DOJ's $17.8M Teleradiology Contract Awarded to BCT Partners LLC for Inmate Population

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,808 ($17.8K)

Contractor: BCT Partners LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: BCT PARTNERS TELERADIOLOGY FOR INMATE POPULATION - FY26 BIC 15BNAS21D00000087 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Place of Performance

Location: NEWARK, ESSEX County, NEW JERSEY, 07103

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $17,808.18 to BCT PARTNERS LLC for work described as: BCT PARTNERS TELERADIOLOGY FOR INMATE POPULATION - FY26 BIC 15BNAS21D00000087 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide teleradiology services for the inmate population, indicating a focus on healthcare access within correctional facilities. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract structure suggests predictable costs for the government, though it may limit flexibility for unforeseen service needs. 3. Awarded under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), this contract likely involved a streamlined procurement process, potentially impacting the breadth of competition. 4. The contract duration of 364 days suggests a short-term or initial service provision, with potential for future extensions or follow-on contracts. 5. The specific NAICS code (541512) points to computer systems design services, which may encompass the IT infrastructure supporting the teleradiology solution. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, suggesting larger firms or those meeting specific capabilities were targeted. 7. The geographic location of the awardee (New Jersey) does not necessarily restrict the service delivery to that state, given the nature of teleradiology.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific teleradiology contract is challenging without comparable contract data for inmate populations. The firm-fixed-price nature provides cost certainty. However, the total award amount of $17.8 million for a single year of service needs to be assessed against the volume and complexity of radiology needs for the Federal Prison System. Without details on the number of facilities served or the expected caseload, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of services included in the teleradiology provision.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source but is less extensive than full and open competition. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but SAP is often used when the anticipated dollar value is below certain thresholds, allowing for more efficient procurement. The level of competition under SAP can vary significantly, and without knowing how many proposals were received or evaluated, it's difficult to definitively assess its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP can lead to competitive pricing, but the limited scope compared to full and open competition might mean taxpayers do not benefit from the absolute lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from improved access to teleradiology services, potentially leading to more timely diagnoses and treatment. The services delivered will include remote interpretation of medical imaging, supporting diagnostic capabilities within correctional healthcare facilities. The geographic impact is national, as the Federal Prison System operates facilities across the United States, though specific facility coverage is not detailed. Workforce implications may include the utilization of remote radiologists and potentially support staff for the teleradiology platform, rather than on-site personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single vendor for critical diagnostic services.
Scope of services may not fully cover all emergent or complex radiological needs.
Integration challenges with existing inmate health records systems could impact efficiency.
Data security and patient privacy protocols for teleradiology require rigorous oversight.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical healthcare need for a vulnerable population.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
Utilizes technology to extend specialized medical services to underserved areas.
Potential for improved patient outcomes through timely diagnostic imaging.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector within the federal government is a significant area of spending, encompassing a wide range of services from direct patient care to specialized medical support. Teleradiology falls under health IT and diagnostic services, a growing segment driven by technological advancements and the need to extend expertise to remote or underserved populations. The market for teleradiology services is competitive, with numerous providers offering solutions. Federal spending in this area is often driven by the unique healthcare demands of specific populations, such as military personnel, veterans, and inmates, where access to specialized care can be challenging.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the procurement process was focused on capabilities that may be more readily available from larger or specialized providers in the teleradiology market. The absence of small business participation could mean missed opportunities to foster growth within the small business ecosystem for specialized healthcare IT services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance standards outlined in the contract, including service delivery timelines, image quality, and reporting accuracy. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed operational oversight and performance reviews are typically internal to the agency. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Teleradiology Contracts
Department of Defense Medical Imaging Services
Health Information Technology Services

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption
Data security and privacy risks
Vendor performance uncertainty
Scope limitations for emergent needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $17,808.18 to BCT PARTNERS LLC. BCT PARTNERS TELERADIOLOGY FOR INMATE POPULATION - FY26 BIC 15BNAS21D00000087 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BCT 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 $17,808.18.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of BCT Partners LLC in providing teleradiology services to federal agencies?

Information regarding BCT Partners LLC's specific track record in providing teleradiology services to federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. While the company is awarded this contract, its history with similar services, particularly within correctional healthcare, would require further investigation. A review of past performance evaluations, other federal contracts held by BCT Partners LLC for healthcare IT or teleradiology, and any reported issues or successes would be necessary to fully assess their capabilities and reliability for this specific requirement. Without this historical context, it is difficult to gauge their experience level and suitability beyond the current award.

How does the $17.8 million annual cost compare to similar teleradiology contracts for correctional facilities?

Direct comparison of the $17.8 million annual cost to similar teleradiology contracts for correctional facilities is difficult without access to a broader dataset of such contracts. The cost is influenced by numerous factors including the number of inmates served, the volume and types of imaging studies required, the specific technologies employed, and the geographic distribution of facilities. The Federal Prison System's inmate population size and healthcare needs are unique. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze contracts with comparable inmate populations, service scopes, and contract durations. The firm-fixed-price nature provides budget certainty, but the actual value for money depends on the efficiency and quality of services delivered relative to the cost.

What are the primary risks associated with this teleradiology contract for the Federal Prison System?

Primary risks associated with this teleradiology contract include potential disruptions in service delivery due to vendor performance issues or technical failures, which could impact inmate healthcare. There's also a risk related to data security and patient privacy, given the sensitive nature of medical information handled remotely. Ensuring compliance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations is critical. Another risk is the potential for the contract's scope to be insufficient for evolving or emergent medical needs within the inmate population, leading to gaps in care. Finally, over-reliance on a single vendor for such a critical service could pose a long-term strategic risk if the vendor's capabilities or business stability decline.

How effective is teleradiology in improving diagnostic accuracy and timeliness for inmate populations compared to traditional methods?

Teleradiology is generally considered effective in improving diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, especially for populations with limited access to on-site specialists, such as inmates. By connecting facilities to a network of radiologists, it can reduce wait times for interpretations, leading to faster diagnoses and treatment initiation. This can be particularly beneficial in correctional settings where specialized medical personnel may be scarce. Studies have shown teleradiology can achieve diagnostic accuracy comparable to in-house interpretations. The effectiveness is contingent on robust IT infrastructure, clear communication protocols, and quality assurance measures to ensure consistent performance and patient safety.

What is the historical spending trend for teleradiology services within the Department of Justice or Federal Prison System?

Historical spending trends for teleradiology services specifically within the Department of Justice or the Federal Prison System are not provided in the current data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for contracts related to teleradiology, radiology interpretation, or related health IT services awarded to the Bureau of Prisons or other DOJ components. Understanding these trends would reveal whether spending in this area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, and how this contract fits into that historical pattern.

What are the implications of using a firm-fixed-price contract for teleradiology services in a correctional environment?

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for teleradiology services in a correctional environment offers the government predictable costs, which is advantageous for budgeting and financial planning. The vendor assumes the risk of cost overruns. However, this structure might limit flexibility if the scope of services needs to change significantly due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden increase in inmate population or new medical imaging requirements. The government might pay a premium for this price certainty, as the vendor typically builds in a contingency for potential risks. For teleradiology, where technology and service demands can evolve, an FFP contract requires a very well-defined statement of work to avoid disputes or the need for costly contract modifications.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 105 LOCK ST STE 311, NEWARK, NJ, 07103

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,808

Exercised Options: $17,808

Current Obligation: $17,808

Actual Outlays: $1,567

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS21D00000087

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline