USDA awards $630K for canned corn and peas to Seneca Foods Corp, supporting food donations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $630,390 ($630.4K)

Contractor: Seneca Foods Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 114 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/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: 2000011256/4400002446/4100033968/CORN WHOLE KERNEL(LIQ) CAN-6/10,PEAS CAN-6/10

Place of Performance

Location: RIPON, FOND DU LAC County, WISCONSIN, 54971

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $630,390.32 to SENECA FOODS CORP for work described as: COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011256/4400002446/4100033968/CORN WHOLE KERNEL(LIQ) CAN-6/10,PEAS CAN-6/10 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the specified quantities of canned goods. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Delivery order structure indicates flexibility within a larger framework. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Contract duration is relatively short, focusing on immediate needs. 6. Geographic focus on Wisconsin for delivery. 7. Contractor Seneca Foods Corp is a known entity in food production.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $630,390.32 for 20,000 units of canned corn and peas seems aligned with market prices for bulk food procurement. Benchmarking against similar government food donation contracts would provide further validation, but the quantity and type of goods suggest a fair price point. The firm fixed-price structure ensures 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 bidders were likely solicited and considered. The presence of 13 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure the government receives good value.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract benefits taxpayers by likely securing the goods at a more competitive price than if it were sole-sourced or limited.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals and families receiving food assistance through USG food donation programs. Services delivered include the provision of canned corn and peas. Geographic impact is primarily within Wisconsin, where the goods will be delivered. Workforce implications are likely within Seneca Foods Corp's production and logistics operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting delivery timelines.
Quality control of canned goods to meet nutritional and safety standards.

Positive Signals

Seneca Foods Corp's established experience in food production.
Firm fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
Delivery order structure allows for phased delivery and management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically focusing on canned goods. The market for government food procurement is substantial, driven by various programs like food assistance and disaster relief. This specific contract supports the Agricultural Marketing Service's role in managing commodity donations, fitting within the government's efforts to utilize surplus agricultural products.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, unless Seneca Foods Corp engages small businesses in its supply chain or distribution.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the USDA. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USDA Food Donation Programs
Agricultural Marketing Service Procurement
Commodity Food Procurement
Federal Food Assistance Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions.
Quality assurance of perishable/shelf-stable goods.
Timeliness of delivery to meet program needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $630,390.32 to SENECA FOODS CORP. COMMODITIES FOR USG FOOD DONATIONS: 2000011256/4400002446/4100033968/CORN WHOLE KERNEL(LIQ) CAN-6/10,PEAS 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 $630,390.32.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is Seneca Foods Corp's track record with federal food procurement contracts?

Seneca Foods Corp has a history of supplying food products to various government agencies. While specific details on past performance for USDA food donation contracts are not provided in this snippet, their established presence in the food industry suggests experience in meeting government specifications and delivery requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, including any past performance evaluations or disputes, would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and quality assurance in fulfilling federal orders. Their ability to secure this contract under full and open competition indicates they met the necessary qualifications.

How does the unit cost of these canned goods compare to similar government procurements?

Without specific unit cost data or access to a broader database of comparable government food procurements, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the total award of $630,390.32 for 20,000 units suggests an average cost of approximately $31.52 per unit (assuming 'unit' refers to a case or a significant quantity). This price point needs to be evaluated against the specific type of canned goods (e.g., size of cans, type of packaging) and current market fluctuations for agricultural commodities. Government contracts often benefit from bulk purchasing power, which could make this price competitive relative to retail or smaller commercial purchases.

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

Key risks include potential supply chain disruptions affecting the timely delivery of goods, and quality control issues with the canned products. Mitigation strategies are in place through the contract's structure. The firm fixed-price nature shifts the financial risk of cost overruns to Seneca Foods Corp. The delivery order specifies a clear delivery period (April 8, 2026, to July 31, 2026), providing a defined timeframe. Furthermore, government oversight and quality assurance protocols are expected to be applied during production and delivery to ensure the goods meet required standards. The relatively short duration also limits long-term exposure to market volatility.

How effective is the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in managing commodity donation programs?

The effectiveness of the AMS in managing commodity donation programs is generally considered high, as it plays a crucial role in facilitating the distribution of surplus agricultural products to those in need. Programs managed by AMS help stabilize farm prices, reduce waste, and provide essential nutritional support. The success of these programs relies on efficient procurement, logistics, and partnerships with recipient organizations. This specific contract for canned goods is an example of AMS fulfilling its mandate. Performance metrics for AMS's donation programs typically include the volume of commodities distributed, the reach of recipient organizations, and the nutritional impact on beneficiaries.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar food donation commodities procured by the USDA?

Historical spending patterns for USDA food donation commodities can vary significantly year-to-year based on agricultural output, budget allocations, and specific program needs. The USDA procures a wide range of commodities, including grains, dairy, meats, and produce, often in large volumes. Spending on canned goods like corn and peas is a consistent component, driven by their shelf stability and nutritional value. Analyzing past USDA procurement data would reveal trends in the types of commodities purchased, the average prices paid, and the primary contractors involved. This contract's value of approximately $630K is moderate within the context of large-scale federal food procurement, which can involve contracts in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

What is the significance of the 'WISCONSIN' location specified in the contract?

The specification of 'WISCONSIN' as the delivery location (SN: WISCONSIN) indicates the intended destination for the canned corn and peas. This detail is crucial for logistics planning, transportation cost estimation, and ensuring the timely arrival of goods to support food donation efforts within that state or region. It suggests that the Agricultural Marketing Service has identified a need or a distribution point in Wisconsin for these specific commodities. This geographic focus helps in streamlining the supply chain and potentially reducing transportation costs compared to a nationwide delivery requirement.

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: $630,390

Exercised Options: $630,390

Current Obligation: $630,390

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123J1425D0058

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline