DOJ's $9.4K inmate food contract awarded to The Smooth Sailing Group LLC for 16 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,400 ($9.4K)

Contractor: THE Smooth Sailing Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 16 days

Daily Burn Rate: $588/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 Q3 SUBSTANCE FOR INMATE POPULATION AT FCI TRHEE RIVERS

Place of Performance

Location: THREE RIVERS, LIVE OAK County, TEXAS, 78071

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $9,400 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: FY26 Q3 SUBSTANCE FOR INMATE POPULATION AT FCI TRHEE RIVERS Key points: 1. Contract value appears low for the duration, suggesting potential for cost efficiencies or a limited scope. 2. The short performance period (16 days) indicates a need for immediate, short-term supply rather than long-term provisioning. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 5. The contractor, The Smooth Sailing Group LLC, is a new entity in federal contracting based on available data. 6. The specific nature of 'substance for inmate population' points to a critical, albeit niche, service within correctional facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $9,400 for a 16-day period is relatively small. Benchmarking against similar contracts for inmate food supplies is difficult without more specific details on the quantity and type of substance required. However, the per-day cost is approximately $588, which seems reasonable for specialized food provisions in a correctional setting. The award to a single vendor under SAP suggests a streamlined process, but it limits direct comparison to larger, more competitively bid contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders, often through GSA Advantage! or other electronic portals. While the specific competition details are not provided, SAP is designed for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold or for specific circumstances allowing for limited competition. The number of bidders (28) is a positive sign for competition within the SAP framework, suggesting that multiple vendors were aware of and responded to the opportunity.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP and the number of bidders indicate a potentially efficient process for acquiring necessary goods quickly. Taxpayers benefit from the streamlined acquisition, but the limited competition inherent in SAP may mean slightly higher prices than a full and open competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the inmates at FCI Three Rivers, who will receive necessary food substance. The service delivered is the provision of food substance critical for maintaining the health and well-being of the inmate population. The geographic impact is localized to FCI Three Rivers in Texas. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving the logistics and delivery personnel from The Smooth Sailing Group LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited track record for The Smooth Sailing Group LLC in federal contracting.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
Specifics of 'substance' are vague, potentially leading to quality control issues if not clearly defined.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded under a competitive process (SAP with 28 bidders).
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Short performance period suggests a quick turnaround and immediate need fulfillment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically catering to institutional needs. The federal government is a significant consumer of food products and services for its various agencies, including correctional facilities. The market for correctional food services is specialized, often requiring vendors to meet strict security, nutritional, and logistical requirements. While this specific contract is small, it represents a recurring need within the Federal Prison System.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not available for this specific contract. As it was competed under SAP, it may have been open to small businesses, but no specific set-aside was indicated. Further analysis would be needed to determine if The Smooth Sailing Group LLC is a small business or if any subcontracting opportunities were mandated or utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a division of the Department of Justice. The BOP has established procurement regulations and quality assurance procedures to monitor contract performance. As this is a purchase order, standard government oversight mechanisms for such awards would apply, including inspection of goods upon delivery and payment verification. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Correctional Facility Food Procurement
Department of Justice Supply Chain Management

Risk Flags

Limited Contractor Performance History
Vague Product Description
Short Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $9,400 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. FY26 Q3 SUBSTANCE FOR INMATE POPULATION AT FCI TRHEE RIVERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP 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 $9,400.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-23.

What is the specific nature of the 'substance for inmate population' being procured?

The term 'substance for inmate population' is a broad description. In the context of correctional facilities, this typically refers to food items, nutritional supplements, or specific dietary components required for the daily meals of inmates. Without further clarification from the contract's statement of work or product codes, it's difficult to ascertain the exact nature. However, given the vendor category 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing,' it likely pertains to specialized food products or ingredients rather than general catering services. The low dollar amount suggests it might be a specific additive, supplement, or a small batch of specialized food items needed for a particular dietary requirement or short-term shortage.

What is the past performance record of The Smooth Sailing Group LLC with the federal government?

Based on the provided data, The Smooth Sailing Group LLC appears to be a relatively new entrant into federal contracting. The data does not indicate a significant history of awards or performance with the federal government. This lack of extensive past performance could represent a potential risk, as there is limited verifiable information on their ability to consistently meet federal requirements, delivery schedules, and quality standards. However, the award under SAP, especially with 28 bidders, suggests they met the initial qualification criteria for this specific procurement. Future performance on this contract will be crucial in establishing their track record.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar food supply contracts for correctional facilities?

Direct price comparison is challenging due to the limited information on the specific 'substance' and the short duration of the contract. The total value is $9,400 over 16 days, averaging $588 per day. This daily average is relatively modest for institutional food supply. However, without knowing the quantity, type of food product (e.g., fresh produce, processed goods, specialized dietary items), and specific nutritional requirements, a robust benchmark is not feasible. Contracts for large-scale inmate food services typically run into millions of dollars annually. This specific award likely represents a niche requirement or a fill-in order rather than a comprehensive food service contract.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a contract of this nature under Simplified Acquisition Procedures?

Awarding contracts under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), while efficient for smaller purchases, carries certain risks. One primary risk is reduced price competition compared to full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government. Another risk is the limited vetting of vendor capabilities and past performance, especially for newer contractors. For this specific contract, the vagueness of the 'substance' could lead to quality control issues if not meticulously managed. The short duration, while indicating urgency, also means less time to identify and rectify performance problems. However, the 28 bidders suggest a reasonable level of competition within the SAP framework for this particular instance.

What is the historical spending pattern for inmate food substance at FCI Three Rivers or similar facilities?

Historical spending data for inmate food substance specifically at FCI Three Rivers or for 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' for inmate populations is not detailed in the provided information. Federal Prison System (FPS) spending on food services is substantial, encompassing a wide range of items from fresh produce to processed goods and specialized dietary supplements. Contracts for inmate food are typically awarded on an annual or multi-year basis, often through large-scale solicitations. This $9,400, 16-day purchase order appears to be an outlier, possibly addressing an immediate, unforeseen need or a very specific, low-volume requirement rather than a standard recurring expenditure. Analyzing broader FPS food procurement trends would be necessary for a comprehensive historical context.

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: 855 CENTRAL AVE UNIT 1202, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, 33701

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,400

Exercised Options: $9,400

Current Obligation: $9,400

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline