DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $1.1M for optometry services to Thomason Family Eye Care
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $111,700 ($111.7K)
Contractor: Thomason Family EYE Care, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $307/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: FY26 B1 THOMASON FAMILY EYE CARE-OPTOMETRY SVC
Place of Performance
Location: GOOSE CREEK, BERKELEY County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29445
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $111,700 to THOMASON FAMILY EYE CARE, LLC for work described as: FY26 B1 THOMASON FAMILY EYE CARE-OPTOMETRY SVC Key points: 1. Spending on optometry services for the Federal Prison System totals $1.1M. 2. The contract was awarded to Thomason Family Eye Care, LLC. 3. The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), raising potential competition concerns. 4. The sector is healthcare services, specifically miscellaneous health practitioners.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $1.1M for a 364-day period appears high for a single provider of optometry services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for correctional facility healthcare is needed to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not have explored all available qualified providers, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value.
Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers if a more competitive process would have yielded a lower price.
Public Impact
Prison inmates will receive essential eye care services. The award impacts a specific healthcare provider in South Carolina. Transparency in contracting for essential services like healthcare is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 30 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential overpricing
- Limited transparency in award process
Positive Signals
- Ensures essential healthcare services for inmates
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the healthcare services sector, specifically for miscellaneous health practitioners. Spending benchmarks for correctional healthcare services are often higher due to unique operational challenges, but competition remains a key factor in cost-effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a single entity, Thomason Family Eye Care, LLC. Information on whether this entity is a small business is not explicitly provided, but the award mechanism suggests it might be.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation warrants further review by oversight bodies to ensure fair and competitive procurement practices were followed, or if justification for limited competition is sound.
Related Government Programs
- Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency in procurement
- Sole-source award concerns
Tags
offices-of-all-other-miscellaneous-healt, department-of-justice, sc, purchase-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $111,700 to THOMASON FAMILY EYE CARE, LLC. FY26 B1 THOMASON FAMILY EYE CARE-OPTOMETRY SVC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THOMASON FAMILY EYE CARE, 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 $111,700.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the justification for not competing this contract under SAP, and were other qualified providers considered?
The data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP.' This implies a deviation from standard competitive procedures for acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold. A thorough review would be needed to understand the specific reasons, such as urgency, lack of available sources, or specific program requirements, and to confirm if any other potential providers were solicited or considered.
How does the $1.1M cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar optometry services in correctional facilities?
Benchmarking this $1.1M contract against similar optometry services within correctional facilities is crucial for assessing value. Factors like patient volume, scope of services (routine exams, specialized treatments, eyewear provision), and geographic location influence costs. Without comparative data, it's difficult to determine if this price represents a fair market value or if it's potentially inflated due to limited competition.
What is the potential impact on inmate healthcare quality and access given the limited competition for these services?
Limited competition could potentially impact healthcare quality and access if the chosen provider is unable to meet demand or if alternative providers could offer specialized services. While the contract aims to ensure services, a lack of competitive pressure might reduce incentives for innovation or service expansion. Ensuring the provider has adequate capacity and quality control measures is paramount.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Other Health Practitioners › Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 102 BRICK PARK LN, GOOSE CREEK, SC, 29445
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $111,700
Exercised Options: $111,700
Current Obligation: $111,700
Actual Outlays: $62,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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