DOJ's Federal Prison System Awards $28,930 for Food Manufacturing in FY26 Q3

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,930 ($28.9K)

Contractor: North Star Imports, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $321/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCC YAZOO CITY FY 2026 3RD QUARTER SUBSISTENCE APRIL 1, 2026 - JUNE 30, 2026

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PAUL, DAKOTA County, MINNESOTA, 55122

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28,930 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC for work described as: FCC YAZOO CITY FY 2026 3RD QUARTER SUBSISTENCE APRIL 1, 2026 - JUNE 30, 2026 Key points: 1. The contract is for subsistence, specifically food manufacturing, for the Federal Prison System. 2. Awarded to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC, a single vendor. 3. The contract value is relatively small at $28,930. 4. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $28,930 is modest. Benchmarking against similar food manufacturing contracts is difficult without more specific product details, but the price appears reasonable for a 3-month supply.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting it was likely below the simplified acquisition threshold. This method allows for less formal competition, potentially impacting price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value.

Public Impact

Ensures essential food supplies for inmates in the Federal Prison System. Supports a specific vendor, NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC. Demonstrates the government's ability to procure necessary goods through streamlined processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best price.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical need.

Positive Signals

Procurement meets a specific operational need.
Utilizes established procurement procedures.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the food manufacturing sector, a critical component of institutional support services. Spending benchmarks for this specific niche are highly variable based on quantity and type of food products.

Small Business Impact

Information on whether NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC is a small business is not provided. The use of SAP may limit opportunities for larger businesses but could be accessible to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Standard purchase order oversight applies. The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for ensuring delivery and quality of the subsistence goods.

Related Government Programs

All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
Lack of detailed product specification hinders precise cost analysis.
Vendor's small business status is not specified.
Short contract duration may not reflect long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28,930 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC. FCC YAZOO CITY FY 2026 3RD QUARTER SUBSISTENCE APRIL 1, 2026 - JUNE 30, 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTH STAR IMPORTS, 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 $28,930.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific type of food being manufactured and what is the per-unit cost?

The data does not specify the exact food products being manufactured, only that it falls under NAICS code 311999 (All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing). Without this detail, a precise per-unit cost benchmark is not possible. However, the total award of $28,930 for a 90-day period suggests a modest daily expenditure per inmate.

What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for this contract?

Limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) carries the risk of not achieving the most favorable pricing for the government. While efficient for smaller procurements, it may exclude potential vendors who could offer better value or innovation. This could lead to higher costs or less optimal product quality over time.

How effective is this procurement in meeting the long-term subsistence needs of the Federal Prison System?

This specific procurement is effective for meeting short-term, immediate subsistence needs for the specified 90-day period. However, its effectiveness for long-term needs is limited. The small value and SAP competition suggest it's likely a tactical award, and a broader strategy for sustained, cost-effective subsistence procurement would be necessary.

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: RFQP03152600003

Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: North Star Imports LLC

Address: 3459 WASHINGTON DR STE 201, SAINT PAUL, MN, 55122

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,930

Exercised Options: $28,930

Current Obligation: $28,930

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline