DOJ's $106K meat and subsistence contract awarded to The Smooth Sailing Group LLC for inmate population

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $106,404 ($106.4K)

Contractor: THE Smooth Sailing Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/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 $106,403.54 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC for work described as: FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential inmate sustenance, indicating a critical service for correctional facilities. 2. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 3. A firm fixed-price award indicates predictable costs for the government, mitigating budget uncertainty. 4. The duration of 90 days points to a short-term need, possibly for a specific quarter or operational requirement. 5. The contract's value is relatively modest, aligning with typical procurement thresholds for supplies. 6. The award to a single vendor, The Smooth Sailing Group LLC, requires scrutiny of the competitive process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $106,403.54 for a 90-day period appears reasonable for providing meat and subsistence to an inmate population. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility food services would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to market rates for bulk food provisions, a definitive assessment of cost-effectiveness is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature offers cost certainty.

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 bidders compared to full and open competition. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP aims for efficient procurement of goods and services below certain dollar thresholds. The level of competition under SAP can vary, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing than a broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract, though the overall value is likely managed due to the contract's size.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive essential food supplies, ensuring basic nutritional needs are met. The services delivered directly support the operational functioning of correctional facilities managed by the Bureau of Prisons. The geographic impact is localized to facilities within Louisiana, where the contract is being fulfilled. This contract supports the food service workforce within the correctional environment, including supply chain and preparation roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited price negotiation due to Simplified Acquisition Procedures.
Ensuring consistent quality and safety of food supplies for a vulnerable population.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service over the contract period.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price award provides budget certainty for the government.
Procurement under SAP suggests an effort towards efficient and timely acquisition.
The contract addresses a fundamental need for inmate welfare and facility operations.

Sector Analysis

The food manufacturing and distribution sector is a critical component of the broader supply chain, supporting various government agencies. This contract falls under the 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' category, indicating specialized food production or preparation. Government spending in this area is consistent, driven by the ongoing need to supply institutions like prisons, military bases, and hospitals. The market typically involves numerous suppliers, with competition varying based on the scale and specificity of the requirement.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false). While the award itself does not appear to be a small business set-aside, the prime contractor, The Smooth Sailing Group LLC, would need to be assessed for its size status. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans, so the impact on the small business ecosystem is currently unknown.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices are expected to be followed. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would include performance monitoring against the purchase order terms and conditions, with potential for recourse if the vendor fails to meet obligations. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Inmate Welfare Funds
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Food Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP
Vendor performance history requires verification
Specific food item details not provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $106,403.54 to THE SMOOTH SAILING GROUP LLC. FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION

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 $106,403.54.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of The Smooth Sailing Group LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for food services?

A review of federal procurement data is necessary to ascertain the track record of The Smooth Sailing Group LLC. Information regarding past performance, contract history, and any reported issues or awards would provide insight into their reliability and experience. Specifically, examining previous contracts for similar goods or services, especially within correctional facilities or government institutions, would be crucial. Without access to detailed performance metrics or a history of awards and disputes, it is difficult to definitively assess their capabilities and past success in meeting federal requirements. Further investigation into their contract portfolio is recommended.

How does the per-meal cost compare to industry benchmarks for correctional facility food services?

To assess the per-meal cost, the total contract value ($106,403.54) would need to be divided by the estimated number of meals to be provided over the 90-day period. This information, specifically the inmate population size and expected meal consumption, is not explicitly provided in the contract data. Once the per-meal cost is calculated, it can be benchmarked against industry standards for correctional facilities. These benchmarks vary significantly based on region, facility type, and dietary requirements. Generally, government contracts aim for cost-effectiveness, but without the specific meal count, a direct comparison is not feasible. Further data on inmate population and meal projections is required for this analysis.

What are the specific types of meat and subsistence items included in this contract?

The contract specifies 'MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION' but does not detail the exact list of items. Typically, subsistence includes a broad range of food items beyond meat, such as dairy, grains, produce, and other staples necessary for a balanced diet. For correctional facilities, these items must meet specific nutritional guidelines and safety standards. The 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' PSC code suggests a potentially diverse range of products. A detailed list of required items would be found in the contract's statement of work or specifications, which are not provided here. This level of detail is crucial for understanding the scope and nutritional implications of the contract.

What is the typical spending pattern for meat and subsistence within the Federal Prison System?

The Federal Prison System, managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), has a consistent and substantial need for food supplies to serve its inmate population. Annual spending on meat and subsistence is typically in the tens of millions of dollars, reflecting the scale of operations across numerous facilities nationwide. Historical data shows that these procurements are often competed, with contracts awarded to various food service providers and manufacturers. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on inmate population levels, dietary policy changes, and market prices for food commodities. This specific $106K contract represents a small fraction of the overall BOP food budget, likely serving a single facility or a specific regional need for a limited duration.

Are there any specific quality control or safety standards mandated for the food supplied under this contract?

Yes, federal contracts for food supplies, especially those for correctional facilities, are subject to stringent quality control and safety standards. These typically include adherence to FDA regulations, USDA guidelines for food safety, and specific nutritional requirements outlined by the Bureau of Prisons. The contract would likely mandate that all food items be fresh, properly stored, and free from contamination. Inspection and testing protocols may be in place to ensure compliance. The 'All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing' classification suggests that the supplier must meet industry-specific quality standards. Failure to meet these standards can result in contract termination or penalties.

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: 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: $106,404

Exercised Options: $106,404

Current Obligation: $106,404

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline