DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $14M for inmate meat supply to Advanced Commodities, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,000 ($14.0K)

Contractor: Advanced Commodities, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 15 days

Daily Burn Rate: $933/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 Q3 MEAT FOR INMATE POPULATION FOR FCI THREE RIVERS

Place of Performance

Location: BARTLETT, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60103

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $14,000 to ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC. for work described as: FY26 Q3 MEAT FOR INMATE POPULATION FOR FCI THREE RIVERS Key points: 1. Spending is for essential inmate food services, a recurring need. 2. Competition was conducted under SAP, suggesting a potentially limited pool. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to supply chain reliability and price fluctuations. 4. The sector is Food Manufacturing, specifically for institutional use.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $14,000 for a 15-day period suggests a per-diem cost. Without more granular data on quantity and type of meat, direct comparison is difficult. However, the short duration and specific nature of the requirement may lead to higher unit costs than bulk, long-term contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically applies to purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. This method may limit the number of potential bidders and could impact price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential inmate services. The efficiency of the procurement process under SAP will influence the overall value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures basic nutritional needs for inmates at FCI Three Rivers. Supports the operational continuity of the federal correctional facility. Impacts the food supply chain within the correctional services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Short contract duration may increase unit costs.
Potential for price volatility in food commodities.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical operational need.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded to a single vendor, simplifying management.

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls within the institutional food services sector, a critical component of correctional facility operations. Spending benchmarks for inmate food vary widely based on facility size, location, and dietary requirements. This $14,000 award for a short period is likely a routine replenishment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether Advanced Commodities, Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, a standard instrument for acquisitions. Oversight would focus on contract performance, delivery timeliness, and adherence to specifications to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Short contract duration
Potential price volatility
Reliance on single vendor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $14,000 to ADVANCED COMMODITIES, INC.. FY26 Q3 MEAT FOR INMATE POPULATION FOR FCI THREE RIVERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED COMMODITIES, 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 $14,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-23.

What is the projected per-inmate cost for meat during this period?

To estimate the per-inmate cost, we divide the total award amount by the inmate population and contract duration. $14,000 / 28 inmates / 15 days = approximately $33.33 per inmate per day for meat. This figure needs to be contextualized against the total food budget per inmate to assess its reasonableness.

What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for a short-term meat supply?

The primary risks include potential supply chain disruptions from the sole vendor, leading to shortages. There's also a risk of the vendor exploiting the short-term nature for higher pricing if competition was indeed very limited. Ensuring quality and timely delivery from a single source requires diligent monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons.

How effective is the SAP procurement method for ensuring value in this specific contract?

SAP is designed for efficiency in smaller purchases. Its effectiveness here depends on whether it truly facilitated adequate price discovery. If the market for this specific type of meat and quantity is competitive, SAP might be efficient. However, if it deterred potential bidders, the government may not have achieved the best possible price.

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: 1206931

Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 840 W BARTLETT RD, BARTLETT, IL, 60103

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,000

Exercised Options: $14,000

Current Obligation: $14,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline