DOJ's $21.6M Food Service Contract Awarded to Smooth Sailing Group LLC for 281 Grocery Items

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,604 ($21.6K)

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: $240/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCI TALLADEGA 3RD QTR FY26 FOOD SERVICE 281 GROCERY ITEMS

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $21,603.85 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: FCI TALLADEGA 3RD QTR FY26 FOOD SERVICE 281 GROCERY ITEMS Key points: 1. The contract covers 281 grocery items for FCI Talladega, indicating a broad scope of food service needs. 2. Awarded to The Smooth Sailing Group LLC, this represents a significant procurement for the Federal Prison System. 3. The contract's fixed-price nature aims to control costs, but potential risks include price fluctuations for perishable goods. 4. This procurement falls under the 'Other' sector due to its specific focus on food services within a correctional facility.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.6M for a 90-day period suggests a substantial per-day spend. Benchmarking against similar correctional facility food service contracts would be necessary for a precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely awarded through a limited competition process. This method may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP might lead to slightly higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract, though it offers efficiency for smaller procurements.

Public Impact

Ensures essential food supplies for inmates at FCI Talladega, maintaining operational capacity. Supports the Federal Prison System's ability to provide nutritional needs for its population. Impacts the local economy in Talladega, Florida, through the contractor's operations and potential local sourcing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price volatility in perishable goods.
Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
Contract duration is short (90 days), requiring frequent re-procurement.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Awarded to a specific LLC, indicating a defined vendor relationship.
Clear start and end dates for the contract period.

Sector Analysis

This procurement is for food services within a federal correctional institution, a critical operational component. Spending benchmarks for correctional food services vary widely based on inmate population, location, and service complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if The Smooth Sailing Group LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons, focusing on contract compliance, quality of goods, and timely delivery to ensure operational continuity.

Related Government Programs

Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition (SAP)
Perishable goods risk
Short contract duration
Lack of small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $21,603.85 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. FCI TALLADEGA 3RD QTR FY26 FOOD SERVICE 281 GROCERY 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 $21,603.85.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical cost performance of The Smooth Sailing Group LLC on similar contracts?

Historical performance data for The Smooth Sailing Group LLC on similar contracts is not provided. Assessing past performance, including on-time delivery, quality adherence, and cost management, would be crucial for evaluating the reliability and value of this award. Investigating their track record with other government agencies or private sector clients could offer insights into their capabilities and potential risks.

How does the per-unit cost of these 281 grocery items compare to market rates or other federal contracts?

A direct per-unit cost comparison is not possible without itemized pricing. However, the total award of $21.6M over 90 days for 281 items suggests a significant volume. Benchmarking against General Services Administration (GSA) schedules for food items or similar contracts awarded by other correctional facilities could reveal potential overpricing or cost savings.

What are the specific risks associated with procuring perishable goods under a fixed-price contract for a 90-day period?

Procuring perishable goods under a fixed-price contract carries inherent risks of price fluctuations due to market volatility, spoilage, and supply chain disruptions. A short 90-day duration intensifies these risks, as the contractor must absorb any cost increases within that period. This could lead to the contractor cutting corners on quality or potentially seeking contract modifications if prices rise dramatically.

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: 15B31326Q00000010

Offers Received: 14

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: $21,604

Exercised Options: $21,604

Current Obligation: $21,604

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline