DOJ's $46K food contract awarded to Shamrock Meats, Inc. for Q3 FY2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,096 ($46.1K)

Contractor: Shamrock Meats, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $512/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY2026 3RD QUARTER NATIONAL MENU FPC BRYAN

Place of Performance

Location: SECAUCUS, HUDSON County, NEW JERSEY, 07094

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $46,096 to SHAMROCK MEATS, INC. for work described as: FY2026 3RD QUARTER NATIONAL MENU FPC BRYAN Key points: 1. The contract value represents a small portion of the Bureau of Prisons' overall food procurement budget. 2. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on cost-effectiveness for smaller purchases. 3. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. 4. A single award indicates a specific need met by one supplier, but limits broader market engagement. 5. The short duration of 90 days suggests a tactical procurement rather than a long-term strategic supply agreement. 6. The contract's primary purpose is to ensure food availability for federal correctional facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $46,096 for a 90-day period is relatively small. Benchmarking this specific food item procurement is challenging without more granular data on the exact menu items and quantities. However, given the competitive nature implied by SAP, the pricing is likely within a reasonable range for the specified period and service level. The firm fixed-price nature helps control costs for this specific purchase.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of quotes from pre-approved vendors or those responding to a public notice. While not a full and open competition, SAP aims to achieve fair and reasonable prices for smaller dollar value procurements. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the process suggests a streamlined approach to competition.

Taxpayer Impact: SAP aims to balance efficient procurement with competitive pricing for smaller purchases, ensuring taxpayer funds are used judiciously without the administrative overhead of larger-scale competitions.

Public Impact

Federal inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities will receive the specified food items. The contract supports the operational needs of correctional institutions by ensuring a supply of essential food products. The primary beneficiaries are the incarcerated individuals relying on the BOP for sustenance. The contract has minimal direct workforce implications beyond the supplier's internal operations and delivery personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not always yield the absolute lowest price compared to full and open competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the quality of service beyond price.
The specific food items procured are not detailed, making it hard to evaluate nutritional value or suitability.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process (SAP), indicating an effort to secure fair pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the government.
Short contract duration allows for flexibility and reassessment of needs in future procurements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and wholesale distribution sector, which is a critical component of the supply chain for government institutions. The federal government is a significant purchaser of food products, with substantial annual spending across various agencies, including correctional facilities. This specific procurement, however, is a small-value transaction within that larger market.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Given the small value and the nature of SAP, it's possible small businesses were among the bidders or could be involved in subcontracting, but this cannot be confirmed without further information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Bureau of Prisons contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order under SAP, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal agency review processes. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Prisons Food Services
Federal Inmate Nutrition Programs
Department of Justice Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Potential
Supply Chain Vulnerability
Quality Control Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $46,096 to SHAMROCK MEATS, INC.. FY2026 3RD QUARTER NATIONAL MENU FPC BRYAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SHAMROCK MEATS, 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 $46,096.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific food items are included in this $46,096 contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact food items covered under this contract. It is identified broadly under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 311999, 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing.' This suggests a range of processed or prepared food products rather than raw agricultural commodities. To understand the specifics, one would need to consult the detailed contract line item information or statement of work, which is not available in the summary data.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar food procurements by the Bureau of Prisons?

Direct comparison of this $46,096 contract to similar procurements is difficult without knowing the exact items and quantities. However, the contract was awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which are designed for purchases under the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000). This implies the government sought competitive quotes to ensure a fair and reasonable price for this specific order. The firm fixed-price nature also locks in the cost for the government for the duration of the 90-day period, providing cost certainty.

What is the track record of Shamrock Meats, Inc. with federal contracts?

The provided data indicates Shamrock Meats, Inc. is the awardee for this specific contract. To assess their track record, a broader search of federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary. This would reveal the number of previous federal awards, their values, the agencies involved, and potentially performance ratings if available. Without this additional information, it's impossible to comment on their overall history or reliability as a federal contractor.

What are the potential risks associated with this food supply contract?

Potential risks include supply chain disruptions affecting Shamrock Meats, Inc., leading to shortages. Quality control issues with the food products could pose health risks to inmates. Furthermore, if the competition under SAP was limited, there's a risk that the government did not secure the most advantageous pricing possible. The short duration also means the Bureau of Prisons will need to re-compete or extend the contract, introducing administrative effort and potential market fluctuations.

How does this contract contribute to the Bureau of Prisons' overall food service mission?

This contract directly supports the Bureau of Prisons' mission by ensuring the provision of necessary food items to federal correctional facilities during the specified period (April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026). It is one of many individual procurements that collectively fulfill the agency's obligation to provide sustenance to the inmate population. While small in dollar value, it represents a critical operational component for maintaining the daily functioning of the institutions.

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

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 116 1/2 N MAIN ST, SHAMROCK, TX, 79079

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,096

Exercised Options: $46,096

Current Obligation: $46,096

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline