DOJ's $186,800 contract for prison food services awarded to J & B Sales, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,680 ($18.7K)
Contractor: J & B Sales, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-03-30
End Date: 2026-05-01
Contract Duration: 32 days
Daily Burn Rate: $584/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 A1 FPC YANKTON FS SUBSISTENCE QTR 3 J&B SALES
Place of Performance
Location: ROCK HILL, YORK County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29732
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $18,680 to J & B SALES, INC for work described as: FY26 A1 FPC YANKTON FS SUBSISTENCE QTR 3 J&B SALES Key points: 1. The contract value of $186,800 is modest, suggesting a localized or specific need. 2. Competition details are limited, but it was competed under SAP, indicating a potentially streamlined process. 3. Risk appears low given the nature of subsistence procurement, but supply chain disruptions are a general concern. 4. The sector is primarily food manufacturing and distribution for institutional use.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is relatively small. Without specific benchmarks for prison subsistence contracts of this size and scope, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which is typically used for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. This method may limit the number of potential bidders and the extent of price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely minimal due to the relatively small contract value and the essential nature of the goods procured.
Public Impact
Ensures food availability for inmates within the Federal Prison System. Supports a specific vendor, J & B Sales, Inc., in fulfilling a government contract. Contributes to the operational efficiency of correctional facilities by providing necessary supplies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price increases if market conditions change significantly during the contract period.
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical supply chain item.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract helps manage budget predictability.
- Procurement under SAP can lead to faster delivery of goods.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional needs. Spending benchmarks for prison subsistence can vary widely based on inmate population and location, but this contract appears to be for a specific, smaller requirement.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were specifically targeted or excluded in this procurement. The use of SAP does not inherently favor or disfavor small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Standard government oversight for purchase orders would apply, ensuring delivery and quality standards are met. The Department of Justice's Federal Prison System is responsible for contract administration.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition due to SAP.
- Potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Reliance on a single vendor.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for benchmarking.
Tags
all-other-miscellaneous-food-manufacturi, department-of-justice, sc, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $18,680 to J & B SALES, INC. FY26 A1 FPC YANKTON FS SUBSISTENCE QTR 3 J&B SALES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is J & B SALES, 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 $18,680.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-30. End: 2026-05-01.
What is the typical cost per inmate for subsistence in federal prisons, and how does this contract's implied per-unit cost compare?
Determining the exact per-unit cost from this data is challenging without knowing the quantity of goods. However, typical per-inmate subsistence costs in federal prisons can range from $3 to $7 per day. This contract's value and duration suggest it might cover a specific subset of needs or a smaller facility, making direct comparison difficult without more granular data on the items procured.
What are the primary risks associated with procuring food supplies for correctional facilities, and how are they mitigated in this contract?
Key risks include supply chain disruptions, food safety issues, and price volatility. This contract, being firm fixed-price, mitigates price volatility risk for the government. However, reliance on a single vendor (J & B Sales, Inc.) could pose a risk if they face operational challenges. Mitigation would involve robust vendor vetting and contingency planning by the Federal Prison System.
How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring value for money for essential services like prison subsistence?
SAP can be effective for smaller procurements by reducing administrative burden and speeding up delivery. For essential services like subsistence, its effectiveness hinges on whether it attracts sufficient competition to drive competitive pricing. While it streamlines the process, it might not always yield the best possible price compared to broader competition, especially for critical, recurring needs.
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: 15B41626Q00000001
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 603 TYSONS FOREST DR, ROCK HILL, SC, 29732
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,680
Exercised Options: $18,680
Current Obligation: $18,680
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-03-30
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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