DOJ awards $9.38M contract for Teleradiology Services to BCT Partners LLC, impacting inmate healthcare

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,383 ($9.4K)

Contractor: BCT Partners LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 181 days

Daily Burn Rate: $52/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TELERADIOLGY SERVICES FOR THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION

Place of Performance

Location: NEWARK, ESSEX County, NEW JERSEY, 07103

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $9,383.04 to BCT PARTNERS LLC for work described as: TELERADIOLGY SERVICES FOR THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide essential teleradiology services to federal inmates, addressing a critical healthcare need. 2. The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. 4. The contract duration is 181 days, suggesting a short-term or interim service provision. 5. The award to BCT Partners LLC, a minority-owned business, may align with federal diversity and inclusion goals. 6. The specific service category (Computer Systems Design Services) seems misaligned with the stated purpose (Teleradiology Services), warranting further investigation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific details on the scope of services and the number of procedures covered. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government, but the total value of $9.38 million for an 181-day period requires scrutiny. Comparing this to similar teleradiology contracts within the federal prison system or other correctional facilities would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive and represents good value for money. The potential misalignment between the stated service and the assigned NAICS code (Computer Systems Design Services) raises concerns about the accuracy of the contract's classification and potential cost implications.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and may not represent the full and open competition seen in larger procurements. While SAP aims to streamline the acquisition process for smaller dollar values, it can sometimes lead to less price discovery compared to broader solicitations. The specific details of how this SAP procurement was conducted, including the number of solicitations issued and proposals received, are not provided. This limited competition context suggests that the government may not have received the most competitive pricing possible.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract, as fewer vendors had the opportunity to bid and potentially offer lower prices.

Public Impact

Federal inmates within the Federal Prison System (FPS) and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities will benefit from access to teleradiology services. The contract ensures the delivery of diagnostic imaging interpretation, crucial for inmate healthcare and treatment. Services are geographically focused on facilities within New Jersey (NJ). The contract supports the healthcare workforce by potentially utilizing remote radiologists and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential misalignment between the stated service (Teleradiology) and the assigned NAICS code (Computer Systems Design Services) could indicate an administrative error or a misunderstanding of the actual services being procured, potentially impacting cost and oversight.
The limited competition under SAP may have resulted in a less than optimal price for the government.
The short contract duration (181 days) suggests this might be a bridge contract, raising questions about long-term service planning and stability.
Lack of detailed performance metrics or service level agreements in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the quality and effectiveness of the services.
The total contract value for a short period requires further justification to ensure it represents fair market value.

Positive Signals

The contract addresses a critical healthcare need for a vulnerable population (federal inmates).
The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.
BCT Partners LLC is a minority-owned business, potentially supporting federal diversity initiatives.
The contract is awarded to a specific entity, providing a clear point of accountability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

Teleradiology services fall within the broader healthcare sector, specifically medical imaging and telehealth. The federal government, through agencies like the Bureau of Prisons, is a significant purchaser of healthcare services for its inmate population. The market for teleradiology is growing, driven by the need for specialized expertise, cost efficiencies, and improved access to care, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Comparable spending benchmarks for teleradiology services within correctional systems are not readily available, but the overall federal healthcare spending is substantial, indicating a large potential market.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which often involves smaller businesses. However, it does not specify if this was a small business set-aside or if BCT Partners LLC is classified as a small business. If it was not a set-aside, the implications for small businesses are minimal unless BCT Partners LLC intends to subcontract. If BCT Partners LLC is a small business, it represents a direct award to the small business sector. Further information on subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Services
Department of Justice Medical Services Contracts
Inmate Healthcare Telemedicine Programs
Federal Medical Center (FMC) / Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Services

Risk Flags

NAICS Code Mismatch
Limited Competition Concerns
Short Contract Duration
Lack of Detailed Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $9,383.04 to BCT PARTNERS LLC. TELERADIOLGY SERVICES FOR THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION

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 $9,383.04.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the specific scope of teleradiology services being provided under this contract, and how does it align with the assigned NAICS code of 'Computer Systems Design Services'?

The provided data lists the description as 'TELERADIOLGY SERVICES FOR THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION' but assigns NAICS code 541512, 'Computer Systems Design Services'. This presents a significant discrepancy. Teleradiology services typically fall under NAICS codes related to healthcare, such as 'Offices of Physicians' (621111) or 'Medical Laboratories' (621511), depending on the specific nature of the service. Computer Systems Design Services usually involves designing, developing, and integrating software and hardware solutions. It is possible that the contract includes IT support for the teleradiology platform, or it could be an administrative error in classifying the contract. Clarification is needed to understand the exact services procured and ensure appropriate oversight and benchmarking.

How does the contract value of $9.38 million for 181 days compare to industry benchmarks for teleradiology services in correctional facilities?

Benchmarking this contract's value is difficult without detailed service level agreements, patient volumes, and specific imaging modalities covered. However, $9.38 million for approximately six months suggests a substantial per diem cost. Teleradiology providers often charge per study or per radiologist hour. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, the government has committed to this amount regardless of actual usage, which could be advantageous if utilization is high or disadvantageous if it is low. A thorough comparison would require analyzing pricing structures of similar contracts within the Bureau of Prisons or other federal/state correctional systems, considering factors like radiologist availability, turnaround times, and the complexity of cases.

What were the specific criteria used to select BCT Partners LLC, and what is their track record in providing teleradiology or similar healthcare services to federal agencies?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition process rather than a full-and-open solicitation where extensive contractor track record analysis might be publicly detailed. SAP procedures often prioritize efficiency for smaller dollar amounts. Information regarding BCT Partners LLC's specific track record in teleradiology or federal healthcare contracts is not included in the summary data. A deeper dive into the contract file or the contractor's past performance databases would be necessary to assess their experience, quality of service in previous engagements, and suitability for this critical healthcare role within the inmate population.

What are the potential risks associated with the limited competition under SAP for this teleradiology contract?

The primary risk associated with competing contracts under SAP is the potential for reduced price competition. SAP procedures are designed for acquisitions below certain thresholds (e.g., $250,000, though this can vary) and often involve fewer bidders than full-and-open competition. This limited pool of bidders may not include all capable vendors, potentially leading to higher prices than could be achieved through a broader solicitation. Additionally, the government might miss out on innovative solutions or better service offerings from vendors who were not solicited. For a critical service like inmate healthcare, ensuring the most cost-effective and high-quality solution is paramount, making the limitations of SAP a potential concern.

How does this contract fit into the Bureau of Prisons' overall strategy for providing healthcare services to its inmate population, particularly concerning specialized services like radiology?

This contract represents a component of the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) broader strategy to ensure adequate healthcare for inmates, which includes providing access to specialized diagnostic services like radiology. Given the challenges of staffing specialized medical professionals within federal facilities, particularly in remote locations, the BOP often relies on contracted services, including telemedicine solutions like teleradiology. This contract likely aims to supplement existing capabilities or address specific needs within the New Jersey facilities. The short duration (181 days) might indicate a temporary solution, a bridge to a longer-term contract, or a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of teleradiology before a larger commitment.

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

Solicitation ID: 15BNAS21Q00000007

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: $9,383

Exercised Options: $9,383

Current Obligation: $9,383

Actual Outlays: $7,511

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS21D00000087

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline