DOJ's $1.1M contract for air transport services awarded to Inflight Medical Services International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $110,993 ($111.0K)

Contractor: Inflight Medical Services International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-03

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 03/25/2026 TRM (X5) BUTNER TRANS - INFLIGHT

Place of Performance

Location: ANDOVER, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01810

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $110,993 to INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: FY26 03/25/2026 TRM (X5) BUTNER TRANS - INFLIGHT Key points: 1. The contract value of $1.1 million for a single delivery order appears reasonable for specialized air transport. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The contract duration is very short, indicating a specific, immediate need. 5. The service category, nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, is critical for specific operational requirements. 6. The award to a single vendor via a delivery order suggests a focused procurement strategy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.1 million for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation is within a typical range for such specialized services, especially when considering the potential need for medical transport. Benchmarking against similar contracts for emergency or specialized medical flights would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is advantageous for cost control. Without specific details on the flight scope (e.g., distance, number of passengers, medical support required), a definitive value-for-money judgment is challenging, but the initial figures do not raise immediate red flags.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, leading to potentially better pricing and service offerings. The data indicates two bids were received, which is a moderate level of competition. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, two bids suggest that the market for this specialized service is not overly constrained.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition, even with two bidders, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through market forces. This process helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for the required services.

Public Impact

This contract directly supports the Federal Prison System's operational needs, likely for patient transport or other critical personnel movement. Beneficiaries include inmates requiring specialized medical care or individuals needing secure, scheduled transport for official government business. The service ensures continuity of care and operational efficiency for the Bureau of Prisons. Geographic impact is likely localized to the areas requiring the specific air transport services, potentially across state lines for medical transfers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders) could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than a more robust bidding environment.
The short duration of the contract may indicate a reactive procurement, potentially leading to higher costs for immediate needs.
Lack of detailed service scope in the provided data makes a comprehensive value assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type effectively caps government liability and encourages contractor efficiency.
Full and open competition, even with limited bidders, adheres to best practices for government procurement.
The award is to a single vendor for a specific delivery order, indicating a clear and defined requirement.

Sector Analysis

The nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation sector is a niche market serving specialized government and private needs. This contract falls within the broader transportation services industry, which is characterized by high operational costs, stringent safety regulations, and the need for specialized equipment and personnel. The market size for government-specific air charter services is significant, driven by agencies requiring flexible, on-demand transport for various missions, including law enforcement, medical evacuation, and personnel deployment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing per-flight-hour costs or per-mile rates for similar aircraft and service levels.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information available regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, as it was competed broadly and not specifically targeted towards small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of services as specified. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases where award details are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected related to the contract's execution or award.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Bureau of Prisons
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Safety Regulations
General Services Administration (GSA) - Federal Supply Schedule (if applicable)
Department of Defense - Air Transport Services
Department of Homeland Security - Air Support

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Short Contract Duration
Lack of Detailed Service Scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $110,993 to INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. FY26 03/25/2026 TRM (X5) BUTNER TRANS - INFLIGHT

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 $110,993.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-03.

What is the specific mission or operational requirement driving the need for this nonscheduled chartered air transport service?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation' (ND: 481211) awarded to 'INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.' under the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System. While the exact mission is not detailed, this service category typically supports critical, time-sensitive needs such as medical evacuations of inmates, transport of specialized personnel, or movement of sensitive assets where standard commercial air travel is not feasible or appropriate. The short duration (delivery order ending the same day it starts) suggests a highly specific, immediate operational requirement, possibly a single critical transport mission.

How does the $1.1 million contract value compare to typical market rates for similar air charter services, particularly those involving medical support?

The $1.1 million contract value for a single delivery order of nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation is substantial. Without specific details on flight duration, distance, aircraft type, and the level of medical support (if any), a precise market comparison is difficult. However, specialized medical air transport, especially involving secure or long-distance flights, can command high prices due to the need for equipped aircraft, medical personnel, and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards. If this represents a single, complex medical evacuation or transport mission, the cost might be justifiable. Further analysis would require benchmarking against industry rates for similar mission profiles.

What is the track record of INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. in performing similar government contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of INFLIGHT MEDICAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for government contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance history, including any previous awards from the Department of Justice or other federal agencies, client feedback, and any documented instances of performance issues or successes. Federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be the primary sources for evaluating their reliability and capability in delivering similar air transport services.

Given the firm-fixed-price contract type, what are the potential risks and benefits for the government and the contractor?

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type offers significant benefits to the government by establishing a ceiling on costs, thereby mitigating the risk of cost overruns. The contractor assumes most of the risk, as they are obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of unforeseen expenses. For the contractor, the primary benefit is the potential for higher profit margins if they can manage costs effectively. However, the risk for the contractor is substantial; if costs exceed the fixed price, their profit diminishes, or they could incur a loss. This contract type incentivizes the contractor to be highly efficient and cost-conscious.

What does the level of competition (2 bidders) imply about the market for specialized air transport services for the Federal Prison System?

The fact that only two bids were received under a full and open competition for this nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation contract suggests a potentially limited or specialized market. This could be due to several factors: the niche nature of the service required (e.g., specific aircraft capabilities, medical support), the geographic area served, or the short notice of the requirement. While two bidders indicate some level of competition, it is less than ideal compared to a scenario with numerous offers. This limited competition might mean that pricing is not as aggressively driven down as it could be in a more crowded market, potentially impacting the overall value for taxpayers.

What are the historical spending patterns for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the Federal Prison System or the Department of Justice?

Historical spending data for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation by the Federal Prison System (FPS) or the broader Department of Justice (DOJ) is not provided in the current data. To analyze historical patterns, one would need to examine contract awards over several fiscal years for similar services (NAICS code 481211). This analysis would reveal trends in spending volume, average contract values, primary contractors, and the frequency of such awards. Understanding these patterns is crucial for assessing whether the current $1.1 million award is an anomaly, an increase, or consistent with past procurement activities for these essential, albeit specialized, transportation services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

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: $110,993

Exercised Options: $110,993

Current Obligation: $110,993

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QMCB23D0009

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline