DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $128M for poultry, with The Smooth Sailing Group LLC winning a 2nd QTR FY26 contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $128,125 ($128.1K)

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: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NATIONAL MENU 2ND QTR FY26

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $128,124.57 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: NATIONAL MENU 2ND QTR FY26 Key points: 1. The contract value of $128.12M for poultry is substantial, indicating significant demand within the Federal Prison System. 2. Competition details are limited to 'COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting a potentially less robust bidding process than full and open competition. 3. Risk factors include reliance on a single awardee for a critical food supply and potential price volatility in the poultry market. 4. The sector is Food Services/Wholesale, a necessary but often overlooked area of federal procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is high, but without specific unit pricing or historical benchmarks for poultry wholesale within correctional facilities, a precise value assessment is difficult. The firm fixed price structure offers some cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves fewer vendors and potentially less aggressive price discovery compared to full and open competition. This method may streamline procurement but could limit competitive pressure.

Taxpayer Impact: While SAP can be efficient, the limited competition might result in higher prices than a fully competitive process, potentially impacting taxpayer funds negatively.

Public Impact

Ensures a consistent food supply for federal inmates, directly impacting daily life and well-being within correctional facilities. Supports the agricultural sector, specifically poultry producers and distributors, through significant federal purchasing power. The contract's duration and value highlight the ongoing federal need for essential goods like food, influencing market stability. Potential for price fluctuations in the poultry market could affect the overall cost to taxpayers over the contract period.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for price volatility in poultry market
Reliance on a single vendor for essential goods

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty
Ensures critical food supply for federal inmates

Sector Analysis

The Federal Prison System's procurement of poultry falls under the broader Food Services and Wholesale sector. Spending benchmarks for this category can vary widely based on inmate population and dietary requirements, but $128M suggests a large-scale operation.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to 'THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC.' Without further information on the size of this company, it is difficult to assess its small business status or impact. SAP procurements can sometimes favor smaller businesses, but this is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting officers and potentially agency-level inspectors general. Monitoring vendor performance, delivery schedules, and product quality is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition method (SAP)
Potential for price volatility in the poultry market
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical supply
Lack of historical pricing data for comparison
Uncertainty regarding vendor's small business status

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $128,124.57 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. NATIONAL MENU 2ND QTR FY26

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 $128,124.57.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical pricing trend for poultry procurement by the Bureau of Prisons, and how does this award compare?

Historical pricing data is essential for a comprehensive value assessment. Without it, it's challenging to determine if $128.12M represents a fair market price or an overpayment. Comparing this award to previous contracts or similar agency procurements would reveal potential cost savings or inefficiencies.

What specific risks are associated with relying on 'THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC' for such a large volume of poultry, especially given the limited competition?

Risks include supply chain disruptions if the vendor faces operational issues, potential quality control lapses, and limited recourse if prices escalate unexpectedly despite the fixed-price structure. The lack of robust competition means fewer alternatives if performance issues arise, potentially impacting inmate welfare and requiring emergency, possibly more expensive, procurements.

How effectively does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' method ensure the Bureau of Prisons receives the best value for its poultry needs?

SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds. While it can be effective for routine purchases, its suitability for a $128M contract is questionable regarding maximizing competitive pressure. A more robust competition might yield better pricing and terms, ensuring greater taxpayer value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers › Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

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: $128,125

Exercised Options: $128,125

Current Obligation: $128,125

Actual Outlays: $102,370

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline