DOJ awards $147K for inmate food, with 31 bids received for a 90-day contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $146,987 ($147.0K)

Contractor: Shaver Foods LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE0 FOOD SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION CONSUMPTION HOUSED AT FCI, FORT DIX.

Place of Performance

Location: FAYETTEVILLE, WASHINGTON County, ARKANSAS, 72701

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $146,987.4 to SHAVER FOODS LLC for work described as: CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE0 FOOD SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION CONSUMPTION HOUSED AT FCI, FORT DIX. Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and essential nature of the service. 2. Strong competition with 31 bids suggests a healthy market for this type of supply. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the straightforward nature of food provision and a short performance period. 4. Performance context is a 90-day purchase order for immediate needs. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader food manufacturing and supply chain for government institutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $147,000 for a 90-day period for inmate food subsistence is within a reasonable range for such services. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the competitive nature of the award suggests that the pricing achieved was likely favorable. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility food supply would provide further insight, but the number of bids indicates a market-driven price was likely obtained.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. The receipt of 31 bids is a strong indicator of robust competition. This high level of engagement from multiple vendors suggests that the market is responsive and that the government was able to solicit a competitive price.

Taxpayer Impact: The high number of bidders for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it drives down prices through competitive pressure and increases the likelihood of securing a cost-effective solution for essential services.

Public Impact

Inmates housed at FCI, Fort Dix will receive subsistence food. The service ensures the basic nutritional needs of the inmate population are met. The geographic impact is localized to the FCI, Fort Dix facility in New Jersey. The contract supports jobs within the food supply and logistics sector for the winning contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting timely delivery of food.
Ensuring consistent quality and nutritional standards across the 90-day period.
Managing food safety and handling protocols effectively within the correctional facility environment.

Positive Signals

High number of bids received indicates strong market interest and availability of suppliers.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term commitment risk and allows for re-evaluation.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader food manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically serving institutional needs. The market for government food supply is substantial, with agencies like the Bureau of Prisons requiring consistent provisioning. Competition within this space is generally healthy, especially for standardized goods like subsistence food. The value of this specific contract is modest, but it represents a recurring need within the federal prison system.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was competed under SAP, there is no explicit indication that it was set aside for small businesses. The high number of bidders (31) suggests that both small and large businesses likely participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the facility's operational staff at FCI, Fort Dix. The Bureau of Prisons also has internal audit and inspection functions that would review compliance with food service contracts. Transparency is maintained through contract award databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Food Procurement
Inmate Welfare and Recreation Funds

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions.
Ensuring consistent food quality and safety standards.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service during the contract period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $146,987.4 to SHAVER FOODS LLC. CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE0 FOOD SUBSISTENCE FOR INMATE POPULATION CONSUMPTION HOUSED AT FCI, FORT DIX.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SHAVER FOODS 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 $146,987.4.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending pattern for food subsistence at FCI, Fort Dix?

Historical spending data for food subsistence at FCI, Fort Dix is not directly available in the provided data. However, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) consistently procures food services for its facilities nationwide. Annual spending on food and subsistence across the BOP typically runs into hundreds of millions of dollars. This specific $147,000 contract represents a short-term, localized procurement for a 90-day period, likely to cover immediate needs or bridge gaps between larger, potentially longer-term contracts. Analyzing past awards for this specific facility would reveal trends in contract duration, value, and awarded vendors, providing context for the current procurement's scale and necessity.

How does the per-unit cost of food compare to other federal correctional facilities?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit cost breakdowns for the food items being supplied under this contract. Therefore, a direct comparison to other federal correctional facilities is not possible. To conduct such an analysis, detailed line-item pricing for the food subsistence items would be required, along with the estimated quantities. Benchmarking would then involve comparing these per-unit costs against similar contracts awarded by the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies operating detention facilities. Factors such as geographic location, delivery logistics, and specific dietary requirements can influence per-unit costs, making direct comparisons challenging without granular data.

What is Shaver Foods LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly for correctional facilities?

Shaver Foods LLC is the awarded contractor for this $147,000 purchase order. Information regarding Shaver Foods LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for correctional facilities, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards to this contractor. Key aspects to investigate would include the types of goods or services previously provided, the value and duration of those contracts, performance ratings, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Understanding their experience with similar requirements, such as bulk food supply to institutions, would be crucial for evaluating their capability and reliability.

What are the specific food items included in the 'food subsistence' category?

The term 'food subsistence' in this contract refers to the basic provision of food necessary for the sustenance of the inmate population. The specific food items are not itemized in the provided summary data. Typically, such contracts would cover a range of staple food items, including but not limited to, grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and beverages, intended to meet daily nutritional requirements. The exact list of items, quantities, and quality specifications would be detailed in the full contract solicitation documents and the resulting purchase order. These specifications ensure that the food provided is safe, nutritious, and meets the dietary needs of the inmates.

What is the significance of the 'PURCHASE ORDER' award type for this contract?

The award type being a 'PURCHASE ORDER' signifies that this is a relatively small-dollar, straightforward procurement, likely for immediate or short-term needs. Purchase orders are typically used for supplies and services valued below certain thresholds (often under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold). They are less formal than other contract types like Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts or fixed-price contracts awarded through extensive negotiation. For taxpayers, this means the government is efficiently acquiring necessary goods without the overhead of a more complex contracting process. However, it also implies that this might not be the most cost-effective solution for long-term, large-scale needs compared to strategically negotiated contracts.

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: 15BFTD26Q00000004

Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1419 S BEECHWOOD AVE, FAYETTEVILLE, AR, 72701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $146,987

Exercised Options: $146,987

Current Obligation: $146,987

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline