NAICS 3116 - Animal Slaughtering and Processing

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What is NAICS 3116

NAICS code 3116 covers the Animal Slaughtering and Processing industry, which involves the commercial slaughtering, processing, packaging, and distribution of animals such as cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry. Businesses operating under this code focus on transforming live animals into meat products for consumption, including fresh, frozen, and prepared meat items. This sector plays a crucial role in the food supply chain, ensuring the availability of safe, inspected, and high-quality meat products to consumers and institutions. Government agencies contract with businesses in this sector to secure a reliable supply of meat products for military rations, correctional facilities, schools, and other public programs requiring bulk food procurement. The industry must comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding food safety, animal welfare, and environmental standards, making qualified contractors essential partners for public sector needs.

Breakdown for NAICS 3116

  • Includes commercial slaughtering of cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry.
  • Encompasses processing and packaging of fresh, frozen, and prepared meat products.
  • Businesses must comply with USDA inspection and food safety regulations.
  • Typical contract sizes range from small local deliveries to multimillion-dollar federal programs.
  • Supports institutional feeding programs including military, correctional, and educational facilities.
  • Industry incorporates sustainable and humane processing practices.

Included Activities for NAICS 3116

  • Slaughtering livestock and poultry under federal and state inspection standards.
  • Processing carcasses into cuts, ground meat, and other meat products.
  • Packaging and labeling meat products according to regulatory requirements.
  • Distributing meat products to government facilities and institutions.
  • Maintaining compliance with USDA food safety and animal welfare regulations.
  • Implementing quality control and hygiene protocols in processing plants.
  • Conducting traceability and record-keeping for government contracts.
  • Providing specialty meat products to meet dietary and cultural needs.

Business Types for NAICS 3116

  • Commercial slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants.
  • Meat processing and packaging companies.
  • Specialty meat product manufacturers.
  • Food service contractors supplying government agencies.
  • USDA-certified inspection facilities.
  • Small and medium-sized local meat processors.

Government Buyers for NAICS 3116

Federal and state government agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), correctional institutions, and educational institutions often purchase animal slaughtering and processing services or products. These agencies require consistent, inspected meat supplies to meet the nutritional and operational needs of military personnel, inmates, and students. Contracts may also include provisions for specialty meat products or large-scale bulk procurement to meet dietary guidelines and logistical demands. Governments rely on these contractors to ensure food safety compliance and timely delivery, which are critical to operational effectiveness and public health.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 3116

Contracts in this NAICS category typically include firm-fixed-price contracts for the delivery of meat products, blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts to accommodate fluctuating demand. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or Invitations for Bid (IFBs), with a focus on quality compliance and price competitiveness. Contract values can vary widely depending on volume and scope but generally range from tens of thousands to several million dollars annually, particularly for large government food service programs. Contractors must demonstrate adherence to USDA inspection standards and food safety certifications.

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