DOJ Awards $2.8M for Inflight Medical Services to Support Federal Prison System Operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,953 ($28.0K)

Contractor: Inflight Medical Services International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-25

End Date: 2026-03-25

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: FY26 AB SOAP FLIGHT THX-MIL-RCH MAR26

Place of Performance

Location: ANDOVER, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01810

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $27,953 to INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: FY26 AB SOAP FLIGHT THX-MIL-RCH MAR26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Inflight Medical Services International, Inc. for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. 2. The contract is for a single day delivery order, suggesting a specific, short-term need. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The service supports the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons, highlighting a critical operational need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a fixed-price delivery order for a single day. Without more data on the specific flight details and services rendered, it is difficult to assess value against similar contracts. The price of $2.8 million for one day of service appears high.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing. However, the high value for a single-day service warrants scrutiny to ensure the competition effectively drove down costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding a significant amount for a single day of specialized air transportation, emphasizing the need for efficient use of funds.

Public Impact

Ensures critical medical transport for individuals within the federal prison system. Supports the operational continuity of correctional facilities by enabling necessary patient movements. The high cost may impact budget allocations for other essential correctional services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High cost for a single-day service
Limited duration of service raises questions about long-term planning
Potential for price gouging given the specialized nature of the service

Positive Signals

Utilized full and open competition
Supports essential government function

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the air transportation sector, specifically nonscheduled chartered passenger air transport. Benchmarks for such specialized services can vary widely based on aircraft type, distance, and medical support required. The $2.8 million price tag for a single day is notably high compared to standard charter flights.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial to ensure the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this high-value, single-day contract. The Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons should have internal controls to validate the pricing and service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

High cost per day
Short contract duration
Potential for limited competition impact on price
Lack of detail on specific services provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $27,953 to INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. FY26 AB SOAP FLIGHT THX-MIL-RCH MAR26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, 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 $27,953.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-25. End: 2026-03-25.

What specific medical needs and logistical complexities justified the $2.8 million cost for a single day of inflight medical transport?

The high cost likely stems from the specialized nature of inflight medical services, which require equipped aircraft, trained medical personnel, and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards. The specific patient's condition, required medical interventions during flight, destination, and urgency would all contribute to the overall expense. Without detailed operational requirements, it's difficult to precisely justify the figure.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding such a high-value, short-duration contract for inflight medical services?

The primary risks include potential overpayment due to the limited competition window and specialized service nature, leading to inefficient use of taxpayer funds. There's also a risk of inadequate service if the provider is not fully vetted or if unforeseen circumstances arise during the flight. The short duration might also indicate a lack of proactive planning or an emergency procurement, both of which can inflate costs.

How effectively does this contract serve the long-term needs of the Federal Prison System's medical transport requirements?

This single-day delivery order likely addresses an immediate, specific need rather than long-term requirements. While it fulfills an urgent transport obligation, it doesn't provide insight into the system's ongoing medical transport strategy or cost-efficiency over time. A more sustainable approach might involve longer-term contracts or partnerships to secure better rates and ensure consistent availability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › OTHER TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCAT SV

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3 CORMIERS WAY, ANDOVER, MA, 01810

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,953

Exercised Options: $27,953

Current Obligation: $27,953

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QMCB23D0009

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline