Justice Department awards $28.7M for meat processing, with 29 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,702 ($28.7K)

Contractor: THE Smooth Sailing Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 89 days

Daily Burn Rate: $322/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 QTR 2

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28,701.83 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: FY26 QTR 2 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the fixed-price nature and competitive bidding. 2. Strong competition dynamics with 29 bidders suggest a healthy market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short contract duration and established service type. 4. Performance context is within the standard operational needs of the Federal Prison System. 5. Sector positioning is within the food services and supplies category for correctional facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. With 29 bids, the pricing is likely competitive. Benchmarking against similar contracts for meat processing services within federal correctional facilities would offer further insight, but the competitive landscape suggests a fair market price was achieved. The total award amount of $28.7 million for a 3-month period indicates a significant operational requirement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely advertised broadly to eligible vendors. The high number of bidders (29) suggests robust competition. This level of competition is beneficial for price discovery and ensures that the government receives competitive offers, potentially leading to better value.

Taxpayer Impact: A high number of bidders means taxpayers benefit from a more competitive pricing environment, reducing the likelihood of overpayment and maximizing the use of appropriated funds.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from a consistent supply of processed meat. The services delivered ensure a critical component of the inmate food service program. The geographic impact is primarily within Florida, where the contract is being executed. Workforce implications include jobs for those involved in meat processing and distribution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery schedules.
Ensuring consistent quality control across all processed meat products.
Managing fluctuations in raw material costs that could affect profitability.

Positive Signals

The fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
A large number of bidders indicates a stable and accessible vendor market.
The short contract duration limits long-term exposure to market volatility.

Sector Analysis

The federal government is a significant purchaser of food products and services, including processed meats, to support its various institutions like correctional facilities. The market for meat processing is diverse, with many suppliers capable of meeting federal specifications. This contract fits within the broader food services and supplies sector, where competition is generally robust. Comparable spending benchmarks for correctional facility food services can vary widely based on inmate population and dietary requirements.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was competed under SAP, it is not explicitly noted as a small business set-aside. The high number of bidders suggests that both large and small businesses likely participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and subcontracting opportunities, which are crucial for fostering a diverse small business ecosystem within federal contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight will likely be managed by the Bureau of Prisons contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Department of Justice Procurement
Correctional Facility Supplies
Meat and Poultry Products Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Ensuring consistent product quality
Raw material price volatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28,701.83 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. FY26 QTR 2

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 $28,701.83.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for meat processing services by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending data for meat processing services by the Federal Prison System (FPS) reveals a consistent need for these products to support inmate nutrition. While specific figures for this exact service category can fluctuate year-to-year based on contract awards and pricing, the FPS generally allocates substantial funds towards food procurement. For instance, in recent fiscal years, spending on food and food services for federal correctional institutions has been in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This particular award of $28.7 million for a 3-month period suggests a significant regional or facility-specific requirement. Analyzing past awards for similar meat processing contracts, including their duration, number of bidders, and final award prices, would provide a clearer picture of trends and potential cost efficiencies over time. The current award's value should be assessed against these historical benchmarks to ensure it represents good value.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar federal meat processing awards?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $28.7 million contract against similar federal meat processing awards requires access to detailed historical data on per-unit costs or total contract values for comparable services. Without specific per-unit cost data (e.g., price per pound of specific meat cuts), a direct comparison is challenging. However, the fact that this contract was competed under SAP with 29 bidders suggests a competitive pricing environment. If comparable contracts for similar quantities and types of processed meat within federal correctional facilities over similar timeframes were awarded at significantly lower prices, it might indicate a concern. Conversely, if prices are in line with or lower than historical averages, it suggests good value for money. The fixed-firm price structure also provides a degree of certainty, but the ultimate value depends on the negotiated rates relative to market conditions and historical performance.

What is the track record of THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC with federal contracts?

Assessing the track record of THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC requires a review of their past federal contract awards. Information available through federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would detail their history, including contract types, agencies served, award amounts, and performance ratings, if available. A company with a history of successful, on-time, and within-budget contract completions, particularly in food services or related sectors, would be a positive indicator. Conversely, a history of performance issues, contract disputes, or significant deviations from contract terms could raise concerns. For this specific contract, understanding their experience with processing meat for correctional facilities, their capacity, and their ability to meet stringent quality and delivery requirements is crucial for evaluating their reliability as a contractor.

What are the potential risks associated with this meat processing contract?

Potential risks associated with this meat processing contract include supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, and price volatility of raw materials. For instance, unforeseen events like natural disasters, transportation strikes, or outbreaks of animal disease could impact the availability and delivery of raw meat. Maintaining consistent quality across all processed products is paramount, especially in a correctional setting where specific standards must be met. Failure to adhere to quality specifications could lead to rejected shipments and potential health risks. Furthermore, while the contract is fixed-price, fluctuations in the market price of raw meat could impact the contractor's profitability and potentially lead to requests for contract modifications or performance issues if margins become too thin. The short duration (89 days) mitigates some long-term risks but emphasizes the importance of immediate operational readiness and execution.

How does the competition level (29 bidders) impact the effectiveness of this procurement?

The competition level of 29 bidders for this meat processing contract significantly enhances the effectiveness of the procurement process. A large number of bidders typically drives down prices as companies vie for the award, leading to better value for taxpayers. It also increases the likelihood that the government will receive innovative solutions or superior service offerings. Furthermore, robust competition reduces the risk of contractor collusion or the award going to a less capable vendor due to a lack of alternatives. For the Federal Prison System, this high level of competition suggests that the market is healthy and responsive to their needs, ensuring they can secure essential services like meat processing reliably and cost-effectively. This competitive dynamic is a strong indicator of a well-executed and effective procurement strategy.

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: 15B11926Q00000001

Offers Received: 29

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, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,702

Exercised Options: $28,702

Current Obligation: $28,702

Actual Outlays: $2,077

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline