DOJ awards $427K for teleradiology, with 3 bidders competing for a firm-fixed-price contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,743 ($42.7K)

Contractor: BCT Partners LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $235/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROVIDE TELERADIOLOGY INTERPRETATION READING FOR FCC OAKDALE FY26 FOR APRIL 2026 - SEPTEMBER 2026. POP 4/1/26 - 3/31/27(OY5)

Place of Performance

Location: NEWARK, ESSEX County, NEW JERSEY, 07103

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $42,742.68 to BCT PARTNERS LLC for work described as: PROVIDE TELERADIOLOGY INTERPRETATION READING FOR FCC OAKDALE FY26 FOR APRIL 2026 - SEPTEMBER 2026. POP 4/1/26 - 3/31/27(OY5) Key points: 1. The contract value of $427,427.68 appears reasonable for a 6-month teleradiology service period, considering the specialized nature of the service. 2. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a degree of market interest and potential for price discovery. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This contract supports essential healthcare services for inmates within the Federal Prison System. 5. The service is geographically focused on New Jersey, indicating a localized need. 6. The contractor, BCT Partners LLC, will be responsible for providing teleradiology interpretation services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $427K for a six-month period of teleradiology interpretation services seems aligned with market rates for such specialized medical support. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific service volume metrics, the price appears to be within a reasonable range for providing critical diagnostic services to a federal facility. The firm-fixed-price structure further supports value by capping government expenditure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while sources were initially excluded, the competition was ultimately open to all eligible offerors. The presence of three bidders suggests a healthy level of interest in this service requirement, allowing for a degree of price negotiation and selection of the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price than a sole-source or limited competition scenario. The three bids provide a basis for ensuring the government is not overpaying for essential teleradiology services.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System, specifically those served by the FCC Oakdale facility, will benefit from timely and accurate teleradiology interpretations. The services delivered include the interpretation and reading of radiological images, crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. The geographic impact is concentrated in New Jersey, where the FCC Oakdale facility is located. This contract supports the healthcare infrastructure of the Bureau of Prisons, ensuring continuity of care for the inmate population.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased demand on teleradiology services impacting turnaround times if inmate population grows.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical healthcare service necessitates robust performance monitoring.
Ensuring consistent quality of interpretation across different radiologists within the contractor's network.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits financial risk for the government.
Competitive bidding process likely secured a fair market price.
Contract duration provides stability for service provision.
Clear service delivery period (April 2026 - September 2026) allows for focused performance management.

Sector Analysis

Teleradiology falls within the broader healthcare services sector, specifically medical imaging and diagnostic support. The market for teleradiology has grown significantly, driven by the need for specialized expertise, cost-efficiency, and improved access to care, particularly in remote or underserved areas. This contract represents a small but vital component of federal spending on healthcare services for correctional facilities, aiming to ensure inmates receive timely diagnostic interpretations comparable to civilian healthcare standards.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to BCT Partners LLC, without further details on its size, does not provide insight into its small business status or impact. Future analysis could explore subcontracting plans if available.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) contracting officers and program managers. Performance will be monitored against the terms of the firm-fixed-price delivery order, ensuring timely and accurate teleradiology interpretations. The BOP has established procedures for contract oversight and quality assurance to ensure services meet federal healthcare standards. Transparency is maintained through contract award databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Healthcare Services
Bureau of Prisons Medical Support Contracts
Teleradiology Services for Government Facilities
Department of Justice Medical Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption if contractor's IT infrastructure fails.
Ensuring consistent quality of interpretation across all cases.
Data security and patient privacy compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $42,742.68 to BCT PARTNERS LLC. PROVIDE TELERADIOLOGY INTERPRETATION READING FOR FCC OAKDALE FY26 FOR APRIL 2026 - SEPTEMBER 2026. POP 4/1/26 - 3/31/27(OY5)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BCT PARTNERS 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 $42,742.68.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of BCT Partners LLC in providing federal healthcare services, particularly teleradiology?

Information regarding BCT Partners LLC's specific track record in providing federal healthcare services, especially teleradiology, is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into the contractor's past performance with federal agencies, including any previous contracts for medical imaging interpretation or similar services, would be necessary to assess their experience and reliability. Reviewing past performance evaluations, contract completion history, and any reported issues or successes would offer a clearer picture of their capabilities and suitability for this critical role within the Federal Prison System.

How does the per-reading cost compare to industry benchmarks for teleradiology services?

The provided data does not include the number of readings or the specific service volume, making a direct per-reading cost calculation impossible. To benchmark the value, one would need to know the total number of images or studies interpreted under this $427,427.68 contract. Once that volume is known, a per-reading cost could be derived and compared against industry averages for teleradiology services, which can vary significantly based on image modality (X-ray, CT, MRI), complexity, and turnaround time requirements. Without this volume data, assessing the cost-effectiveness on a per-unit basis remains speculative.

What are the primary risks associated with this teleradiology contract for the Federal Prison System?

Key risks for the Federal Prison System include ensuring the quality and timeliness of interpretations, especially given the critical nature of medical diagnoses for inmate health. Potential risks also involve contractor performance issues, such as system downtime or radiologist availability, which could delay patient care. Furthermore, data security and patient privacy (HIPAA compliance) are paramount, and any breaches would have severe consequences. The reliance on a single vendor for this service also presents a risk if the contractor fails to meet contractual obligations or experiences financial instability.

How effective is teleradiology in improving healthcare access and outcomes for inmates compared to traditional in-house radiology services?

Teleradiology can significantly improve healthcare access and potentially outcomes for inmates by overcoming limitations of on-site radiology staffing and equipment availability within correctional facilities. It provides access to a wider pool of specialized radiologists, enabling faster interpretations and diagnoses, which is crucial for timely treatment. This can reduce the need for inmate transfers to external facilities for imaging, saving costs and security risks. However, effectiveness is contingent on reliable IT infrastructure, clear communication protocols, and robust quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of remote interpretations.

What has been the historical spending trend for teleradiology services within the Federal Prison System or Bureau of Prisons?

The provided data snippet does not contain historical spending information for teleradiology services within the Federal Prison System or the Bureau of Prisons. To analyze historical trends, one would need to access and aggregate contract data over multiple fiscal years, identifying all contracts related to teleradiology interpretation. This would allow for an assessment of spending patterns, growth or decline in service utilization, and potential shifts in contracting strategies or vendor relationships over time.

Are there specific performance metrics or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) tied to this contract that ensure quality and timeliness?

The provided data does not explicitly detail the specific performance metrics or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) associated with this delivery order. However, for a firm-fixed-price contract of this nature, it is standard practice for the Bureau of Prisons to include clauses that define expected turnaround times for interpretations, quality standards for diagnostic reports, and potentially uptime requirements for the teleradiology platform. These metrics are crucial for monitoring contractor performance and ensuring that the services provided meet the necessary healthcare standards for the inmate population.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 105 LOCK ST STE 203, NEWARK, NJ, 07103

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,743

Exercised Options: $42,743

Current Obligation: $42,743

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200074W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline