Justice Department's $32.7K food contract for Yazoo City prison awarded to Advanced Commodities, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,696 ($32.7K)

Contractor: Advanced Commodities, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $359/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 35

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCC YAZOO CITY FY 2025 4TH QUARTER SUBSISTENCE JULY 1, 2025 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Place of Performance

Location: BARTLETT, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60103

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $32,696.46 to ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC. for work described as: FCC YAZOO CITY FY 2025 4TH QUARTER SUBSISTENCE JULY 1, 2025 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a small portion of overall federal food procurement. 2. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller purchases. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type indicates price certainty for the government. 4. Contract duration of 91 days aligns with typical short-term supply needs. 5. The specific nature of 'Subsistence' points to essential daily operational requirements. 6. Limited data available on contractor performance for this specific award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32,696.46 for a 91-day period is relatively small in the context of federal food procurement. Benchmarking per-unit costs for subsistence items is challenging without detailed itemization. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability. The award was made under SAP, which is designed for smaller purchases and may not reflect the same level of price scrutiny as larger, more complex procurements. Without historical data or comparable contracts for this specific facility, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). While SAP allows for competition, the specific number of bidders or the extent of outreach is not detailed in the provided data. SAP is generally used for purchases under the micro-purchase threshold or for smaller dollar amounts, where competition may be less extensive than for larger contracts. The limited information makes it difficult to assess the true level of competition and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP can lead to cost savings, but the extent of these savings is harder to quantify due to potentially fewer bidders compared to full and open competition.

Public Impact

Inmates at the Yazoo City Federal Prison will receive necessary subsistence supplies. The contract supports the daily operational needs of the Federal Prison System. The primary beneficiaries are the incarcerated individuals requiring food provisions. The geographic impact is localized to Yazoo City, Mississippi, where the prison is located. The contract supports the food manufacturing and distribution workforce involved in supplying the items.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed itemization for subsistence goods makes it hard to verify unit pricing.
Limited transparency on the specific competition process under SAP.
No clear indication of performance metrics or quality control for the subsistence items.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget certainty.
Awarded under SAP, indicating an effort to streamline procurement for essential supplies.
Contract duration is clearly defined, aligning with operational needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, a critical component of the federal supply chain. Federal agencies, particularly those with large institutional operations like the Bureau of Prisons, are significant consumers of food products. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to provide sustenance to a large population, including military personnel, federal inmates, and employees. While this specific award is small, it represents a recurring need across numerous federal facilities, contributing to a substantial overall federal expenditure on food services and supplies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail any subcontracting plans. Given the relatively small dollar amount and the nature of the goods (subsistence), it's possible that small businesses could be involved in the supply chain, either directly or indirectly. However, without specific set-aside information or subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons contracting and procurement division. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and internal agency oversight. Transparency is limited by the nature of SAP awards, which are not always publicly detailed beyond basic award information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Procurement
Department of Justice Commissary Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Food Schedules
Department of Defense Food Services

Risk Flags

Potential for less robust competition due to SAP.
Lack of detailed itemization for value assessment.
Limited public performance data for the contractor on this award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $32,696.46 to ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC.. FCC YAZOO CITY FY 2025 4TH QUARTER SUBSISTENCE JULY 1, 2025 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC..

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 $32,696.46.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific types of subsistence items are included in this contract?

The provided data classifies this contract under 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' and specifies 'Subsistence'. This general categorization does not detail the specific food items procured. Typically, subsistence for correctional facilities includes a range of perishable and non-perishable food items necessary for daily meals, such as grains, proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and beverages. A precise breakdown would require access to the detailed purchase order or contract line item details, which are not available in the summary data. The 'ND' code 311999 suggests a broad category of food manufacturing beyond more specific classifications like meat, dairy, or bakery products.

How does the price of this contract compare to similar subsistence contracts for federal prisons?

A direct comparison of this $32,696.46 contract for 91 days is difficult without more granular data on the specific items and quantities purchased, as well as the per-unit costs. Federal prison subsistence contracts can vary significantly based on the size of the facility, the dietary needs of the inmate population, and regional food costs. The Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under which this was awarded are typically used for smaller dollar amounts, suggesting this might be for a specific need or a smaller facility, or a portion of a larger requirement. Benchmarking would require analyzing contracts with similar scope, duration, and location, which are not readily available in the provided summary.

What is the track record of Advanced Commodities, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for subsistence?

Information on Advanced Commodities, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, especially for subsistence, is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would need to review their contract history, including past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any reported issues or disputes. Their presence as a supplier suggests they have experience navigating federal procurement processes. However, without specific historical data related to this type of good and agency, it's impossible to definitively gauge their reliability or past performance in this specific area.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract award?

Potential risks include supply chain disruptions affecting the delivery of subsistence items, quality control issues with the food products, and potential price fluctuations if the fixed price does not adequately account for market volatility over the contract period, although the short duration mitigates this somewhat. Given the award was made under SAP, there's also a risk of less robust competition, potentially leading to a suboptimal price. Ensuring the contractor meets all regulatory and safety standards for food provision is also a key consideration. The lack of detailed performance history for this specific award adds a layer of uncertainty.

How does the duration of this contract (91 days) align with typical federal subsistence needs?

A 91-day duration (approximately three months) is a common timeframe for many federal supply contracts, particularly those awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). This duration allows agencies to procure necessary goods for a defined period without committing to longer-term, potentially less flexible agreements. For subsistence items, which are consumed regularly, such shorter durations facilitate periodic re-procurement, allowing for adjustments based on changing needs, market prices, or contractor performance. It balances the need for continuous supply with procurement agility.

What is the significance of the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' (NAICS 311999) classification for this contract?

The NAICS code 311999, 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing,' indicates that the procured subsistence items fall into a broad category that doesn't fit into more specific food manufacturing classifications like meat processing (3116), dairy product manufacturing (3115), or bakery product manufacturing (3118). This suggests the contract may cover a diverse range of food products, potentially including processed foods, sauces, seasonings, or other prepared food items not otherwise categorized. For the government, this broad classification might offer flexibility in sourcing but could also imply less specialized production by the contractor.

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: 1200017

Offers Received: 35

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 840 W BARTLETT RD, BARTLETT, IL, 60103

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,696

Exercised Options: $32,696

Current Obligation: $32,696

Actual Outlays: $32,884

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline