DOJ awards $2.24M for inmate flu vaccines, highlighting pharmaceutical prep manufacturing needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,242 ($2.2K)

Contractor: Sanofi Vaccines US Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-09-15

End Date: 2026-09-15

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FY26 B1 SANOFI FLU INMATE FLU VACCINE MAR 26 CONTRACT 36E79726D0009

Place of Performance

Location: SWIFTWATER, MONROE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18370

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2,241.6 to SANOFI VACCINES US INC. for work described as: FY26 B1 SANOFI FLU INMATE FLU VACCINE MAR 26 CONTRACT 36E79726D0009 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in public health within correctional facilities. 2. Sole supplier identified for this specific vaccine formulation, raising questions about long-term pricing. 3. Fixed-price contract structure offers cost certainty but limits flexibility for unforeseen issues. 4. Delivery order mechanism suggests a need for timely vaccine supply for the upcoming flu season. 5. Focus on pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing indicates a specialized supply chain requirement. 6. Geographic focus on Pennsylvania for this specific award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.24 million for flu vaccines is moderate for a federal procurement. Benchmarking against similar pharmaceutical procurements for correctional systems would be necessary to fully assess value. Given the specialized nature of vaccine manufacturing and distribution, direct price comparisons can be challenging. The firm fixed-price structure provides predictability, but the absence of competitive bidding history for this specific product makes a definitive value-for-money assessment difficult without further market analysis.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the data does not specify the number of bids received or the nature of the competition. A full and open competition is generally preferred as it allows for the widest possible pool of offerors, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The specific details of the bidding process would be crucial to understanding the extent of competition and its impact on the final price.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even if only one bid was ultimately accepted, suggests that the government sought the best possible value. This process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market forces.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive flu vaccinations, contributing to their health and well-being. The services delivered include the provision of flu vaccines, a critical public health measure. The geographic impact is primarily within Pennsylvania, where the vaccines are likely to be administered. The contract supports the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector by providing a guaranteed purchase.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition metrics makes it hard to confirm optimal pricing.
Potential for price increases in future procurements if competition remains limited.
Dependence on a single supplier for this specific vaccine formulation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
Addresses a critical public health need within the federal prison system.

Sector Analysis

The pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing sector is highly regulated and characterized by significant research and development costs, as well as stringent quality control measures. Federal procurements in this area often involve specialized products like vaccines, where supply chain reliability and efficacy are paramount. The market size for federal vaccine procurement is substantial, driven by needs across various agencies, including correctional facilities, military, and public health initiatives. This contract fits within the broader category of healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chain management for government entities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, SANOFI VACCINES US INC., is a large pharmaceutical company. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be indirect, potentially through opportunities for smaller suppliers within Sanofi's broader supply chain, though this is not specified in the contract details.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Prison System (FPS) within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified vaccine quantities by the deadline. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected in the procurement or fulfillment process.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Services
Department of Health and Human Services Vaccine Procurement
Department of Defense Vaccine Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for single-source dependency if competition was limited in practice.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
Geographic concentration may not reflect national inmate population needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2,241.6 to SANOFI VACCINES US INC.. FY26 B1 SANOFI FLU INMATE FLU VACCINE MAR 26 CONTRACT 36E79726D0009

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SANOFI VACCINES US 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 $2,241.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-09-15. End: 2026-09-15.

What is the historical spending pattern for inmate flu vaccines by the Federal Prison System?

Analyzing historical spending for inmate flu vaccines by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is crucial for understanding trends, identifying potential cost efficiencies, and assessing the consistency of supply. Without specific historical data for this contract vehicle, a general approach would involve examining prior contract awards for similar vaccine procurements by the FPS over the last 5-10 fiscal years. This would include looking at the total dollar amounts awarded annually, the number of contracts issued, the primary awardees, and the types of vaccines procured. Trends might reveal increasing or decreasing costs per dose, shifts in awarded contractors, or changes in the volume of vaccines purchased. Such analysis helps contextualize the current $2.24 million award, determining if it represents an increase or decrease in spending and whether it aligns with past procurement volumes and pricing structures. It also aids in identifying any long-term reliance on specific suppliers or potential opportunities for competitive bidding.

How does the price per vaccine dose in this contract compare to market rates or similar federal procurements?

Determining the price per vaccine dose requires dividing the total contract value ($2,241,600) by the number of doses procured. However, the number of doses is not explicitly provided in the data. Assuming this contract is for a specific number of doses, comparing this per-unit cost to market rates or similar federal procurements is essential for assessing value for money. Market rates can be obtained from public health organizations or industry reports. Similar federal procurements might include contracts awarded by other agencies like the CDC or DoD for influenza vaccines, or even previous FPS contracts for the same or comparable vaccines. If the per-dose price is significantly higher than benchmarks, it could indicate limited competition, specialized formulation requirements, or inefficiencies in the procurement process. Conversely, a price within or below market benchmarks would suggest a favorable outcome for the government and taxpayers. Without the exact quantity, a precise per-unit cost cannot be calculated, making this comparison currently impossible.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single supplier for critical vaccine procurement?

Relying on a single supplier for critical vaccine procurement, as may be the case here if SANOFI VACCINES US INC. is the sole manufacturer of this specific formulation, presents several significant risks. Firstly, it creates a lack of price competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government and taxpayers in the current and future procurements. The supplier has considerable leverage, and there is less incentive for them to offer competitive pricing. Secondly, it introduces supply chain vulnerability. Any disruption at the supplier's manufacturing facility, such as production issues, quality control failures, or raw material shortages, could directly impact the availability of the vaccine, jeopardizing public health within the correctional system. Thirdly, it limits the government's flexibility to adopt newer or more effective vaccine technologies if they become available from alternative suppliers. Finally, it can stifle innovation within the broader vaccine market, as potential competitors may be discouraged from entering if established contracts are consistently awarded to a single incumbent.

What is the track record of SANOFI VACCINES US INC. in fulfilling federal vaccine contracts?

Evaluating the track record of SANOFI VACCINES US INC. in fulfilling federal vaccine contracts is vital for assessing the reliability and performance associated with this award. A comprehensive review would involve examining past contracts awarded to Sanofi by various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Department of Health and Human Services. Key performance indicators to consider would include on-time delivery rates, adherence to contract specifications (e.g., vaccine type, dosage, storage requirements), quality control compliance, and any history of contract disputes, terminations, or penalties. Information on past performance can often be found in federal contract databases and through agency performance evaluations. A strong track record of successful contract fulfillment would provide confidence in Sanofi's ability to meet the requirements of this current $2.24 million award for inmate flu vaccines. Conversely, any documented issues would raise concerns about potential risks.

How does the geographic focus on Pennsylvania impact the overall distribution strategy for these vaccines?

The geographic focus on Pennsylvania for this specific delivery order (36E79726D0009) suggests that the vaccines procured under this contract are intended for use within federal correctional facilities located in or primarily serving that state. This localized approach can streamline distribution logistics, potentially reducing transportation costs and ensuring timely delivery to the intended facilities. It allows for a more targeted deployment of resources, aligning vaccine supply with the specific inmate population in Pennsylvania's federal prisons. However, it also implies that separate procurement actions or delivery orders may be necessary for other geographic regions or federal prison systems. This segmented approach might lead to variations in pricing or availability across different states if not managed cohesively. The efficiency of this focused strategy depends on accurate demand forecasting for the Pennsylvania facilities and effective coordination with the receiving institutions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sanofi

Address: 1 DISCOVERY DR, SWIFTWATER, PA, 18370

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: $2,242

Exercised Options: $2,242

Current Obligation: $2,242

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36E79726D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline