DOJ's $1.06M MRI Truck Purchase for Federal Prisons: A Short-Term Solution with Potential Value Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,575 ($10.6K)

Contractor: Mansa Medical LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-02-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $392/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FY26 B1 MANSA MRI TRUCK FEB 26

Place of Performance

Location: INEZ, MARTIN County, KENTUCKY, 41224

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $10,575 to MANSA MEDICAL LLC for work described as: FY26 B1 MANSA MRI TRUCK FEB 26 Key points: 1. The contract's short duration and specific use case suggest a potential need for specialized equipment rather than a long-term investment. 2. The single award under simplified acquisition procedures may limit competitive pricing and offer less transparency. 3. While the price is fixed, the lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money. 4. The contract is positioned within the diagnostic imaging sector, serving a critical but niche need for the Bureau of Prisons. 5. The limited scope and value indicate a low-risk profile for the government, but also potentially missed opportunities for broader cost savings.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $1.06 million price tag for a 27-day MRI truck rental appears high when considering the short-term nature of the service. Without comparable rental agreements or detailed service breakdowns, it's challenging to benchmark the value effectively. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the absence of performance metrics makes it difficult to ascertain if the government is receiving optimal value for the expenditure. Further analysis would require understanding the specific medical needs and the availability of alternative solutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves fewer bidders and less formal solicitation processes than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP awards often indicate a limited competition environment. This can sometimes lead to higher prices due to reduced market pressure, though it can also expedite the acquisition process for smaller value contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader solicitation process.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will benefit from access to diagnostic imaging services. The contract delivers specialized medical services, specifically MRI scans, to support inmate healthcare. The geographic impact is limited to Kentucky, where the service will be deployed. The contract supports healthcare professionals and technicians involved in operating the MRI truck and interpreting results.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for overpayment given the short-term rental nature and lack of detailed performance metrics.
Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully competed contract.
Lack of transparency regarding the specific medical necessity and alternative solutions considered.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Addresses a specific, immediate need for diagnostic imaging within the Federal Prison System.
Acquisition was conducted under procedures designed for efficiency in simplified acquisition.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically the sub-sector of diagnostic imaging services. The market for mobile diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI, serves niche needs for healthcare providers, including government facilities that may require temporary or specialized capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more data on rental duration, service scope, and regional market rates for such mobile units.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor is there an indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to MANSA MEDICAL LLC, a single entity, suggests that small business participation was not a primary consideration in this specific procurement, potentially limiting the reach of benefits within the small business ecosystem for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons contracting and program management offices. As a purchase order under simplified acquisition, the level of formal oversight might be less intensive than for larger, more complex contracts. Transparency is limited by the nature of SAP, and there is no specific mention of an Inspector General's active review for this particular award.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Medical Services
Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Contracts
Diagnostic Imaging Services Contracts
Mobile Medical Unit Procurements

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
High Perceived Unit Cost (Short-Term Rental)
Lack of Detailed Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $10,575 to MANSA MEDICAL LLC. FY26 B1 MANSA MRI TRUCK FEB 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANSA MEDICAL 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 $10,575.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What is MANSA MEDICAL LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly for mobile MRI services?

Information regarding MANSA MEDICAL LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for mobile MRI services, is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or other contract databases would be necessary to ascertain their history, past performance ratings, and any previous awards related to mobile diagnostic imaging. Understanding their experience with similar government procurements, including contract values, durations, and agencies served, would provide crucial context for assessing their capability and reliability in fulfilling this DOJ contract.

How does the $1.06 million price for a 27-day MRI truck rental compare to market rates for similar services?

The provided data does not include sufficient detail to benchmark the $1.06 million price against market rates for a 27-day MRI truck rental. Key missing information includes the specific type of MRI equipment, the number of scans included or expected, the geographic location's cost of living and service availability, and any additional services bundled with the rental (e.g., staffing, maintenance, image interpretation). Generally, daily rental rates for specialized medical equipment like MRI trucks can vary significantly. Without comparable contract data or industry surveys, it is difficult to definitively state whether this price represents good or poor value for money. However, the short duration suggests a high daily cost, warranting further investigation into the necessity and alternatives.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns if the service is not efficiently utilized, the risk of equipment malfunction leading to service disruption, and the possibility that the chosen vendor may not meet performance expectations despite the fixed-price nature. Given the short duration and limited competition, there's also a risk that the government did not secure the most cost-effective solution. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded in the contract terms, such as the firm fixed-price structure which caps the government's financial exposure. However, specific performance standards, service level agreements, and contingency plans for equipment failure are not detailed in the provided summary, making a full risk assessment challenging.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in improving healthcare access for inmates in Kentucky?

The effectiveness of this contract in improving healthcare access for inmates in Kentucky hinges on several factors not fully detailed in the provided data. Assuming the MRI truck provides a necessary diagnostic capability that was previously unavailable or significantly delayed, its deployment should enhance timely access to crucial medical information for inmate care. The effectiveness will be measured by the number of inmates served, the diagnostic accuracy of the scans performed, and the subsequent impact on treatment plans and health outcomes. If this mobile unit addresses a critical gap in services, its short-term deployment could be highly effective in managing specific health conditions within the inmate population during its operational period.

How does this $1.06M expenditure compare to historical spending on similar mobile MRI services by the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies?

Without access to historical spending data specifically for mobile MRI services by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) or other federal agencies, it is impossible to provide a direct comparison for this $1.06 million contract. Federal spending on healthcare services, including specialized diagnostics, can fluctuate based on agency needs, budget allocations, and the availability of fixed facility resources. Mobile units are often procured for specific, time-limited needs or to supplement existing capabilities. A comprehensive analysis would require querying databases like FPDS for similar contract actions over several fiscal years to identify trends, average costs, and typical contract durations for mobile MRI rentals or services.

What specific medical conditions or needs necessitate the use of a mobile MRI truck for this contract duration?

The provided data does not specify the exact medical conditions or needs driving the requirement for a mobile MRI truck. However, mobile MRI units are typically deployed to address situations where fixed MRI facilities are unavailable, inaccessible, or overloaded. This could include situations requiring rapid diagnostic imaging for trauma, neurological conditions, orthopedic injuries, or other acute medical issues within correctional facilities. The 27-day duration suggests a targeted intervention, possibly to clear a backlog of diagnostic requests, address a temporary equipment outage at a nearby facility, or provide specialized imaging for a specific cohort of inmates during a defined period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories › Diagnostic Imaging Centers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11699 BROOKPARK RD STE 200, PARMA, OH, 44130

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hospital, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,575

Exercised Options: $10,575

Current Obligation: $10,575

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline