivery timeframe. Benchmarking against similar government food procurement contracts for commodity items suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 13 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement, which typically leads to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs for essential food commodities.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include recipients of USG food donation programs. Services delivered involve the supply of frozen green beans and carrots. Geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic food supply chains. Workforce implications are related to the food manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Short contract duration suggests efficient fulfillment of immediate needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically for government procurement of frozen vegetables. The market for such commodities is generally stable, with government agencies like the USDA being significant purchasers for various programs, including food assistance and donations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other USDA or DoD food procurement contracts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While INN FOODS INC is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the USDA. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

USG Food Donation Programs
Commodity Procurement Contracts
Agricultural Marketing Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or limited scope.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $41,362.2 to INN FOODS INC. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011256/4400002476/4100033957/BEANS GREEN FRZ CTN-30 LB,CARROTS FRZ CTN-30 LB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INN 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 $41,362.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the typical price range for frozen vegetables procured by the USDA for donation programs?

The average price per pound for frozen green beans and carrots can fluctuate based on market conditions, seasonality, and specific contract terms. For this contract, the total value is $41,362.20 for an unspecified quantity of 30 lb cartons. Without the exact total weight or number of cartons, a precise per-pound benchmark is difficult. However, government procurement data suggests that prices for bulk frozen vegetables can range from $1.00 to $2.50 per pound, depending on the vegetable type and quality specifications. The firm fixed-price nature of this award suggests the contractor has factored in all costs, including production, packaging, and delivery, to meet the government's requirements within this price.

How does INN FOODS INC's track record compare for similar government contracts?

Information on INN FOODS INC's specific track record for similar government contracts, particularly with the USDA or for food donation programs, is not readily available in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance history, any reported issues or successes on previous awards, and their overall standing within the federal contractor database. The fact that they were awarded this contract under full and open competition suggests they met the basic qualifications and submitted a competitive bid. Further due diligence would involve examining their financial stability and capacity to fulfill this order.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Potential risks for this contract include supply chain disruptions, quality control issues with the frozen vegetables, or delivery delays. Given the short duration (approximately 3 months), the risk of significant market price fluctuations impacting the fixed price is relatively low. Mitigation strategies are typically embedded in the contract terms, such as specifications for quality, delivery schedules, and potential penalties for non-compliance. The firm fixed-price structure itself mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. The USDA's oversight and the competitive bidding process also serve as risk reduction mechanisms.

How does this contract's value compare to the overall USDA food donation budget?

The total value of this contract is $41,362.20. The USDA's food donation programs, often administered through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) or the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), involve substantial annual expenditures. For instance, the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) alone receives significant funding. While this specific contract is a small component, it represents a typical procurement action for acquiring specific commodities. Comparing it to the overall budget requires knowing the total allocated funds for commodity purchases within the relevant fiscal year and program, which is not provided here but is generally in the hundreds of millions or billions of dollars.

What is the historical spending pattern for frozen vegetables by the USDA?

Historical spending patterns for frozen vegetables by the USDA would show a consistent demand driven by various food assistance and donation programs. The USDA procures large quantities of commodities, including frozen vegetables, to support domestic nutrition programs and international food aid. Spending can vary year-to-year based on appropriations, program needs, and market prices. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract values, quantities purchased, and the types of frozen vegetables most frequently procured. This contract, valued at $41,362.20, is a single instance within a much larger, ongoing procurement effort.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing › Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing

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

Address: 310 WALKER ST, WATSONVILLE, CA, 95076

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,362

Exercised Options: $41,362

Current Obligation: $41,362

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1425D0066

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline