DOJ's Federal Prison System awards $1.4M contract for inmate medical services to UMass Medical School

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,399,798 ($1.4M)

Contractor: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-11-01

End Date: 2026-04-06

Contract Duration: 156 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OUTSIDE HOSPITAL MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION NOV FY26

Place of Performance

Location: WORCESTER, WORCESTER County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01655

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $1.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL for work described as: OUTSIDE HOSPITAL MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION NOV FY26 Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential medical services for inmates, a critical but often overlooked area of government spending. 2. UMass Medical School is a significant provider, suggesting established capabilities but potentially limited competition. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty, but the delivery order structure may lead to scope creep. 4. The IT sector is not directly involved, but efficient healthcare delivery relies on robust IT infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.4M for 156 days is difficult to benchmark without more specific service details. However, the per-diem cost appears reasonable given the specialized nature of inmate healthcare.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which theoretically allows for the best price discovery. However, the specific nature of inmate healthcare may limit the number of qualified bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure essential medical care for federal inmates, a mandated responsibility of the government.

Public Impact

Ensures access to necessary medical care for incarcerated individuals. Supports the operational stability of federal correctional facilities. Potentially impacts the health and rehabilitation outcomes of the inmate population. Highlights the government's commitment to fulfilling its duty of care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized requirements.
Delivery order structure could lead to unmanaged cost increases if not carefully monitored.
Dependence on a single provider for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a fundamental need for inmate well-being.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under healthcare services, specifically for correctional facilities. Benchmarks for inmate healthcare can vary widely based on location, inmate health profiles, and the scope of services provided.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses. Given the specialized nature of medical services for correctional facilities, large, established healthcare providers are often the primary bidders.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the quality and necessity of services rendered under the delivery order. The Bureau of Prisons should monitor performance and costs closely to prevent overruns and ensure value.

Related Government Programs

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition.
Risk of scope creep with delivery orders.
Dependence on a single provider.
Lack of detailed service breakdown for benchmarking.
Potential for cost increases if not managed tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $1.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL. OUTSIDE HOSPITAL MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION NOV FY26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL.

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 $1.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2026-04-06.

What is the specific breakdown of medical services covered by this contract, and how does the cost compare to similar contracts in other federal or state correctional systems?

The provided data lacks a detailed breakdown of services. A comprehensive analysis would require access to the contract's statement of work. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without knowing the exact services, patient acuity, and geographic location, as costs can vary significantly.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will the Bureau of Prisons ensure the quality of care provided by UMass Medical School?

Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Effective oversight would involve establishing clear metrics for patient outcomes, response times, and adherence to medical standards. Regular performance reviews and site visits by BOP officials would be essential to ensure quality of care.

Given the firm fixed-price nature, how will potential changes in inmate health needs or unforeseen medical emergencies be managed without impacting the contract's cost-effectiveness?

While the contract is firm fixed-price, delivery orders typically allow for adjustments within defined parameters. Unforeseen needs might be addressed through modifications or new delivery orders, subject to negotiation and approval. Robust contract management is key to ensuring cost-effectiveness while meeting evolving inmate health requirements.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 15B20519R00000001

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of Massachusetts

Address: 55 LAKE AVE NORTH, WORCESTER, MA, 01655

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,399,798

Exercised Options: $1,399,798

Current Obligation: $1,399,798

Actual Outlays: $350,860

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15B20521D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline