Department of Justice Awarded a Contract to CLARK'S TRADING CO. for $25,741.00

Summary of Award

The contract awarded by the U.S. federal government, specifically the Department of Justice through the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons, involves a purchase order designated as "15BBR025P00000064." This contract is aimed at fulfilling the third-quarter food requirement for fiscal year 2025. The awarded recipient is Clark's Trading Co., a Wisconsin-based company classified as a small business under the NAICS code 311999, which falls under the category of "All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing." The company is situated in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and is a U.S.-owned enterprise.

The contract, executed as a firm fixed price agreement, has a total obligation of $25,741. It was finalized on April 10, 2025, and involves the delivery of food products, specifically under the category of "Food, Oils and Fats," categorized by the Product and Service Code (PSC) 8945. The Department of Justice's award falls under a "Small Business Set Aside - Total," allowing competition within small businesses, fostering growth within this sector.

Reviewing the transaction specifics illuminates the procurement process and competitive landscape during the solicitation period. The "extent competed" field identifies that the contract was "Competed Under SAP" (Simplified Acquisition Procedure), receiving 27 offers, indicating a highly competitive environment. The transaction specifics reveal that the procedural method used was "Simplified Acquisition," which aligns with the practices for smaller procurements, expediting the acquisition process. The recipient, Clark's Trading Co., supports the initiative of incorporating small businesses into federal procurement. Serving in the food manufacturing industry, this business aids the prison system’s logistical and dietary needs, ensuring that facilities can function efficiently with appropriate food supplies. While the transaction amount correlating with the awarded sum indicates a singular large transaction, it underscores the steady collaboration between the company and federal entities. The contractual and logistical obligations are bound within a short operational frame, from the start date of April 1, 2025, to the end date of April 18, 2025, displaying a tight window for execution. The distinct lack of subcontracting obligations further streamlines this process, highlighting that the company will supply materials without reliance on additional suppliers or subcontractors. This approach can mitigate complexities and ensure strict compliance with contract stipulations. From a regional and economic scope, the choice to engage Clark's Trading Co. reflects the federal government’s commitment to nurturing small businesses and the local economies in regions like Wisconsin. Moreover, the MDC Brooklyn's requirement for these provisions indicates the importance of maintaining a consistent supply chain even in metropolitan detention centers, where logistical fluidity can significantly impact daily operations. Administratively, both the funding and awarding agencies are under the Department of Justice, implicating a singular administrative oversight structure. The agreement is apolitical and functional, tailored solely to fulfill an operational need without broader, complicated federal procurement strategies, often seen in larger, national-scale projects. The data also indicates there are no modifications (or "Mods") applied to the contract post-award, suggesting a well-defined, clear, and straightforward agreement, void of revisions post-execution, and emphasizing pre-emptive planning and accurate identification of needs by the federal department. In summary, the contract between the Federal Prison System and Clark's Trading Co. reflects efficient government procurement practices through small business engagement for essential food supply within the prison system. This contract not only satisfies immediate dietary provisions but also supports small business growth, economic development, and maintains operational efficacy within the prison infrastructure. Such transactions display how targeted government contracting can simultaneously achieve logistical needs while promoting economic development goals domestically. With the awarded sum robustly directed to a business that embodies the multifaceted industrial potential within small business sectors, this contract serves as a testament to the intricacies and efficacy of simplified federal procurement strategies.