DOJ's $82K meat contract awarded to Shamrock Meats, Inc. for inmate sustenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,000 ($82.0K)

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: $911/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION

Place of Performance

Location: OAKDALE, ALLEN County, LOUISIANA, 71463

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $82,000 to SHAMROCK MEATS, INC. for work described as: FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and fixed-price nature. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for this specific type of procurement. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the straightforward nature of the goods and fixed-price award. 4. Performance context is a short-term supply for a defined inmate population. 5. Sector positioning is within the food manufacturing and distribution for government services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $82,000 for a 90-day period for meat and subsistence for inmates suggests a per-diem cost that needs further benchmarking against similar correctional facility food service contracts. The firm fixed-price award provides cost certainty for the government. Without more granular data on the quantity and type of meat, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the amount appears proportionate for the stated purpose and duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely solicited from a limited pool of pre-qualified vendors or through a specific set of established channels. The number of bids received (21) is a positive indicator of some level of competition, but the specific nature of the procurement (meat and subsistence for inmates) might inherently limit the number of capable and willing bidders. The level of competition is sufficient to suggest fair pricing, but not necessarily the most aggressive pricing achievable in a broader market.

Taxpayer Impact: The 21 bids received indicate that taxpayers likely benefited from a competitive process, preventing potential overpricing. However, the use of SAP suggests that the full potential of open competition might not have been leveraged, potentially leaving some taxpayer savings unrealized.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System in Louisiana will receive sustenance. The contract ensures the provision of essential food supplies (meat and subsistence). The geographic impact is localized to correctional facilities within Louisiana. The workforce implications are primarily for Shamrock Meats, Inc. and its supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Quality control of meat products to meet federal standards requires consistent oversight.
Price fluctuations in the meat market could impact future contract costs if not adequately hedged.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price award provides budget certainty.
Simplified Acquisition Procedures can lead to faster procurement cycles.
Award to an established vendor (implied by competition) suggests reliability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and wholesale distribution sector, specifically serving government and institutional clients. The market for correctional facility food services is specialized, often involving specific logistical and quality requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other federal agencies procuring similar subsistence items for large populations, such as military bases or other correctional systems. The size of this specific contract is relatively small within the overall federal food procurement landscape.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While 21 bids were received, it's unclear if any were from small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities are not explicitly detailed but are possible within the food supply chain. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether small businesses were among the bidders or potential subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price purchase order, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Department of Justice Commissary Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts (if applicable)
Department of Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Food Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain vulnerabilities
Quality assurance of perishable goods
Market price volatility for meat products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $82,000 to SHAMROCK MEATS, INC.. FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION

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 $82,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending pattern for meat and subsistence for the Federal Prison System in Louisiana?

Analyzing historical spending for meat and subsistence within the Federal Prison System, particularly in Louisiana, would provide crucial context for the current $82,000 award. This involves examining prior contract values, durations, awarded vendors, and the number of bids received for similar requirements over the past several fiscal years. A trend of increasing or decreasing costs, or a shift in awarded vendors, could indicate market dynamics, inflation impacts, or changes in procurement strategies. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess if the current award represents a fair market price or if it aligns with established spending patterns for inmate sustenance in the region. This analysis would also highlight any recurring issues or successes with specific suppliers or contract types.

How does the per-unit cost of meat under this contract compare to market rates for similar quality products?

To assess the per-unit cost, we would need to know the specific types and quantities of meat included in the $82,000 contract for the 90-day period. For example, if the contract specifies 10,000 pounds of ground beef and 5,000 pounds of chicken breast, we could calculate a per-pound cost. This calculated cost would then be benchmarked against current wholesale market prices for similar quality meat products in the Louisiana region, potentially using data from the USDA or industry price indices. A comparison against prices paid by other correctional facilities or large institutions for comparable meat products would also be valuable. If the contract price is significantly higher than market rates or comparable contracts, it could indicate potential value-for-money concerns.

What is Shamrock Meats, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly for correctional facilities?

Investigating Shamrock Meats, Inc.'s past performance with federal contracts is essential for assessing reliability and potential risks. This involves reviewing their contract history within the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or similar databases to identify previous awards, their values, durations, and agencies served. Specific attention should be paid to any contracts for correctional facilities or similar institutional food services. Key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, product quality compliance, and any past disputes or contract terminations should be examined. A history of successful, timely, and compliant contract performance would increase confidence in their ability to fulfill the current award, while a pattern of issues could signal a higher risk.

What are the specific types and quantities of meat and subsistence covered by this contract?

The contract description 'MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION' is broad. To fully analyze the value and performance, a detailed breakdown of the specific meat products (e.g., beef, poultry, pork, types of cuts) and subsistence items (e.g., dairy, eggs, specific staples) is required. Equally important is the quantity of each item to be supplied over the 90-day period. This granular information allows for accurate per-unit cost calculations, comparison against market prices, and assessment of nutritional adequacy for the inmate population. Without this detail, the $82,000 figure remains an aggregate, making a thorough value-for-money assessment challenging.

What is the typical duration and value of similar meat and subsistence contracts for federal correctional facilities?

Understanding the typical duration and value of comparable contracts provides a crucial benchmark. Federal correctional facilities, like others managing large populations, often procure food supplies through contracts ranging from a few months to a year or more, depending on the item and procurement strategy. Values can vary significantly based on the size of the inmate population, geographic location (affecting logistics and local market prices), and the specific mix of food items. Short-term contracts, like this 90-day award, might be used for immediate needs or as part of a larger, phased procurement strategy. Comparing this $82,000, 90-day contract to others of similar scope and duration would help determine if the pricing is competitive and if the contract structure is standard for this type of requirement.

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: 15B51826Q000000012

Offers Received: 21

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: $82,000

Exercised Options: $82,000

Current Obligation: $82,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline