DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $16.3M for inmate meat and subsistence in FY26 Q3
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,363 ($16.4K)
Contractor: Veterans Alliance Partners LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 90 days
Daily Burn Rate: $182/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
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $16,363.4 to VETERANS ALLIANCE PARTNERS LLC for work described as: FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION Key points: 1. Spending focuses on essential inmate needs, a recurring requirement for correctional facilities. 2. Competition was utilized, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk appears moderate, primarily related to supply chain disruptions and quality control. 4. The sector is food manufacturing and distribution for institutional use.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $16.3M for a 90-day period appears reasonable for a large inmate population. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility food services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for procurements below certain thresholds. This method generally allows for price discovery through multiple offers.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayer dollars, ensuring funds are used efficiently for essential services.
Public Impact
Ensures essential nutritional needs for the inmate population are met. Supports the operational continuity of federal correctional facilities. Impacts the food supply chain and local economies where suppliers are based.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price fluctuations in food commodities.
- Dependence on a single vendor for a critical supply.
- Logistical challenges in delivering perishable goods to multiple locations.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Addresses a fundamental and ongoing operational requirement.
- Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional needs. Benchmarks for similar large-scale food service contracts in correctional settings are typically based on per-inmate-per-day costs.
Small Business Impact
While the data indicates the contract was competed, it does not specify if small businesses were involved or awarded subcontracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for managing this contract. Oversight would involve monitoring vendor performance, delivery schedules, and adherence to quality standards to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Supply chain vulnerability
- Commodity price volatility
- Quality control assurance
- Potential for delivery delays
Tags
all-other-miscellaneous-food-manufacturi, department-of-justice, la, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $16,363.4 to VETERANS ALLIANCE PARTNERS LLC. FY26 3RD QTR MEAT & SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VETERANS ALLIANCE PARTNERS 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 $16,363.4.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the historical cost per inmate for meat and subsistence in federal prisons?
Historical cost data per inmate for meat and subsistence can vary significantly based on factors like location, inmate population size, dietary requirements, and prevailing market prices for food commodities. Analyzing past Bureau of Prisons contracts and industry reports would be necessary to establish a reliable benchmark. This information is crucial for assessing the value of the current $16.3M award.
What are the primary risks associated with the supply chain for inmate subsistence in federal prisons?
Primary risks include disruptions due to weather, transportation issues, or natural disasters affecting food production and delivery. Quality control failures, such as spoilage or contamination, pose health and safety risks. Furthermore, price volatility of key commodities like meat can impact budget adherence. Ensuring robust contingency plans and vendor reliability is paramount.
How effectively does the current procurement strategy ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of subsistence items?
The current strategy, utilizing SAP and a firm fixed-price purchase order, aims for efficiency and cost control. However, effectiveness in ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery hinges on the Bureau of Prisons' vendor management and inspection processes. Regular performance reviews, clear quality specifications, and responsive communication channels are vital to mitigate potential issues.
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: 15B51826Q0000012
Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 536 E PORTLAND ST, PHOENIX, AZ, 85004
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,363
Exercised Options: $16,363
Current Obligation: $16,363
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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