DOJ's $427K Contract for Prison Food Manufacturing Awarded to Mullen Marketing LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,702 ($42.7K)
Contractor: Mullen Marketing LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2026-04-06
Contract Duration: 187 days
Daily Burn Rate: $228/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 17
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 1ST QTR SUBSISTENCE
Place of Performance
Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19106
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $42,701.69 to MULLEN MARKETING LLC for work described as: FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 1ST QTR SUBSISTENCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mullen Marketing LLC for perishable prepared food manufacturing. 2. The contract is for the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. 3. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a potentially limited competition. 4. The contract duration is 187 days, with a firm fixed price. 5. This spending falls under the 'Food Services' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $427,016.90 for a 187-day period appears reasonable for specialized food manufacturing services for correctional facilities. Benchmarking against similar contracts for perishable prepared food in federal prisons would provide a clearer assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting competition was likely limited to small businesses or specific pre-qualified vendors. This method may not achieve the best possible price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential food services within federal prisons. While the value appears reasonable, the limited competition raises questions about whether the most cost-effective solution was secured.
Public Impact
Ensures food supply for federal inmates, a critical operational need. Supports a specific vendor, Mullen Marketing LLC, within the food manufacturing sector. Potential for price variations if competition is not robust. Impact on inmate welfare and operational efficiency within the Bureau of Prisons.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for price inefficiencies due to limited competition
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service
Positive Signals
- Addresses a clear need for food services
- Firm fixed price contract can provide cost certainty
- Short contract duration limits long-term risk
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the food services sector, specifically perishable prepared food manufacturing for federal correctional facilities. Spending benchmarks for this niche within the broader food service industry are difficult to establish without more specific data on contract scope and volume.
Small Business Impact
The contract was competed under SAP, which often favors small businesses. However, without specific details on the number of bidders or their size, it's unclear if small businesses were significantly involved or if this was a sole-source award to a small business.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance, food quality, and delivery schedules by the Bureau of Prisons contracting officers. Accountability for meeting the terms of the firm fixed price purchase order rests with Mullen Marketing LLC.
Related Government Programs
- Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price inflation
- Vendor lock-in risk
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical need
Tags
perishable-prepared-food-manufacturing, department-of-justice, pa, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $42,701.69 to MULLEN MARKETING LLC. FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 1ST QTR SUBSISTENCE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MULLEN MARKETING 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 $42,701.69.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-04-06.
What is the typical cost per inmate per day for subsistence in federal prisons, and how does this contract compare?
The average cost per inmate per day for subsistence in federal prisons can vary significantly based on location, dietary needs, and contract specifics. Without a detailed breakdown of the $427,016.90 contract for 187 days and the number of inmates served, a direct comparison is challenging. However, this contract's value suggests it covers a substantial portion of food needs for a specific facility or population during the contract period.
What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for essential services like inmate food supply?
Limited competition under SAP can increase the risk of paying higher prices than necessary, as robust market forces are not fully engaged. There's also a risk of reduced innovation and service quality if vendors face less pressure to perform. For essential services like inmate food supply, this could impact both operational efficiency and inmate welfare.
How effective is the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' method in ensuring value for taxpayer money in specialized food manufacturing contracts?
The effectiveness of 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' varies. It can be effective for smaller value procurements or when specific capabilities are required, potentially streamlining the process and engaging small businesses. However, for significant contracts, it may not yield the best value compared to broader competition, potentially leading to higher costs or less optimal solutions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 15B21725Q00000010
Offers Received: 17
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 806 W 5TH ST, DICKSON, TN, 37055
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $42,702
Exercised Options: $42,702
Current Obligation: $42,702
Actual Outlays: $42,759
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-06
Potential End Date: 2026-04-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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