DOJ's $288K emergency medical services contract for W.V.U. Medical Corp. raises value questions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,873 ($28.9K)

Contractor: West Virginia University Medical Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-31

End Date: 2026-01-31

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OUTSIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES UHA JANUARY FY26 FIRST MED TRIP 1-1-26

Place of Performance

Location: MORGANTOWN, MONONGALIA County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26508

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28,873 to WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CORPORATION for work described as: OUTSIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES UHA JANUARY FY26 FIRST MED TRIP 1-1-26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded without competition, limiting price discovery and potentially increasing costs. 2. Sole-source award for emergency medical services suggests a lack of readily available alternatives or a critical need. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition hinders benchmarking. 4. Performance period is short, indicating a potential for re-competition or a temporary solution. 5. Geographic focus on West Virginia suggests a localized need for these services. 6. The contract's value is relatively small, but the lack of competition is a recurring concern in federal procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $288,730 for emergency medical services is not inherently high, but the absence of competition makes a robust value assessment difficult. Without comparative bids or market analysis, it's challenging to determine if this price represents fair market value. The sole-source nature means the government did not explore potentially more cost-effective options or negotiate based on competitive pressures. This lack of benchmarking is a primary concern for value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning the Department of Justice did not solicit bids from multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required service, or in urgent situations. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity to compare pricing or service offerings from different providers, potentially leading to a higher price than if the contract had been competed. The government's justification for this sole-source award would be critical to understanding the necessity of this approach.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit the government's ability to secure the best possible price for taxpayers. Without competitive pressure, the awarded price may not reflect the most economical option available in the market.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System in West Virginia will benefit from access to emergency medical services. The contract ensures the provision of essential medical transport and treatment for federal inmates. Services are geographically focused within West Virginia, directly impacting the health and safety of the local federal inmate population. The contract supports the operational capacity of the Federal Prison System by ensuring critical healthcare support is available.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and missed opportunities for better value.
Sole-source awards can set precedents that reduce future competitive opportunities.
The emergency nature of the award may have bypassed standard due diligence on pricing.
Limited transparency into the justification for sole-source procurement.

Positive Signals

Ensures critical emergency medical services are available to a vulnerable population.
The fixed-price contract provides a degree of budget certainty for the awarded amount.
The contractor, West Virginia University Medical Corporation, is likely an established healthcare provider in the region.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare services sector, particularly emergency medical services, is critical for government operations, especially within correctional facilities. Federal spending in this area often involves complex contracting due to specialized needs and regulatory requirements. While this specific contract is for a relatively modest sum, the broader federal market for healthcare services is substantial, encompassing a wide range of providers from large hospital systems to specialized medical transport companies. Benchmarking this contract against similar sole-source emergency medical service contracts for federal facilities would be necessary for a comprehensive value assessment.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to West Virginia University Medical Corporation, a large healthcare institution, suggests the primary focus was on securing specialized medical services rather than promoting small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to confirm if any small business subcontracting plans were mandated or voluntarily proposed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures would include performance monitoring to ensure the quality and timeliness of emergency medical services provided. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award; the justification for this procurement method would be a key document for oversight. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Healthcare Contracts
Emergency Medical Services Contracts
Department of Justice Purchase Orders
Sole-Source Healthcare Procurements

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Potential for non-competitive pricing.
Limited transparency in procurement process.
No clear indication of performance benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28,873 to WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CORPORATION. OUTSIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES UHA JANUARY FY26 FIRST MED TRIP 1-1-26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CORPORATION.

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 $28,873.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of West Virginia University Medical Corporation in providing services to federal agencies?

Information regarding West Virginia University Medical Corporation's specific track record with federal agencies, particularly the Department of Justice or the Bureau of Prisons, is not readily available in the provided data. As a large medical institution, it likely has experience with various healthcare contracts, but its history with federal government procurement would require a deeper dive into federal contract databases and performance reports. Assessing past performance, including any issues with delivery, quality, or compliance, is crucial for understanding the reliability of this contractor for critical services like emergency medical care.

How does the $288,730 contract value compare to similar emergency medical service contracts for federal correctional facilities?

Without access to a database of comparable federal emergency medical service contracts, particularly those awarded on a sole-source basis to correctional facilities, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $288,730 for a one-year period of emergency medical services suggests a localized or specific need rather than a comprehensive healthcare provision contract for an entire facility. Typically, larger facilities or those with more extensive medical requirements would command higher contract values. The absence of competition makes it challenging to ascertain if this price is competitive, even within a narrow comparison group.

What are the specific risks associated with awarding emergency medical services on a sole-source basis?

The primary risk associated with sole-source awards for emergency medical services is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive bidding. This can lead to reduced value for taxpayer money. Another significant risk is the potential for substandard service quality if the contractor is not incentivized by competition to maintain high standards. Furthermore, sole-source awards can limit innovation and the adoption of more efficient or cost-effective medical technologies or practices that might be introduced by competing vendors. Finally, it raises concerns about transparency and fairness in the procurement process.

What is the expected effectiveness of these emergency medical services in meeting the needs of federal inmates?

The effectiveness of these emergency medical services hinges on the contractor's ability to provide timely, appropriate, and high-quality care as outlined in the contract's statement of work. Given that it's an 'OUTSIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES' contract, it likely supplements existing on-site medical capabilities within the correctional facility, focusing on transport and advanced care for critical situations. The effectiveness will depend on the responsiveness of the medical corporation, the skill of their personnel, and their coordination with facility staff. The short duration and specific nature suggest it's intended to fill a defined gap in care.

What are the historical spending patterns for emergency medical services by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for emergency medical services by the Federal Prison System (FPS) are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is reasonable to assume that the FPS, like other correctional systems, requires such services to supplement its internal medical capabilities, especially for inmate transfers to external facilities or for specialized emergency care. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on inmate population health needs, the availability of internal medical resources, and the geographic distribution of facilities. Analyzing past contracts, including their value, duration, and competition levels, would reveal trends in FPS's approach to securing these vital services.

Are there any specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided data does not specify the performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) for this contract. Typically, contracts for emergency medical services would include detailed requirements regarding response times, patient care standards, reporting procedures, and personnel qualifications. The effectiveness and value of the contract are directly tied to the rigor of these performance standards and the government's ability to monitor and enforce them. Without this information, it's difficult to fully assess the expected outcomes and the contractor's accountability.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 255 SCOTT AVE, MORGANTOWN, WV, 26508

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,034

Exercised Options: $29,034

Current Obligation: $28,873

Actual Outlays: $19,518

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline