DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $1.24M contract for inmate medical services to UMass Medical School
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,240,186 ($1.2M)
Contractor: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-01-01
End Date: 2026-04-02
Contract Duration: 91 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.6K/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 JAN FY26
Place of Performance
Location: WORCESTER, WORCESTER County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01655
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $1.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL for work described as: OUTSIDE HOSPITAL MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION JAN FY26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential medical services to federal inmates. 2. UMass Medical School is the sole awardee. 3. Short contract duration (91 days) may limit long-term planning. 4. Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.24M for a 91-day period appears reasonable for specialized medical services provided to a specific inmate population. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional healthcare would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and identify qualified providers.
Taxpayer Impact: The contract value is a direct cost to taxpayers for essential inmate healthcare services.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of care for federal inmates. Supports public health within correctional facilities. Provides specialized medical services not available internally.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-competition.
- Potential for service disruption if transition is not managed well.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract provides budget predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically focusing on medical services for a unique population. Spending benchmarks for correctional healthcare vary significantly based on inmate population size and acuity.
Small Business Impact
No information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for overseeing the delivery of these medical services to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
Related Government Programs
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Short contract duration
- Potential for service discontinuity
- Limited long-term strategic planning possible
Tags
general-medical-and-surgical-hospitals, department-of-justice, ma, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $1.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL. OUTSIDE HOSPITAL MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE FMC/FPC INMATE POPULATION JAN 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 $1.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-04-02.
What is the typical cost per inmate for outside medical services in federal prisons?
The cost per inmate for outside medical services in federal prisons can vary widely depending on factors such as the inmate's health status, the type of services required, and the geographic location of the facility. Without specific details on the inmate population's health needs and the scope of services covered, a precise benchmark is difficult to establish. However, contracts of this nature aim to balance cost-effectiveness with the critical need for timely and appropriate medical care.
What are the risks associated with a short 91-day contract for essential medical services?
A short 91-day contract poses risks such as potential disruption of care if a new provider is not seamlessly integrated, increased administrative burden for frequent re-procurement, and potentially higher per-unit costs due to the lack of long-term commitment and economies of scale. It may also limit the provider's ability to implement long-term health improvement initiatives for the inmate population.
How does full and open competition ensure the effectiveness of these medical services?
Full and open competition allows multiple qualified vendors to bid on the contract, fostering a competitive environment that drives providers to offer high-quality services at competitive prices. This process helps ensure that the chosen provider has the necessary expertise, capacity, and commitment to deliver effective medical care to the inmate population, while also providing transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
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: $1,240,186
Exercised Options: $1,240,186
Current Obligation: $1,240,186
Actual Outlays: $352,372
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15B20521D00000001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-02
Potential End Date: 2026-04-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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