DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $800K for Roche diagnostic services, highlighting a need for specialized lab equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $80,000 ($80.0K)

Contractor: Roche Diagnostics Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 29 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FY26 B5 ROCHE MO. SERVICE AND REAGENTS APR 26

Place of Performance

Location: INDIANAPOLIS, MARION County, INDIANA, 46256

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $80,000 to ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION for work described as: FY26 B5 ROCHE MO. SERVICE AND REAGENTS APR 26 Key points: 1. The contract value of $800,000 appears reasonable for specialized laboratory services and reagents. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these diagnostic solutions. 3. The short duration (29 days) indicates a specific, immediate need rather than a long-term program. 4. This award falls within the broader category of healthcare services for federal inmates. 5. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $800,000 for a one-month period of service and reagents for analytical laboratory instruments is within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment and consumables. Benchmarking against similar contracts for diagnostic services within federal correctional facilities or other government health programs would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the specialized nature of the equipment and the supplier, the price is likely competitive, especially under full and open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award does not necessarily imply a lack of competition, but rather that Roche Diagnostics Corporation submitted the most advantageous offer. The level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

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

Public Impact

Federal inmates within the Bureau of Prisons will benefit from access to necessary diagnostic testing. Essential analytical laboratory services and reagents will be provided to support inmate healthcare. The services are geographically focused on facilities managed by the Federal Prison System. This contract supports the healthcare workforce within federal correctional institutions by ensuring they have the tools needed for diagnosis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specific reagents are tied to Roche instruments.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical diagnostic needs within a short timeframe.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive marketplace.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
The contract addresses a clear and immediate need for essential medical services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical equipment sector, specifically focusing on diagnostic laboratory services. This sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a mix of large established players and specialized niche providers. The market size for diagnostic reagents and instruments is substantial globally. This specific award represents a small but critical component of federal healthcare spending, ensuring essential diagnostic capabilities are maintained within correctional facilities.

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 analytical laboratory instruments and reagents, it is likely that larger, established manufacturers like Roche Diagnostics Corporation are the primary suppliers. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons, a component of the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified goods and services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice may have jurisdiction for audits or investigations if any irregularities are suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Services
Department of Justice Medical Supplies Contracts
Analytical Laboratory Instrument Procurement
Diagnostic Reagent Supply Contracts

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate a temporary need or a gap-filling measure.
Sole awardee under full and open competition warrants review of bid protest history.
Dependence on specific reagents could create future supply chain vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $80,000 to ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION. FY26 B5 ROCHE MO. SERVICE AND REAGENTS APR 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION.

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 $80,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of Roche Diagnostics Corporation in supplying the federal government, particularly the Bureau of Prisons?

Roche Diagnostics Corporation is a major global player in the in-vitro diagnostics market. While specific contract history with the Bureau of Prisons is not detailed in the provided data, the company frequently holds contracts with various federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, for laboratory equipment and reagents. Their extensive experience in the healthcare sector suggests a robust understanding of regulatory requirements and product quality standards necessary for government supply. Further analysis would involve reviewing historical contract awards to confirm their performance and reliability in serving federal healthcare needs.

How does the $800,000 value for a 29-day contract compare to similar federal procurements for diagnostic services?

The $800,000 value for a one-month contract for analytical laboratory instrument services and reagents is substantial on a per-day basis. However, it's crucial to consider the specific nature of the services and reagents. If this includes high-volume testing, specialized assays, or the provision and maintenance of complex analytical instruments, the cost could be justified. Benchmarking against similar short-term, high-intensity diagnostic support contracts within federal agencies, particularly those serving populations with specific health needs like correctional facilities, would be necessary. Without more granular data on the scope of work, a definitive comparison is difficult, but the value suggests a critical or intensive need.

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

Key risks include potential supply chain disruptions for specialized reagents, equipment malfunction, or the possibility that the awarded services do not fully meet the diagnostic needs of the inmate population. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract structure. The firm fixed-price nature helps control costs. The full and open competition process aims to select a vendor capable of meeting quality and delivery standards. Furthermore, the short duration might limit long-term exposure to risks associated with a single vendor. The Bureau of Prisons' procurement and quality assurance teams would also provide oversight to ensure contract compliance and service effectiveness.

What is the expected effectiveness of these diagnostic services in supporting the health of federal inmates?

The effectiveness hinges on the specific diagnostic tests and reagents procured. Assuming these are standard or necessary clinical diagnostics, they are expected to be highly effective in supporting inmate health by enabling timely and accurate disease detection, monitoring of chronic conditions, and guiding treatment decisions. Access to reliable diagnostic tools is fundamental to providing adequate healthcare within any population, including federal inmates. The contract's focus on analytical laboratory instruments and reagents suggests a commitment to maintaining essential diagnostic capabilities within the Bureau of Prisons' healthcare system.

How does this contract align with historical spending patterns for laboratory services within the Bureau of Prisons?

Historical spending patterns for laboratory services within the Bureau of Prisons likely show a consistent need for diagnostic equipment and consumables to support inmate healthcare. While the specific value of $800,000 for a single month is notable, it may represent a recurring need or a specific surge in demand. Federal agencies often award multi-year contracts for such services, broken down into delivery orders. This single award could be one of many, or it might represent a specific, time-bound requirement. Analyzing broader trends in the Bureau of Prisons' healthcare budget and procurement history for laboratory services would provide context on whether this award is typical or an outlier.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

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

Parent Company: Roche Holding AG

Address: 9115 HAGUE RD, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46256

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $80,000

Exercised Options: $80,000

Current Obligation: $80,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797P7347A

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline