DOJ awards $8.4M contract for influenza vaccines to Sanofi, ensuring inmate health for 2026-2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,406 ($8.4K)

Contractor: Sanofi Vaccines US Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SANOFI INFLUENZA VACCINE FOR INMATES 2026-2027 RP#: 0268-26 CUSTOMER ACCOUNT #: 74166814 MANDATORY NATIONAL CONTRACT AWARD#: 36E79726D0009

Place of Performance

Location: SWIFTWATER, MONROE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18370

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $8,406 to SANOFI VACCINES US INC. for work described as: SANOFI INFLUENZA VACCINE FOR INMATES 2026-2027 RP#: 0268-26 CUSTOMER ACCOUNT #: 74166814 MANDATORY NATIONAL CONTRACT AWARD#: 36E79726D0009 Key points: 1. The contract value of $8.4 million for a one-year supply of influenza vaccines represents a significant investment in public health within correctional facilities. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust market for vaccine suppliers and potentially favorable pricing for the government. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the Federal Prison System. 4. This award falls under the Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing sector, highlighting the government's reliance on specialized industries for essential supplies. 5. The contract duration of 364 days aligns with typical annual vaccination cycles. 6. The absence of small business set-asides indicates that the procurement was not specifically targeted to encourage small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.4 million for influenza vaccines appears reasonable given the scale of the Federal Prison System. Benchmarking against similar large-scale vaccine procurements for institutional settings would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. Without specific per-unit pricing data or comparison to commercial market rates for bulk institutional purchases, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a fair price was likely achieved.

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, encouraging multiple bidders to vie for the contract. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests that the Federal Prison System sought to maximize its options and secure the best possible terms and pricing for the influenza vaccine supply.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified vendors, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Inmates within the Federal Prison System will receive essential influenza vaccinations, contributing to their health and well-being. The contract ensures the availability of a critical public health service within correctional facilities across the nation. This procurement supports the operational continuity of the Federal Prison System by mitigating the impact of seasonal influenza outbreaks on inmate populations and staff. The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector benefits from this government contract, supporting jobs and innovation in vaccine production.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific per-unit cost data makes it difficult to definitively assess if the price is competitive with commercial bulk purchases.
Transparency regarding the number of bidders and evaluation criteria could enhance confidence in the procurement process.
Potential for future price increases in subsequent contract periods if competition diminishes.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and mitigates risk for the government.
Ensures a critical public health service for a vulnerable population within federal correctional facilities.
Contract duration aligns with standard annual vaccination cycles.

Sector Analysis

The pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing sector is a critical component of the healthcare industry, responsible for producing a wide range of medications and vaccines. Government procurements, particularly for public health initiatives like inmate vaccination programs, represent a significant market segment. This contract for influenza vaccines fits within the broader landscape of federal health spending, which often relies on large pharmaceutical companies to meet the needs of federal agencies and populations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale vaccine procurements by agencies like the Department of Defense or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss': false. This suggests that the procurement was not specifically structured to prioritize or reserve a portion of the work for small businesses. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Sanofi Vaccines US Inc. engages small businesses as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities and their potential impact on small businesses within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Prison System, under the Department of Justice, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms likely include contract performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and financial audits to ensure compliance with the firm-fixed-price terms and delivery schedules. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance requirements and the potential for penalties or remedies in case of non-compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific details of the evaluation process may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Healthcare Services
Department of Justice Pharmaceutical Procurement
National Vaccine Programs
Public Health Services for Incarcerated Individuals

Risk Flags

Potential supply chain disruption risk due to single award.
Need for detailed per-unit cost analysis to confirm value for money.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for a critical health commodity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $8,406 to SANOFI VACCINES US INC.. SANOFI INFLUENZA VACCINE FOR INMATES 2026-2027 RP#: 0268-26 CUSTOMER ACCOUNT #: 74166814 MANDATORY NATIONAL CONTRACT AWARD#: 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 $8,406.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

