DOJ's Federal Prison System awards $1.3M contract for medical services at Tucson facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,300,000 ($1.3M)

Contractor: J Allen and Associates of Texas, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR FCC TUCSON FOR FY26, MARCH

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85741

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $1.3 million to J ALLEN AND ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS, LLC for work described as: OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR FCC TUCSON FOR FY26, MARCH Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a one-month specialized medical service delivery. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Short contract duration may indicate a need for interim or specific service coverage. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The contract falls within the General Medical and Surgical Hospitals NAICS code. 6. This award represents a small portion of the Bureau of Prisons' overall healthcare spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.3 million for a one-month period for outside medical services is substantial, averaging approximately $43,333 per day. Benchmarking this against similar short-term, specialized medical service contracts within federal facilities is challenging due to the specific nature of 'outside medical services.' However, the daily rate suggests a high level of specialized care or a significant patient load requiring external support. Without more granular data on the scope of services, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but the fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: $43,333 per day

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 a bid. This method is generally preferred for maximizing competition and achieving the best possible pricing for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of this procurement method suggests that multiple entities likely vied for the contract, fostering price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of potential service providers, ensuring the government receives value for its expenditure.

Public Impact

Inmates at the FCC Tucson facility will receive necessary medical services not provided internally. The contract ensures continuity of care for federal prisoners requiring specialized medical attention. The primary beneficiaries are the incarcerated individuals needing medical treatment. The geographic impact is localized to the FCC Tucson facility in Arizona. This contract supports the operational capacity of the Federal Prison System to manage inmate health.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'outside medical services' are not clearly defined.
Reliance on external providers could introduce logistical challenges in coordination of care.
The short duration might indicate a recurring need, potentially leading to repeated competitive processes.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract award ensures timely access to necessary medical services for inmates.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the healthcare services sector, specifically focusing on medical services for correctional facilities. The General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (NAICS 622110) code indicates a broad category, but the 'outside medical services' nature suggests specialized external support rather than a full hospital operation. Spending in this area is driven by the federal government's responsibility for inmate healthcare, which can fluctuate based on facility needs and the availability of in-house medical staff. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more detail on the specific services rendered.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses participated in the bidding process. However, without specific information on set-asides, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons (BOP) contracting and program management officials. The BOP has established procedures for contract monitoring and performance evaluation. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Contracts
Department of Justice Medical Services
Inmate Healthcare Services
Correctional Facility Support Services

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate an ongoing or recurring need.
Scope of 'outside medical services' is not fully detailed, posing potential for ambiguity.
Limited performance history context for the contractor provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $1.3 million to J ALLEN AND ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS, LLC. OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR FCC TUCSON FOR FY26, MARCH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is J ALLEN AND ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS, 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 $1.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the specific scope of 'OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES' covered by this contract?

The provided data abbreviates the description to 'OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR FCC TUCSON FOR FY26, MARCH.' This suggests services that are not performed within the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Tucson's own medical facilities. These could range from specialized surgeries, diagnostic imaging (like MRIs or CT scans), consultations with specialists not available on-site, or emergency care requiring transfer to an external hospital. The exact nature and extent of these services are critical for a full understanding of the contract's value and necessity. Without a detailed statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain if the $1.3 million is justified for the specific medical needs addressed.

How does the daily rate of approximately $43,333 compare to market rates for similar specialized medical services?

Benchmarking the daily rate of approximately $43,333 for 'outside medical services' is challenging without a precise definition of those services. If these services include complex surgical procedures, intensive care unit stays, or extensive diagnostic workups requiring external facilities and specialized personnel, the rate might be within a reasonable range, especially considering the premium often associated with government contracts and the urgency that might be involved in inmate healthcare. However, if the services are more routine consultations or less complex procedures, this daily rate could be considered high. A comparative analysis would require data on similar contracts for specialized medical services provided to correctional populations or other government entities, factoring in location, service type, and patient volume.

What is the track record of J ALLEN AND ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS, LLC in providing federal medical services?

Information regarding the specific track record of J ALLEN AND ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS, LLC in providing federal medical services is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would typically review their contract history within the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or other government databases. This would include examining previous awards, contract values, durations, and any performance evaluations or past performance questionnaires. A history of successful, timely, and compliant service delivery would indicate a lower risk, while a record of disputes, terminations, or poor performance would raise concerns about their capability to fulfill this current contract effectively.

What are the potential risks associated with a short, one-month contract for medical services?

A short, one-month contract duration for medical services, like this one, can present several risks. Firstly, it may indicate a temporary gap in internal services or an urgent, unforeseen need, which could imply underlying systemic issues within the facility's medical infrastructure or staffing. Secondly, it necessitates a rapid procurement and onboarding process, potentially increasing the risk of overlooking critical vetting or performance details. Thirdly, if this is a recurring need, the constant cycle of short-term contracts can be inefficient and may not foster long-term relationships that could lead to better service integration and potentially lower costs over time. Finally, it might limit the contractor's ability to invest in specialized equipment or staff training if they perceive the engagement as transient.

How does this contract fit into the broader spending patterns for inmate healthcare within the Bureau of Prisons?

This $1.3 million contract for one month of outside medical services represents a specific expenditure within the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) overall healthcare budget. The BOP is responsible for the health and medical care of a large federal inmate population, which entails significant spending on pharmaceuticals, medical staff, equipment, and facility maintenance. Contracts for 'outside medical services' are typically used to supplement internal capabilities, address specialized needs, or manage fluctuations in demand. While this single award is a modest sum in the context of the BOP's total healthcare spending, it highlights the reliance on external providers for certain medical requirements. Analyzing historical spending on similar external medical service contracts would provide better context on the frequency and scale of such procurements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 15 MARYS CREEK LN, FRIENDSWOOD, TX, 77546

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,300,000

Exercised Options: $1,300,000

Current Obligation: $1,300,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BFA022D00000022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline