DOJ Awards $26.9K Contract for Food Services to The Smooth Sailing Group LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,892 ($26.9K)
Contractor: THE Smooth Sailing Group LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-27
End Date: 2026-04-27
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $26,892.32 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for food services with a firm fixed price. 2. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a potentially limited but competitive process. 3. The award value is relatively small, suggesting a localized or specialized need. 4. The contract duration is short, aligning with immediate operational requirements.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26,892.32 for a single quarter of food service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of federal prison system needs. Benchmarking against similar food service contracts within correctional facilities would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which is typically used for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While this indicates some level of competition, it may not be as broad as full and open competition, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the relatively small contract value, which is appropriate for the specified service period.
Public Impact
Ensures essential food services are provided to federal inmates. Supports the operational continuity of the Federal Prison System. Provides a contract opportunity for a small business in Florida.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
- Short contract duration could lead to frequent re-solicitation and administrative overhead.
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded to a small business.
- Clear service requirement and fixed price structure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under general services, specifically food provision for correctional facilities. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining inmate welfare and facility operations. Benchmarks for food services in federal institutions vary widely based on inmate population and location.
Small Business Impact
The award to The Smooth Sailing Group LLC, a small business, aligns with federal goals to support small business participation in government contracting. Further analysis would be needed to confirm if this is their first federal contract or part of a larger portfolio.
Oversight & Accountability
Standard purchase order procedures were followed. Oversight would focus on service delivery and adherence to contract terms by the Federal Prison System.
Related Government Programs
- Meat Processed from Carcasses
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
- Risk of service disruption if vendor fails to perform.
- Administrative overhead from short contract duration.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data.
Tags
meat-processed-from-carcasses, department-of-justice, fl, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $26,892.32 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. 3RD QTR FY26 TO PROVIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26,892.32.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-27. End: 2026-04-27.
What is the typical cost per inmate for food services in federal prisons?
The typical cost per inmate for food services in federal prisons can vary significantly based on factors like geographic location, specific dietary needs, and the overall contract scope. While a precise benchmark is difficult without more data, costs can range from $3 to $10 per inmate per day. This contract's value suggests a smaller facility or a specific, limited service period.
What are the risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for essential services?
Using SAP, while efficient for smaller purchases, carries risks such as potentially limited vendor pool, which might lead to higher prices than under full and open competition. There's also a risk of reduced transparency and increased potential for organizational conflicts of interest if not managed carefully. However, for routine, low-value procurements, SAP can be an effective tool.
How effective is a short-term contract for essential food services in a federal prison?
Short-term contracts, like this one ending on the same day it begins, are generally less effective for ensuring consistent, long-term service delivery. They can lead to administrative burdens from frequent re-procurement and may not incentivize vendors to invest in service quality. However, they can be effective for immediate, temporary needs or pilot programs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Animal Slaughtering and Processing › Meat Processed from Carcasses
Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 15B11026Q00000006
Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 855 CENTRAL AVE UNIT 1202, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, 33701
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,892
Exercised Options: $26,892
Current Obligation: $26,892
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-27
Current End Date: 2026-04-27
Potential End Date: 2026-04-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
More Contracts from THE Smooth Sailing Group LLC
- National Menu 2ND QTR FY26 — $128.1K (Department of Justice)
- FCC Yazoo City FY 2026 3RD Quarter Subsistence April 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 — $122.0K (Department of Justice)
- FY26 3RD QTR Meat & Subsistence for Inmate Population — $106.4K (Department of Justice)
- FCI Schuylkill FY26 3RD QTR Smooth Sailing Subsistence Items — $82.7K (Department of Justice)
- Chicken LEG Quarters, Pounds Chicken, Boneless/Skinless,Pound Pork Roast, by the Pound French Fries, Frozen (fryable) Pizza, Cheese, 4-6 OZ Each Taco Shells, 2 Each — $60.7K (Department of Justice)
Other Department of Justice Contracts
- Contractor Owned and Operated Existing Correctional Facility for Approximately 3,500 LOW Security Male Inmates — $794.5M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)
- Detention Services - SAN Diego — $776.9M (THE GEO Group, Inc.)
- CO: Telly Renfroe Award of NEW Task Order Base Year Initial Funding — $616.4M (AT&T Enterprises, LLC)
- TAS 151060 - Services for the Management and Operation of a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated, Correctional Facility for 2,567 Beds in Adams County, Mississippi — $574.3M (Corecivic, Inc.)
- Provide Services for the Management and Operation of a Correctional Facility in Accordance With Rfp-Pcc-0014 — $568.9M (Cornell Companies, Inc.)