DOJ awards $286K for inmate medical services, highlighting need for efficient healthcare delivery

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $286,490 ($286.5K)

Contractor: Wellpath LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FY26 FCI LEAVENWORTH WELLPATH LLC OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR GENERAL POPULATION INMATES IN MAY IAW T&C: 15BFA022D00000026

Place of Performance

Location: NASHVILLE, DAVIDSON County, TENNESSEE, 37211

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $286,489.65 to WELLPATH LLC for work described as: FY26 FCI LEAVENWORTH WELLPATH LLC OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR GENERAL POPULATION INMATES IN MAY IAW T&C: 15BFA022D00000026 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a one-month specialized medical service. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Short contract duration may indicate a need for ongoing, flexible service provision. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, potentially stabilizing costs. 5. Focus on inmate population suggests a specific, potentially high-need service area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $286,000 for one month of medical services for inmates is within a reasonable range for specialized healthcare provision in a correctional setting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for inmate medical care would provide a more precise value assessment, but the amount does not immediately suggest overpricing for the scope of services implied. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives value for its expenditure. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a robust bidding environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services.

Public Impact

Inmates at the facility in May will receive necessary medical services. The services are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of the inmate population. This contract supports the operational needs of the Federal Prison System. Potential for improved health outcomes among inmates, contributing to a safer environment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial service needs are underestimated.
Ensuring consistent quality of care across different medical providers.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for services.
Contract awarded to a single entity (WELLPATH LLC) may indicate specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector within federal prisons is a specialized niche, focusing on providing medical services to a unique population. This contract fits within the broader federal healthcare spending, which includes services for various government entities and populations. The market for correctional healthcare is often characterized by specific regulatory requirements and a need for providers experienced in this environment.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of medical services, it's possible that larger, established healthcare providers are more likely to compete for such contracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses have opportunities within this specific service area or in subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Prison System's contracting and medical administration departments. The firm fixed-price nature provides some cost control. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of performance metrics and any quality assurance reviews conducted by the Bureau of Prisons. Inspector General involvement would be triggered by any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Services
Inmate Healthcare Contracts
Department of Justice Healthcare Spending

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate a recurring need or a gap-filling measure.
Dependence on external providers for essential medical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $286,489.65 to WELLPATH LLC. FY26 FCI LEAVENWORTH WELLPATH LLC OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR GENERAL POPULATION INMATES IN MAY IAW T&C: 15BFA022D00000026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WELLPATH 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 $286,489.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of WELLPATH LLC in providing medical services to federal correctional facilities?

Information regarding WELLPATH LLC's specific track record with federal correctional facilities is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history with similar agencies (like the Bureau of Prisons or state correctional departments), and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their experience in managing the unique challenges of inmate healthcare, such as security protocols, specialized medical needs, and regulatory compliance, is crucial for evaluating their suitability and reliability for this contract.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar inmate medical service contracts awarded by the Bureau of Prisons?

Without specific comparative data on similar contracts (e.g., by duration, patient volume, scope of services, and geographic location), it is difficult to definitively benchmark the cost. However, the $286,489.65 for a one-month service period for general population inmates suggests a daily cost of approximately $9,241.60. This figure needs to be contextualized against the number of inmates served and the complexity of services provided. A thorough comparison would involve analyzing contract databases for similar procurements to identify average costs per inmate per day or per service.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential disruptions in medical service delivery, quality of care issues, and contractor performance failures. Given the short, one-month duration, the risk of prolonged disruption is lower, but ensuring continuity of care is paramount. Mitigation strategies likely involve the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently, and the Bureau of Prisons' oversight mechanisms to monitor service quality and adherence to terms. The full and open competition also suggests a pool of qualified providers, reducing the risk of sole-source dependency.

What specific medical services are included under this contract, and how do they align with the general health needs of the inmate population?

The data indicates 'Outside Medical Services for General Population Inmates,' which implies services not typically provided in-house by the facility's medical staff. This could encompass specialized consultations (e.g., cardiology, dermatology), diagnostic procedures, or treatments requiring external facilities or expertise. The alignment with general inmate health needs is critical; inmates often present with chronic conditions, mental health issues, and infectious diseases, requiring a comprehensive range of accessible medical care. The contract's success hinges on WELLPATH LLC providing timely and appropriate services that address these prevalent health concerns.

What has been the historical spending pattern for outside medical services for inmates at this specific facility or within the Federal Prison System?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single, short-term contract for May 2026. To understand historical spending patterns, one would need to examine multi-year contract data for this specific facility (Leavenworth) and compare it to aggregate spending trends across the Bureau of Prisons for similar services. Analyzing year-over-year expenditures, the number and value of contracts awarded, and the primary service providers would reveal trends in demand, cost fluctuations, and the evolution of healthcare service procurement within the correctional system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 15B40820R00000001

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Boosted Commerce Inc.

Address: 1283 MURFREESBORO RD STE 500, NASHVILLE, TN, 37217

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $286,490

Exercised Options: $286,490

Current Obligation: $286,490

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BFA022D00000026

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline