Agriculture contract for canned corn awarded to Seneca Foods Corp for $133,790.40

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $133,790 ($133.8K)

Contractor: Seneca Foods Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-15

Contract Duration: 98 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/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: 2000011256/4400002469/4100033967/CORN WHOLE KERNEL(LIQ) CAN-6/10

Place of Performance

Location: JANESVILLE, ROCK County, WISCONSIN, 53546

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $133,790.4 to SENECA FOODS CORP for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011256/4400002469/4100033967/CORN WHOLE KERNEL(LIQ) CAN-6/10 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the specified quantity and type of goods. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details provided. 4. This contract supports the USG's food donation programs. 5. The contract falls within the broader category of food processing and canning. 6. Delivery is scheduled within a 3-month period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $133,790.40 for 20,000 units of canned corn seems aligned with market rates for similar food commodities. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparisons to other government food donation contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the price was determined upfront and is not expected to fluctuate significantly, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 13 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This broad participation generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition indicates that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple vendors vied to offer the best price and terms for supplying these essential food commodities.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals and families receiving food assistance through USG donation programs. Services delivered include the provision of canned whole kernel corn. The geographic impact is primarily within Wisconsin, where the goods will be delivered. Workforce implications are likely within the food processing and logistics sectors related to Seneca Foods Corp.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Delivery order placed against an existing contract.
Contract duration is clearly defined.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Food and Kindred Products manufacturing sector, specifically the fruit and vegetable canning subsector (NAICS 311421). The market for canned goods is mature, with established players like Seneca Foods Corp. Government procurement in this area often supports domestic agriculture and food security initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other government contracts for canned goods, particularly those for food donation or relief programs.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Seneca Foods Corp. is a large corporation, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are unlikely to be a primary focus of this particular award, unless specified in broader contract terms not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the Department of Agriculture. Standard procurement regulations and contract administration processes would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published.

Related Government Programs

USG Food Donation Programs
Agricultural Commodity Procurement
Federal Food Assistance Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $133,790.4 to SENECA FOODS CORP. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011256/4400002469/4100033967/CORN WHOLE KERNEL(LIQ) CAN-6/10

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SENECA FOODS CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $133,790.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-15.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on canned goods for food donations?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of the AMS on canned goods for food donations would provide crucial context for this award. This involves examining past contract awards for similar commodities, quantities, and delivery locations over several fiscal years. Key metrics to review would include the average price paid per unit, the number of bidders on comparable contracts, and the primary contractors. A trend of increasing or decreasing prices, or a shift in the competitive landscape, could indicate market changes or potential inefficiencies. For instance, if this contract's per-unit cost is significantly higher than the average of the past three years, it might warrant further investigation into the reasons, such as inflation, specific product quality requirements, or reduced competition. Conversely, if it aligns with or is lower than historical averages, it suggests consistent value for taxpayer money.

How does the per-unit cost of this canned corn compare to other government procurements of similar items?

To assess the value-for-money of this contract, a detailed comparison of its per-unit cost against other government procurements of similar canned corn is essential. This requires accessing historical contract data from federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for awards made by agencies such as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) or other USDA divisions that procure food. The comparison should account for variations in quantity, can size, specific product specifications (e.g., organic, low-sodium), and delivery location, as these factors influence pricing. If this contract's per-unit cost is notably higher than comparable awards, it could signal a lack of sufficient competition, an issue with the solicitation's price reasonableness assessment, or unique logistical challenges. Conversely, a cost that is at or below market benchmarks would indicate effective price negotiation and competitive sourcing.

What are the specific quality standards and specifications required for the canned corn under this contract?

The specific quality standards and specifications for the canned corn are critical for understanding the contract's value and ensuring it meets the needs of the USG food donation programs. These details are typically outlined in the contract's statement of work or technical specifications. They would include aspects such as the type of corn (e.g., whole kernel, sweet), can size and material, nutritional content requirements (e.g., sodium levels), processing standards (e.g., adherence to FDA regulations), and shelf-life expectations. Understanding these requirements helps determine if the price paid is justified by the quality demanded. For example, if the contract specifies premium quality corn or unique nutritional profiles, a higher price point might be acceptable. Conversely, if the specifications are standard, a higher price could indicate potential overpayment or a need for better price negotiation.

What is Seneca Foods Corp.'s track record in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for food commodities?

Evaluating Seneca Foods Corp.'s track record in fulfilling government contracts is crucial for assessing performance risk and reliability. This involves reviewing their past performance information, including any available ratings or feedback from previous government awards. Key areas to examine are on-time delivery rates, adherence to contract specifications, quality of goods provided, and any history of disputes, contract modifications, or terminations for default. A history of successful contract completion suggests a lower risk of performance issues for this current award. Conversely, a pattern of late deliveries, quality complaints, or contract disputes might indicate potential challenges ahead, even if the initial price appears competitive. Information on past performance can often be found in government databases or through agency performance assessment reports.

What is the intended use and distribution plan for the canned corn procured under this contract?

The intended use and distribution plan for the canned corn procured under this contract are central to understanding its public impact and the effectiveness of the program it supports. This contract is for 'COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS,' implying the corn will be distributed through various federal food assistance programs to individuals, families, or food banks. Understanding the specific programs (e.g., The Emergency Food Assistance Program - TEFAP, or international food aid) and the geographic reach of the distribution network helps contextualize the contract's value. For instance, if the corn is destined for remote or underserved areas, the logistical complexities might justify certain costs. Assessing the efficiency and reach of the distribution plan is key to determining if the procurement effectively serves its ultimate purpose of alleviating food insecurity.

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: W.A. Baxter & Sons (holdings) Limited

Address: 350 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK, FAIRPORT, NY, 14450

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: $133,790

Exercised Options: $133,790

Current Obligation: $133,790

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1425D0070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline