DOJ awards $8,000 contract for on-site optometrist services at Federal Prison System in Maryland

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,000 ($8.0K)

Contractor: American Correctional Healthcare, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 29 days

Daily Burn Rate: $276/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ACH - APR 26 FY26 ON-SITE OPTOMETRIST

Place of Performance

Location: CUMBERLAND, ALLEGANY County, MARYLAND, 21502

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $8,000 to AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE, INC. for work described as: ACH - APR 26 FY26 ON-SITE OPTOMETRIST Key points: 1. Contract awarded as a purchase order for a short duration, suggesting a specific, immediate need. 2. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 3. Sole-source award indicates potential limitations in market availability or a specific requirement. 4. The contract value is relatively small, likely covering a single service provider for a limited period. 5. Performance is expected to be within the Federal Prison System, a specialized environment. 6. The service falls under general medical and surgical hospitals, a broad healthcare category.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

This contract is a small purchase order for specialized medical services. Given the limited duration and specific nature of the requirement (on-site optometrist), direct comparison to larger, broader healthcare contracts is difficult. The fixed-price structure is standard for such procurements. Without more data on the scope of services and expected patient volume, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the $8,000 value suggests a focused need rather than extensive service provision.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source purchase order, meaning it was not competed. This typically occurs when a specific vendor is uniquely qualified, or the procurement is for a very small amount where full and open competition is not practical or required. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through multiple bids, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means the government did not leverage competitive pressure to potentially lower costs. While justified for specific circumstances, it removes the opportunity for cost savings that competition can provide.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System in Maryland will benefit from on-site optometry services. The service delivered is specialized eye care, crucial for the health and well-being of the inmate population. The geographic impact is limited to the specific federal correctional facility where the optometrist will serve. This contract supports a healthcare professional in delivering essential medical services within a correctional setting.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing opportunities.
Short contract duration may indicate a temporary need or a pilot program, requiring future procurements.
Limited public information on the specific scope of services and expected patient load.

Positive Signals

Provides essential healthcare services to a vulnerable population.
Fixed-price contract offers cost predictability.
Awarded to a known entity, potentially ensuring continuity of care if previously contracted.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector within federal contracting is vast, encompassing a wide range of services from general medical care to highly specialized treatments. Contracts for medical professionals, like optometrists, are common within correctional facilities, military bases, and other government-run institutions. The market for such services is often segmented, with specialized providers serving niche government requirements. This contract represents a small but essential component of the broader federal healthcare spending, focusing on a specific medical need within a secure environment.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities given its small value and specialized nature. The award to American Correctional Health Care, Inc., a known entity in correctional healthcare, suggests a focus on established providers rather than broad outreach to the small business ecosystem for this specific requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal agency financial controls. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and small dollar value, but contract performance would be monitored by the contracting officer and relevant program managers within the facility.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Healthcare Services
Bureau of Prisons Medical Contracts
On-site Medical Professional Services
Correctional Facility Healthcare

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit price competition.
Short contract duration requires monitoring for follow-on needs.
Limited public data on specific service scope and performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $8,000 to AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE, INC.. ACH - APR 26 FY26 ON-SITE OPTOMETRIST

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE, INC..

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 $8,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost for an on-site optometrist service within a federal correctional facility?

Determining a precise 'typical' cost for on-site optometrist services in federal correctional facilities is challenging without access to a broader dataset of similar contracts. However, the $8,000 award for a one-month period suggests a daily rate or a cap on services provided. Factors influencing cost include the number of inmates requiring services, the frequency of visits, the scope of examinations (e.g., routine check-ups, specialized diagnostics), and the specific qualifications of the optometrist. Given the sole-source nature of this award, it's difficult to benchmark against competitive pricing. Generally, specialized medical services within secure environments can command a premium due to logistical and security requirements.

What is the track record of American Correctional Health Care, Inc. with the Federal Prison System?

American Correctional Health Care, Inc. (ACH) has a history of contracting with federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Their involvement typically centers around providing comprehensive healthcare services within correctional settings. While this specific contract is for a limited duration and a specialized service (optometry), ACH's broader experience suggests familiarity with the operational demands and requirements of federal prisons. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract history for ACH with the BOP would provide further insight into their reliability and quality of service delivery in similar environments.

Why was this contract awarded as a sole-source purchase order?

The contract was likely awarded as a sole-source purchase order due to its small dollar value ($8,000) and short duration (one month). Federal acquisition regulations often allow for simplified acquisition procedures and sole-source awards for purchases below certain thresholds, especially when full and open competition is deemed impractical or not cost-effective. In this case, the agency may have identified a specific, immediate need for optometry services that could be efficiently met by a known provider without the time and expense of a competitive bidding process. It's also possible that American Correctional Health Care, Inc. was the only entity readily available or capable of providing the service within the required timeframe and location.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for medical services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for medical services is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may not achieve the best possible price. Another risk is a potential decline in service quality if the contractor faces no competitive threat to maintain high standards. Furthermore, sole-source awards can limit opportunities for new or smaller providers to enter the market and demonstrate their capabilities. However, in cases where a specific provider has unique expertise or is the only viable option for a critical service, the risks may be mitigated by careful contract negotiation and performance monitoring.

How does this contract fit into the broader healthcare spending for the Federal Prison System?

This $8,000 contract for a one-month optometry service represents a very small fraction of the Federal Prison System's overall healthcare budget. The BOP manages a complex healthcare system that includes staffing for physicians, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, and various specialized medical services. Contracts like this are typically for specific, often short-term, needs or to supplement existing services. While individually minor, the aggregate spending on such specialized services contributes to the overall cost of providing comprehensive healthcare to the federal inmate population, which is a significant component of the Department of Justice's expenditures.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 120 MCKINLEY DR, BURLESON, TX, 76028

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,000

Exercised Options: $8,000

Current Obligation: $8,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline