DOJ's $82.7K contract for subsistence items awarded to Smooth Sailing Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,665 ($82.7K)

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: $919/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCI SCHUYLKILL FY26 3RD QTR SMOOTH SAILING SUBSISTENCE ITEMS

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $82,665.3 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: FCI SCHUYLKILL FY26 3RD QTR SMOOTH SAILING SUBSISTENCE ITEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for subsistence items, indicating a need for food supplies. 2. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 3. The award is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for acquiring goods and services. 4. The contract duration is 90 days, pointing to a short-term need. 5. The contractor, The Smooth Sailing Group LLC, is a new entity in this specific procurement context. 6. The contract is firm-fixed-price, providing cost certainty for the government. 7. The geographic location of performance is Florida.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $82,665.30 for a 90-day period for subsistence items appears reasonable for a small-scale procurement. Benchmarking against similar Federal Prison System procurements for food supplies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific details on the quantity and type of subsistence items, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the government has a defined cost expectation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders, often through GSA Advantage! or other electronic portals. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP aims for efficient procurement of goods and services below the simplified acquisition threshold. The limited competition under SAP may result in less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition, but it prioritizes speed and administrative ease for smaller dollar value contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP means that while administrative costs are lower, the potential for achieving the absolute lowest price might be reduced. However, the overall dollar value is relatively small, mitigating significant taxpayer risk.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the provision of subsistence items. The services delivered include the supply of essential food items. The geographic impact of this contract is primarily within Florida, where the performance is expected. The contract supports the operational needs of the Bureau of Prisons by ensuring a supply chain for inmate sustenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
The contractor's track record for this specific type of supply is not detailed, posing a potential performance risk.
The short duration of the contract could necessitate frequent re-procurement, leading to administrative overhead.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Simplified Acquisition Procedures are designed for efficient procurement of smaller value items.
The contract directly supports the essential needs of the Federal Prison System.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional needs. The Federal Prison System, managed by the Bureau of Prisons, is a significant consumer of subsistence items. Spending in this category is consistent with the operational requirements of correctional facilities nationwide. While this specific award is modest, the aggregate federal spending on food and subsistence for its various agencies represents a substantial market.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. However, given the contract value and the nature of Simplified Acquisition Procedures, it is likely that small businesses were eligible to bid and may have participated. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is minimal for this individual award, but consistent participation in SAP procurements is crucial for small business growth within the federal marketplace.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is subject to oversight by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. Accountability is maintained through the terms and conditions of the Purchase Order and the firm-fixed-price agreement. Transparency is facilitated by the contract being publicly available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General oversight would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts (potential alternative procurement vehicles)
Department of Defense (DoD) Subsistence

Risk Flags

Potential for limited price competition due to SAP.
Uncertainty regarding contractor's past performance for this specific service.
Lack of detailed product specification in the award description.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $82,665.3 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. FCI SCHUYLKILL FY26 3RD QTR SMOOTH SAILING SUBSISTENCE ITEMS

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 $82,665.3.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific nature and quantity of 'smooth sailing subsistence items' being procured?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'FCI SCHUYLKILL FY26 3RD QTR SMOOTH SAILING SUBSISTENCE ITEMS'. The term 'smooth sailing' appears to be a descriptive or potentially proprietary name for a specific product or product line rather than a generic category. 'Subsistence items' generally refer to food and other necessities for daily living. Without further clarification from the contracting agency or the contractor, the exact composition and quantity of these items remain unspecified. This lack of specificity can make it challenging to perform detailed cost analysis or compare this award to other food procurements.

What is the past performance record of The Smooth Sailing Group LLC with the Federal Prison System or similar agencies?

The provided data does not include information on the past performance record of The Smooth Sailing Group LLC. As this appears to be a relatively small contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, it is possible that this is one of the contractor's initial federal awards, or that their prior experience is not readily available in summary contract data. A thorough review would require accessing the contractor's performance history reports (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) if available, or conducting direct inquiries with the contracting officer to assess their reliability and experience in delivering subsistence items.

How does the price of $82,665.30 for 90 days of subsistence items compare to market rates for similar institutional food supplies?

Benchmarking the price of $82,665.30 for 90 days of subsistence items requires detailed knowledge of the specific items included and their quantities. However, as a general estimate, this equates to approximately $918.50 per day. For institutional settings like federal prisons, per-inmate-per-day food costs can vary significantly based on dietary needs, menu complexity, and location. Without knowing the number of inmates served or the exact product mix, a precise comparison is difficult. Generally, government contracts aim for competitive pricing, and SAP procurements, while efficient, may not always achieve the lowest possible unit costs compared to large-scale, full-and-open competitions. Further analysis would involve obtaining a detailed list of the subsistence items and comparing unit prices to commercial bulk food distributors or other government food contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for subsistence items?

The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for subsistence items is that the contractor may face increased costs due to market fluctuations in food prices, supply chain disruptions, or unforeseen operational challenges. If these costs exceed the contract price, the contractor might be incentivized to reduce quality, substitute lower-cost ingredients, or potentially default on the contract. For the government, the risk is receiving substandard goods or services if the contractor struggles to meet the FFP terms. However, FFP contracts also offer price certainty to the government, shifting the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, which is often desirable for predictable supply needs like subsistence items.

What is the significance of this contract being awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Awarding this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) signifies that the procurement value is below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000). SAP is designed to streamline the purchasing process for smaller dollar value goods and services, making it faster and less administratively burdensome than traditional full-scale procurement methods. This often involves using electronic portals, fewer documentation requirements, and potentially a more limited number of bidders. For taxpayers, SAP can lead to cost savings through reduced administrative overhead. However, it may also result in less robust competition compared to larger procurements, potentially impacting the final price achieved.

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: RFQP02132600008

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $82,665

Exercised Options: $82,665

Current Obligation: $82,665

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline