DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $150K for medical supplies, highlighting ongoing need for essential healthcare equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,000 ($15.0K)

Contractor: Medline Industries, LP

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-30

End Date: 2026-04-30

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FY26 B1 MEDLINE MEDICAL SUPPLIES APRIL 26 ORDER ISSUED AGAINST CONTRACT 36C10X23D0032 AND IAW 990

Place of Performance

Location: NORTHFIELD, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60093

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15,000 to MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, LP for work described as: FY26 B1 MEDLINE MEDICAL SUPPLIES APRIL 26 ORDER ISSUED AGAINST CONTRACT 36C10X23D0032 AND IAW 990 Key points: 1. Contract ensures continued access to critical medical supplies for federal correctional facilities. 2. The award is a delivery order against an existing contract, suggesting a streamlined procurement process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The supplier, Medline Industries, LP, is a significant player in the medical supply market. 5. This spending supports the operational readiness of the Federal Prison System. 6. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a need for frequent re-evaluation of supply needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This $150,000 award for medical supplies appears to be a routine replenishment order. Without specific details on the exact items procured or their quantities, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the use of an existing contract and a firm-fixed-price structure suggests an effort to control costs. Benchmarking against similar, smaller orders for medical supplies within the federal prison system would provide further context on pricing efficiency.

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 approach generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a healthy market for these medical supplies.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces, ensuring federal funds are used efficiently for essential goods.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from the continued availability of necessary medical supplies. Essential healthcare services within correctional facilities are supported by this procurement. The primary geographic impact is within federal correctional institutions across the United States. The contract supports the operational workforce within these institutions by ensuring they have the tools to provide care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases on subsequent orders if market conditions change.
Dependence on a single supplier for a defined period could limit future negotiation leverage.

Positive Signals

Ensures continuity of care for inmates.
Leverages existing contract vehicles for efficient procurement.
Firm-fixed-price structure provides budget certainty.

Sector Analysis

The medical supplies sector is a critical component of the broader healthcare industry, characterized by a mix of large manufacturers and distributors. Federal agencies, particularly those managing large populations like the Bureau of Prisons, are significant consumers of these goods. Spending in this category is driven by the need for routine supplies, emergency preparedness, and specialized medical equipment. The market is generally competitive, with established players like Medline Industries, LP holding substantial market share.

Small Business Impact

While this specific award does not indicate a small business set-aside, the use of a large, established supplier like Medline Industries, LP, suggests that subcontracting opportunities may exist within their supply chain. The primary contract is not directly aimed at fostering small business participation, but larger prime contractors often engage small businesses for various support services or specialized components.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order against an existing contract (36C10X23D0032), implying that the initial contract underwent a thorough vetting process. Oversight for this specific order would fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting and procurement division, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. Transparency is maintained through federal contract databases where such awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Medical Services
Bureau of Prisons Procurement
Medical Equipment and Supplies Contracts
Department of Justice Healthcare Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Price volatility in medical supplies market

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15,000 to MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, LP. FY26 B1 MEDLINE MEDICAL SUPPLIES APRIL 26 ORDER ISSUED AGAINST CONTRACT 36C10X23D0032 AND IAW 990

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, LP.

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 $15,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-30. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for medical supplies by the Bureau of Prisons under contract 36C10X23D0032?

Historical spending data for contract 36C10X23D0032 reveals a consistent need for medical supplies by the Bureau of Prisons. While this specific delivery order is for $150,000, the total value of the base contract and previous orders would provide a clearer picture of the Bureau's long-term investment in this area. Analyzing past order volumes, types of supplies procured, and average prices paid over several fiscal years would indicate trends in demand and potential fluctuations in spending. This context is crucial for understanding the significance of the current award within the broader budgetary framework for inmate healthcare.

How does the pricing of this medical supply order compare to similar contracts awarded by other federal agencies for comparable goods?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $150,000 medical supply order against similar contracts requires access to detailed pricing data for specific items. Without itemized lists and quantities, a direct comparison is difficult. However, if this order represents standard medical consumables, its pricing can be compared to publicly available contract data for agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Defense Health Agency. Factors such as volume discounts, delivery locations, and contract terms can influence price variations. A preliminary assessment suggests that firm-fixed-price contracts awarded through full and open competition generally yield competitive rates, but a detailed analysis of unit prices for key items would be necessary for a definitive conclusion on value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on Medline Industries, LP for essential medical supplies for the Federal Prison System?

The primary risks associated with relying on Medline Industries, LP, for essential medical supplies include potential supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and over-reliance on a single vendor. While Medline is a large and reputable supplier, unforeseen events such as natural disasters, manufacturing issues, or global health crises could impact their ability to fulfill orders consistently. Furthermore, as a major player, their pricing power could lead to higher costs over time, especially if competition diminishes. The Bureau of Prisons mitigates these risks through contract clauses, regular performance reviews, and maintaining awareness of alternative suppliers, but the inherent dependence on a single prime contractor remains a consideration for long-term supply chain resilience.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery within federal prisons?

This contract is expected to have a positive impact on the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery within federal prisons by ensuring the consistent availability of essential medical supplies. Reliable access to items such as bandages, medications, diagnostic tools, and personal protective equipment is fundamental for providing timely and appropriate medical care to inmates. By securing these supplies through a competitive process and a firm-fixed-price agreement, the Bureau of Prisons can maintain operational continuity and prevent disruptions that could compromise patient care. The timely replenishment of stock directly supports the medical staff's ability to perform their duties effectively, contributing to better health outcomes for the inmate population.

Are there any specific performance metrics or service level agreements tied to this delivery order that ensure quality and timeliness?

While the provided data does not detail specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) for this particular delivery order, it is issued against a larger contract (36C10X23D0032). Typically, base contracts of this nature include clauses related to delivery timelines, product quality standards, and acceptable defect rates. The Bureau of Prisons would monitor adherence to these terms. For a delivery order, the focus is often on timely fulfillment and the provision of goods conforming to the specifications outlined in the base contract or the order itself. Any failure to meet these implicit or explicit requirements could lead to remedies outlined in the contract, such as penalties or termination.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3 LAKES DR, NORTHFIELD, IL, 60093

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,000

Exercised Options: $15,000

Current Obligation: $15,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10X23D0032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline