DOJ's $35M Food Service Contract Awarded to Smooth Sailing Group LLC for FY26

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,958 ($35.0K)

Contractor: THE Smooth Sailing Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $388/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 3RD QTR FOOD SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $34,957.63 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: FY26 3RD QTR FOOD SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract value of $34,957.63 for a 90-day period. 2. Awarded to The Smooth Sailing Group LLC. 3. Procured under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type. 5. No small business set-aside indicated.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is relatively small for a federal food service contract. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information, but the price appears reasonable for a 90-day period.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition approach. This method is typically used for acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold, which may limit price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the relatively small contract value.

Public Impact

Ensures food services are provided to federal inmates. Supports the operational needs of the Federal Prison System. Impacts the daily lives of incarcerated individuals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
No small business participation noted

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty
Clear awardee and agency

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under general services, specifically food manufacturing and supply for correctional facilities. Spending in this area is consistent with the operational requirements of federal prisons, though specific benchmarks are hard to ascertain without more granular data.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to compete or if this was an oversight.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests a streamlined oversight process. Standard contract monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons would apply to ensure service delivery and compliance.

Related Government Programs

All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition
Lack of small business participation noted
Limited transparency on specific service quality metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $34,957.63 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. FY26 3RD QTR FOOD SERVICE

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 $34,957.63.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the typical cost per inmate for food services in federal prisons?

Determining the typical cost per inmate for federal prison food services requires access to detailed budget data and operational reports from the Bureau of Prisons. Without specific per-inmate cost breakdowns or contract line item details, it's challenging to provide an accurate benchmark. However, such costs generally include food procurement, preparation, staffing, and facility maintenance.

What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for food services?

Limited competition under SAP can increase the risk of paying a higher price than necessary, as fewer vendors are incentivized to offer their best pricing. It may also limit the pool of potential suppliers, potentially excluding innovative or more cost-effective solutions. This could impact overall value for money for the government.

How effectively does this contract ensure the nutritional needs of inmates are met?

The effectiveness of this contract in meeting inmate nutritional needs depends on the specific requirements outlined in the contract statement of work and the vendor's adherence to those standards. While the contract ensures food service provision, the quality and nutritional adequacy are subject to the Bureau of Prisons' oversight and inspection processes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B11926Q00000006

Offers Received: 23

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: $34,958

Exercised Options: $34,958

Current Obligation: $34,958

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline