DOJ's $100K medical supplies contract awarded to Medline Industries, LP for April 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,000 ($10.0K)

Contractor: Medline Industries, LP

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 29 days

Daily Burn Rate: $345/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FY'2026 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR A SERVICE PERIOD OF APRIL 1-30

Place of Performance

Location: NORTHFIELD, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60093

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $10,000 to MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, LP for work described as: FY'2026 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR A SERVICE PERIOD OF APRIL 1-30 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and specific need. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details. 4. Performance context is a single month of supply for federal prisons. 5. Sector positioning is within medical equipment and supplies manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $100,000 for a one-month period of performance for medical equipment and supplies appears to be within a reasonable range for federal prison system needs. Benchmarking against similar, short-term supply contracts for correctional facilities would provide a more precise value assessment. However, without specific unit costs or detailed itemization, a definitive value-for-money judgment is limited. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. This approach aims to ensure the government receives the best value by leveraging market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive bidding process, which is designed to drive down prices and ensure that government funds are used efficiently for essential medical supplies.

Public Impact

Federal inmates within the Bureau of Prisons will receive necessary medical equipment and supplies. The services delivered are the provision of essential medical goods. Geographic impact is primarily within federal correctional facilities in Illinois. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving logistics and delivery personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
Short duration limits potential for long-term cost overruns.

Sector Analysis

The medical equipment and supplies sector is a critical component of the healthcare industry, encompassing a wide range of products from basic consumables to advanced surgical devices. Federal agencies, particularly those managing large populations like the Bureau of Prisons, are significant purchasers in this market. Spending in this category is driven by healthcare needs, population size, and regulatory requirements. This contract represents a small portion of the overall federal spending on medical supplies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses participated in the bidding process. However, without further information, the specific impact on the small business ecosystem cannot be determined.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting and procurement division within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Medical Supplies
Bureau of Prisons Procurement
Department of Justice Healthcare Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $10,000 to MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, LP. FY'2026 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR A SERVICE PERIOD OF APRIL 1-30

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, LP.

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 $10,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending pattern for medical equipment and supplies by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending data for medical equipment and supplies by the Federal Prison System (FPS) indicates a consistent need for these items to support inmate healthcare. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on demand, population changes, and contract awards, the FPS generally allocates significant resources to ensure adequate medical provisions. For instance, in recent fiscal years, spending on medical supplies has ranged from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually across the entire Bureau of Prisons (BOP) system. This particular $100,000 delivery order for a single month in FY2026 is a relatively small component of the overall annual budget for medical supplies, suggesting it addresses a specific, localized need or a particular category of supplies rather than a comprehensive overhaul or large-scale procurement.

How does the unit cost of items in this contract compare to market rates or similar federal contracts?

Direct comparison of unit costs for items within this $100,000 delivery order is not possible with the provided data, as specific item details and quantities are absent. The contract is for 'MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES' generally, with a total value for a one-month period. To assess unit cost competitiveness, one would need to analyze the specific items procured (e.g., bandages, syringes, diagnostic tools, specific equipment) and their quantities against established federal supply schedules (like GSA schedules), other agency contracts for similar items, or commercial market prices. Given it was awarded via full and open competition, it is presumed that the pricing was deemed competitive at the time of award, but a detailed audit would be required for definitive benchmarking.

What is Medline Industries, LP's track record with federal contracts, particularly for correctional facilities?

Medline Industries, LP is a major global manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies and services, and it has a significant track record of federal contracting. The company frequently secures contracts with various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Justice (which oversees the Federal Prison System). Their experience often includes providing a wide array of medical products, from basic consumables to specialized equipment. For correctional facilities specifically, Medline has been a supplier to numerous state and federal prisons, demonstrating an understanding of the unique logistical and supply chain requirements within these environments. Their consistent presence in federal procurement suggests a capacity to meet the demands of agencies like the Bureau of Prisons.

What are the potential risks associated with this specific contract award?

The potential risks associated with this specific contract award appear to be relatively low, primarily due to its short duration (one month) and the nature of the supplies. Key risks typically include supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, or contractor performance failures. However, for a single month's supply of standard medical equipment and items, the window for significant disruption is limited. Medline Industries, LP is a large, established supplier, which generally mitigates the risk of contractor failure. The primary risk might be ensuring the timely delivery of the correct specifications of supplies to the designated federal prison facilities. Given the firm fixed-price nature, cost overrun risk for the government is minimal.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy for procuring medical supplies for the Bureau of Prisons?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally considered the most effective method for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to procure medical supplies, as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures a broad range of suppliers can participate. This approach allows the BOP to leverage market forces to obtain the best value for taxpayer dollars. By opening the bidding process widely, the BOP can solicit proposals from numerous manufacturers and distributors, fostering innovation and potentially leading to better quality products or more efficient delivery methods. While it requires more administrative effort upfront compared to sole-source or limited competition, the long-term benefits in terms of cost savings and access to a diverse supplier base typically outweigh these initial costs for essential items like medical supplies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3 LAKES DR, NORTHFIELD, IL, 60093

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,000

Exercised Options: $10,000

Current Obligation: $10,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0124

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline