DOJ inks $436K lease for robotic system, impacting prison operations and efficiency

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,620 ($43.6K)

Contractor: Scriptpro USA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $120/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ROBOTIC SYSTEM LEASE OPTION YEAR 1

Place of Performance

Location: MISSION, JOHNSON County, KANSAS, 66202

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $43,620 to SCRIPTPRO USA INC for work described as: ROBOTIC SYSTEM LEASE OPTION YEAR 1 Key points: 1. Lease agreement for robotic system aims to enhance operational efficiency within federal prisons. 2. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the Bureau of Prisons. 4. The lease duration of one year with an option year indicates a trial or initial deployment phase. 5. The specific robotic system's capabilities and impact on inmate management require further analysis. 6. The contract's value is relatively modest within the broader context of federal IT and equipment spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The lease cost of $436,200 for one year for a robotic system appears reasonable, especially considering it's a lease rather than a purchase. Benchmarking against similar robotic system leases for correctional facilities is difficult without more specific system details. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost predictability for the Bureau of Prisons. The value proposition hinges on the system's ability to deliver tangible efficiency gains or cost savings in its intended application.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally encourages competition. This method is suitable for procurements of this value, aiming to balance efficiency with fair market competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP for this lease ensures that taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing, as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid on the requirement.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons, which will utilize the robotic system. The robotic system is expected to improve operational efficiency within correctional facilities. The geographic impact is currently limited to Kansas, where the delivery order is placed. Potential workforce implications may arise, depending on how the robotic system integrates with or alters existing staffing roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed specifications on the robotic system's capabilities and intended use.
Uncertainty regarding the long-term cost-effectiveness beyond the initial lease period.
Potential for unforeseen maintenance or operational challenges with new technology.

Positive Signals

Procurement through a competed process under SAP suggests a commitment to obtaining value.
The fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
The lease option allows for evaluation before a larger commitment.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the broader 'Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing' category. This sector encompasses a wide range of equipment used across various government functions. While specific market data for robotic systems in correctional facilities is scarce, the overall equipment leasing market is competitive. The value of this contract is relatively small compared to major federal equipment procurements, but it represents an investment in modernizing operational tools.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Given the procurement was competed under SAP, it is possible that small businesses participated. However, without further information on the number of bidders and their size, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Subcontracting opportunities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Justice, Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, program managers, and potentially the agency's Inspector General for any significant issues. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed operational performance metrics are not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Correctional Facility Technology Modernization
Government Equipment Leasing
Robotic Process Automation in Government

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence
Uncertainty of long-term cost-effectiveness
Dependence on vendor support and maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $43,620 to SCRIPTPRO USA INC. ROBOTIC SYSTEM LEASE OPTION YEAR 1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCRIPTPRO USA 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 $43,620.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific tasks or functions will the robotic system perform within the Bureau of Prisons?

The provided data indicates the contract is for a 'ROBOTIC SYSTEM LEASE OPTION YEAR 1' valued at $436,200. However, the specific functions or tasks this robotic system is intended to perform within the Bureau of Prisons are not detailed. Typically, robotic systems in such environments could be used for tasks like automated cleaning, material transport, security monitoring, or potentially assisting with administrative functions. Understanding the intended application is crucial for assessing the system's value and impact on operational efficiency and cost savings.

How does the lease cost compare to purchasing a similar robotic system?

Direct comparison of the lease cost ($436,200 for one year) to purchasing a similar robotic system is challenging without knowing the system's specifications, capabilities, and market price for outright purchase. Leases often have different financial implications than outright purchases, including avoiding large upfront capital expenditures and potentially including maintenance. However, over the long term, leasing can sometimes be more expensive than purchasing. A full cost-benefit analysis would require data on the system's lifespan, maintenance costs, and the total cost of ownership for both leasing and purchasing scenarios.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this robotic system lease?

The provided contract data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure the success of this robotic system lease. For a lease of this nature, relevant KPIs might include uptime percentage, task completion rate, reduction in manual labor hours, error rates, or specific efficiency gains in the intended operational area. The Bureau of Prisons would likely establish internal metrics to evaluate whether the system is meeting its objectives and justifying the lease expenditure.

What is the track record of SCRIPTPRO USA INC in providing robotic systems to government agencies?

Information regarding SCRIPTPRO USA INC's specific track record in providing robotic systems to government agencies, particularly within the correctional or law enforcement sectors, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance on similar contracts, client feedback, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their experience with government procurements and the reliability of their robotic solutions is important for evaluating the risk associated with this contract.

What is the historical spending pattern for robotic systems or similar equipment by the Bureau of Prisons?

The provided data focuses on a single delivery order for a robotic system lease. Historical spending patterns for robotic systems or similar equipment by the Bureau of Prisons are not available from this snippet. To understand historical trends, one would need to analyze broader federal procurement databases for past contracts related to automation, robotics, or specialized equipment within correctional facilities. This would help contextualize the current $436,200 lease within the agency's overall investment in technology and operational improvements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing › Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15BFA024Q00000017

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5828 REEDS RD, MISSION, KS, 66202

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,620

Exercised Options: $43,620

Current Obligation: $43,620

Actual Outlays: $14,492

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BFA024D00000032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline