Justice Department awards $23.9K for kosher food, highlighting niche procurement needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,900 ($23.9K)

Contractor: National Food Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY 2026 Q3 - CERTIFIED KOSHER/HALAH ITEMS

Place of Performance

Location: NOVI, OAKLAND County, MICHIGAN, 48377

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $23,900.2 to NATIONAL FOOD GROUP INC for work described as: FY 2026 Q3 - CERTIFIED KOSHER/HALAH ITEMS Key points: 1. Contract addresses specific dietary requirements for federal inmates. 2. Small award value suggests a focused, specialized procurement. 3. Limited scope may reduce overall program risk. 4. Procurement method indicates adherence to simplified acquisition procedures. 5. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty. 6. Single-year duration limits long-term financial exposure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $23,900 for certified kosher/halah items is a small but significant expenditure for the Federal Prison System. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the niche nature of the product, the price appears reasonable for specialized food items requiring strict certification. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability for this specific requirement. Benchmarking against general food service contracts would be misleading; this is a specialized market.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was likely solicited from a limited pool of pre-qualified or readily available vendors. The data indicates 10 offers were received, which is a healthy number for a small, specialized procurement. This level of competition, while not full and open, likely provided sufficient price discovery for this niche requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP for specialized items like certified kosher food ensures that the government receives competitive pricing without the administrative overhead of a full and open solicitation, maximizing value for this specific need.

Public Impact

Benefits federal inmates requiring certified kosher and Halah food options. Ensures compliance with religious dietary laws within federal correctional facilities. Services are delivered to facilities within the Federal Prison System. Supports specialized food manufacturers and distributors capable of meeting strict certification standards.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited vendor pool due to specialized requirements.
Risk of price escalation if demand for certified items increases significantly.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of requirements ensures appropriate product delivery.
Fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risks.
Competition, even under SAP, provides some market validation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically addressing a niche market for religiously certified food products. The federal government, particularly agencies like the Bureau of Prisons, often procures specialized food items to meet diverse inmate needs. While the overall federal spending on food is substantial, this particular award represents a small fraction, highlighting the government's capacity to cater to specific dietary and religious requirements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. However, the nature of specialized food production and distribution may involve small businesses that possess the unique certifications required. Subcontracting opportunities are not explicitly detailed but could arise if the primary contractor relies on specialized suppliers for certified ingredients or preparation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, which typically have less extensive documentation requirements than larger contracts. Oversight would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons' internal procurement and quality assurance processes. Transparency is maintained through contract databases, but detailed performance monitoring specifics are not publicly available for awards of this size.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Dietary and Religious Accommodation Contracts
Specialty Food Procurement

Risk Flags

Niche Product Procurement
Limited Competition Potential
Religious Dietary Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $23,900.2 to NATIONAL FOOD GROUP INC. FY 2026 Q3 - CERTIFIED KOSHER/HALAH ITEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL FOOD GROUP 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 $23,900.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the track record of National Food Group Inc. in supplying specialized food items to the federal government?

National Food Group Inc. has a history of supplying various food products to government agencies. While specific data on their performance for certified kosher/Halah items within the Bureau of Prisons is not detailed here, their presence as a supplier suggests they meet federal procurement standards. Further analysis would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations, any reported issues, and the types of contracts they have previously held with federal entities. Their ability to secure this award indicates a level of established capability and compliance with government contracting regulations.

How does the cost of these certified kosher/Halah items compare to non-certified alternatives or general food supplies?

The cost of certified kosher/Halah items is typically higher than non-certified alternatives due to the stringent requirements for sourcing, preparation, supervision, and certification by recognized religious authorities. This premium covers the added labor, oversight, and specialized processes involved. While the exact premium for this specific contract isn't detailed, it's expected to be significant compared to standard food items. The Bureau of Prisons likely weighed this cost against the necessity of providing compliant dietary options for inmates, balancing religious freedom and operational requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring specialized food items like certified kosher/Halah products?

The primary risks include supply chain disruptions, as the pool of certified vendors is smaller and more specialized. There's also a risk of price volatility due to the niche market and demand fluctuations. Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to strict certification standards requires robust oversight. Furthermore, inadequate competition could lead to higher prices. For the Bureau of Prisons, failure to provide compliant food could result in grievances, legal challenges, and potential unrest among the inmate population, impacting facility operations.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in meeting the dietary needs of the target inmate population?

This contract is expected to be effective in meeting the specific dietary needs of inmates requiring certified kosher and Halah meals, provided National Food Group Inc. fulfills its obligations as per the purchase order. The firm fixed-price nature and the defined product scope suggest a clear intent to deliver specific items. Effectiveness will be measured by the availability and quality of the delivered food, ensuring it meets the required religious standards and satisfies the nutritional needs of the intended recipients. Compliance with these dietary laws is crucial for inmate well-being and institutional order.

How does this contract's value and scope compare to historical federal spending on similar specialized dietary items?

The value of this contract ($23,900) is relatively small in the context of overall federal food spending, which runs into billions annually. However, for specialized dietary items like certified kosher/Halah products, this award size is not unusual, reflecting the specific needs of a segment of the inmate population rather than a broad requirement. Historical federal spending on such niche items would likely show similar small, targeted awards across various correctional facilities and agencies. The trend is towards meeting diverse dietary needs, including religious ones, through specific procurement actions like this one.

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: 15B50226Q00000039

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 46820 MAGELLAN DR STE A, NOVI, MI, 48377

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,900

Exercised Options: $23,900

Current Obligation: $23,900

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline