DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $447K for processed meat to North Star Imports, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,700 ($44.7K)
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: $497/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: A1 FY26 3RD QUARTER NORTH STAR IMPORTS
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT PAUL, DAKOTA County, MINNESOTA, 55122
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $44,700 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC for work described as: A1 FY26 3RD QUARTER NORTH STAR IMPORTS Key points: 1. Spending on processed meat for the Federal Prison System is a recurring need. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The contract value is relatively small, indicating limited overall financial risk. 4. The sector is food services/supplies, essential for correctional facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $447,000 for a 3-month period is moderate. Benchmarking against similar processed meat contracts for correctional facilities would be necessary to assess if the firm fixed price is competitive.
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 less formal solicitation than full and open competition. This method can lead to quicker awards but may not always yield the lowest possible price.
Taxpayer Impact: The $447,000 expenditure represents a modest cost to taxpayers for essential food supplies within the Bureau of Prisons.
Public Impact
Ensures a consistent supply of processed meat for inmates. Supports the operational needs of the Federal Prison System. Potential for price fluctuations if competition is consistently limited.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Short contract duration may not incentivize best pricing
Positive Signals
- Essential service provision
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
The Federal Prison System has a continuous need for food supplies, including processed meats. Spending benchmarks for this category vary widely based on inmate population and specific dietary requirements. This contract appears to be a routine procurement within the food services sector.
Small Business Impact
Information on whether North Star Imports, LLC is a small business is not provided. If they are a large business, this contract does not contribute to small business goals.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for oversight of this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure proper execution and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Meat Processed from Carcasses
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for higher prices due to SAP
- Lack of small business status information
- Short contract duration
Tags
meat-processed-from-carcasses, department-of-justice, mn, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $44,700 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC. A1 FY26 3RD QUARTER NORTH STAR IMPORTS
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 $44,700.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the typical cost per pound for processed meat procured by the Bureau of Prisons?
Determining the typical cost per pound requires access to historical contract data and detailed specifications for the processed meat. Without this granular information, it's difficult to establish a precise benchmark. However, factors like type of meat, processing methods, and volume purchased significantly influence per-pound costs. Comparing this contract's unit price, if available, against similar recent procurements would offer the best insight.
What are the risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for food procurement?
Using SAP for food procurement can increase efficiency and speed up delivery, which is crucial for perishable goods. However, the primary risk is reduced competition, potentially leading to higher prices than could be achieved through full and open competition. There's also a risk of less rigorous vetting of vendors, although agencies must still comply with federal acquisition regulations to ensure vendor responsibility and product quality.
How does the firm fixed price contract structure impact the effectiveness of this meat procurement?
A firm fixed price (FFP) contract is effective in this scenario because it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, North Star Imports, LLC. This provides budget certainty for the Bureau of Prisons. For the government, it's effective as it locks in the price, protecting against market fluctuations. The effectiveness hinges on the initial price being fair and competitive, which is influenced by the limited competition under SAP.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Animal Slaughtering and Processing › Meat Processed from Carcasses
Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 5
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: $44,700
Exercised Options: $44,700
Current Obligation: $44,700
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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