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

Historical spending data for influenza vaccines by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is crucial for understanding trends, identifying potential price fluctuations, and assessing the long-term value of this contract. While the current award is for $8.4 million for the 2026-2027 period, examining previous years' expenditures would reveal if this amount represents an increase, decrease, or stable spending. For instance, if FPS spent significantly less in prior years for a similar quantity and quality of vaccines, it might warrant further investigation into the current pricing. Conversely, if spending has been consistently around this figure, it suggests a stable market and predictable demand. Analyzing historical data also helps in identifying the number of vendors previously used and the competitive landscape at that time. Without access to specific historical FPS vaccine procurement data, it is difficult to provide a precise analysis, but such information is vital for comprehensive federal spending analysis.

How does the per-unit cost of these Sanofi influenza vaccines compare to commercial bulk purchase rates?

Comparing the per-unit cost of Sanofi influenza vaccines under this federal contract to commercial bulk purchase rates is essential for determining value for money. The contract value of $8.4 million for an unspecified number of doses makes direct per-unit calculation impossible without further information. However, if the Federal Prison System procured, for example, 1 million doses, the per-unit cost would be $8.40. This figure then needs to be benchmarked against publicly available pricing for bulk influenza vaccine purchases by large healthcare providers or distributors. Factors such as the specific vaccine formulation (e.g., quadrivalent, high-dose), delivery method, and contractual terms (e.g., payment schedules, minimum order quantities) can influence these comparisons. If the federal contract price is significantly higher than comparable commercial bulk rates, it could indicate a lack of aggressive negotiation or a less competitive bidding process than anticipated, despite the 'full and open competition' designation.

What is Sanofi Vaccines US Inc.'s track record with federal government vaccine contracts?

Sanofi Vaccines US Inc. has a significant track record of supplying vaccines to the U.S. federal government, including contracts with agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Their experience often includes providing seasonal influenza vaccines, as well as other critical immunizations. Examining past performance on similar contracts can reveal their reliability in terms of delivery, product quality, and adherence to contractual obligations. Positive past performance generally suggests a lower risk for future contracts. Conversely, any history of delivery delays, product recalls, or disputes with federal agencies would be a concern. A review of federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would provide specific details on the value, duration, and performance history of Sanofi's previous federal vaccine awards.

What are the potential risks associated with a single-award contract for a critical public health supply like influenza vaccines?

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition, it is a single award to Sanofi Vaccines US Inc. The primary risk associated with a single-award contract for a critical public health supply like influenza vaccines is supply chain vulnerability. If Sanofi encounters unforeseen production issues, raw material shortages, or distribution disruptions, the Federal Prison System could face a shortage of essential vaccines. This could lead to increased illness among inmates and staff, potentially straining healthcare resources within facilities and impacting operational stability. Furthermore, a single award might reduce the government's leverage in future negotiations if competition is less robust in subsequent procurement cycles. Mitigating these risks often involves robust contract management, including contingency planning, clear performance standards, and potentially requiring suppliers to maintain certain inventory levels or have backup production plans.

How does this contract align with broader federal strategies for public health in correctional facilities?

This contract directly aligns with broader federal strategies aimed at improving public health outcomes within correctional facilities. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP), as part of the Department of Justice, has a mandate to provide adequate medical care to federal inmates, which includes preventative measures like annual influenza vaccination. Ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of vaccines supports the BOP's public health mission by reducing the incidence and spread of influenza, a highly contagious respiratory illness that can disproportionately affect congregate settings like prisons. This procurement also reflects the federal government's commitment to addressing health disparities, as incarcerated populations often face greater health challenges. By securing vaccines through a competitive process, the government aims to fulfill this obligation efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall health and safety of both inmates and the staff who work within these facilities.

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: $8,406

Exercised Options: $8,406

Current Obligation: $8,406

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36E79726D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline