DOJ's $270K medical services contract for Puerto Rico prison faces scrutiny over limited duration and single award

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $270,000 ($270.0K)

Contractor: Comprehensive Human Services Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 89 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: RP #26-0038 COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICES - OUTSIDE MEDICAL CARE B2-60Q FOR THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026.

Place of Performance

Location: GUAYNABO, GUAYNABO County, PUERTO RICO, 00965

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $270,000 to COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN SERVICES CORP for work described as: RP #26-0038 COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICES - OUTSIDE MEDICAL CARE B2-60Q FOR THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026. Key points: 1. The contract's short duration (89 days) raises questions about long-term planning and potential for repeated, smaller procurements. 2. A single award for comprehensive medical services suggests limited competition, potentially impacting price and service innovation. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts risk to the contractor, but the absence of performance metrics is a concern. 4. This contract appears to be a tactical solution for immediate needs rather than a strategic healthcare provision plan. 5. The reliance on a single vendor for essential medical services in a correctional facility presents a potential single point of failure. 6. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult due to the specific nature and short term of this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $270,000 for an 89-day period, averaging approximately $3,034 per day, appears high for basic medical services, especially considering it's for a correctional facility. Without detailed service breakdowns or performance metrics, it's challenging to benchmark against similar contracts. The limited duration and the fact that it's a sole-source award under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) suggest it might be an emergency or gap-filling measure, which can sometimes lead to higher per-diem costs compared to longer-term, competitively bid contracts.

Cost Per Unit: $3,034 per day (estimated average)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, which typically involves simplified procedures and may not always result in the broadest possible competition. The data indicates only one award was made, suggesting that either few entities were solicited, or only one responded effectively. This limited competition raises concerns about whether the Bureau of Prisons received the best possible pricing and service options available in the market. The use of SAP for a service valued at $270,000 warrants further examination to ensure fair and open competition principles were adequately met.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the most competitive pricing achievable through a wider bidding process, potentially leading to overpayment for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Incarcerated individuals within the Federal Prison System in Puerto Rico will receive comprehensive medical services. The contract ensures continuity of care for inmates during the specified performance period. The geographic impact is localized to the specific federal correctional facility in Puerto Rico. The contract supports the operational needs of the Federal Prison System by outsourcing essential medical functions. This contract indirectly impacts the healthcare workforce by engaging a private entity to provide services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of clear performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality and effectiveness of services provided.
The short contract duration raises concerns about sustainability and potential for service disruption if not properly managed.
Limited competition suggests potential for inflated costs and reduced innovation.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical medical services poses a risk if the contractor fails to perform adequately.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to a company with a stated focus on comprehensive human services, suggesting relevant expertise.
The firm-fixed-price structure clearly defines the cost, providing budget certainty for the agency.
The use of SAP, while limiting competition, is intended for efficient procurement of smaller value contracts.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare services sector, particularly within correctional facilities, is a specialized market. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (NAICS 622110) encompass a broad range of services. Contracts for correctional healthcare often involve unique challenges related to security, inmate population management, and specific health needs. Benchmarking this contract against broader hospital spending is less relevant than comparing it to other correctional healthcare contracts. The market size for correctional healthcare services is substantial, driven by government contracts at federal, state, and local levels.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) and set-asides (ss: false) were not factors in this specific contract award. This suggests the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. There is no information available regarding subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem. Therefore, this contract does not appear to directly benefit or involve small businesses in its execution.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures would be dictated by the terms of the Purchase Order, including any clauses related to performance standards, reporting requirements, and remedies for non-performance. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract data, but detailed operational oversight and Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on specific contractual clauses and agency policies regarding contractor performance monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Services
Department of Justice Healthcare Contracts
Correctional Facility Healthcare Provision
Medical Services for Incarcerated Populations

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Short Contract Duration
Lack of Performance Metrics
Potential for High Per-Day Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $270,000 to COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN SERVICES CORP. RP #26-0038 COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICES - OUTSIDE MEDICAL CARE B2-60Q FOR THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN SERVICES CORP.

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 $270,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Comprehensive Human Services Corp in providing medical services to federal correctional facilities?

Information regarding Comprehensive Human Services Corp's specific track record in providing medical services to federal correctional facilities is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history with the Bureau of Prisons or other correctional agencies, and any reported issues or successes. Without this external data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise in this specialized area. Further investigation into their contract portfolio and client feedback would be necessary to establish a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and performance history in similar environments.

How does the daily cost of $3,034 compare to similar medical service contracts within federal prisons?

The estimated daily cost of $3,034 for comprehensive medical services within this federal prison contract appears to be on the higher end when compared to publicly available benchmarks for correctional healthcare. Typical per diem rates for inmate medical care can vary significantly based on the scope of services, location, and contract structure, but often fall within a lower range, especially for contracts that are not highly specialized or emergency-based. The short duration and limited competition of this particular contract may contribute to a higher daily rate. A detailed comparison would require access to specific contract details, service level agreements, and cost breakdowns from comparable federal correctional healthcare contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding a short-term, sole-source contract for essential medical services?

The primary risks associated with awarding a short-term, sole-source contract for essential medical services include potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition, reduced service quality if the contractor is not adequately incentivized or monitored, and a lack of innovation. Short durations can lead to continuity of care issues if follow-on contracts are not secured promptly. Sole-source awards bypass the competitive process, meaning the agency may not be getting the best value or most suitable provider. For essential services like healthcare, this also poses a risk of service disruption if the single provider encounters operational difficulties or decides not to pursue future contracts.

What specific medical services are included under 'Comprehensive Medical Services' in this contract?

The provided data for contract RP #26-0038 only specifies 'COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICES - OUTSIDE MEDICAL CARE B2-60Q' and does not detail the specific services included. 'Comprehensive Medical Services' in a correctional setting typically encompasses a broad range of care, potentially including primary care, emergency medical services, chronic disease management, mental health services, dental care, and specialized medical consultations. However, the term 'OUTSIDE MEDICAL CARE' suggests it might focus on services not available within the facility's internal capabilities, requiring transport or external provider engagement. A precise understanding would necessitate reviewing the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS).

What is the historical spending pattern for medical services at this specific federal prison or within the Federal Prison System?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for medical services at this specific federal prison or within the broader Federal Prison System. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to databases tracking contract awards and expenditures over multiple fiscal years for the Bureau of Prisons. This would allow for the identification of trends, average contract values, typical service providers, and the frequency of contract types (e.g., sole-source vs. competed). Without such historical data, it is impossible to determine if this $270,000 contract represents an increase, decrease, or is consistent with past spending levels for similar services.

Does the 'PURCHASE ORDER' designation imply specific procurement limitations or oversight compared to a standard contract?

Yes, a 'PURCHASE ORDER' (PO) typically implies a simpler procurement instrument compared to a formal contract, often used for smaller value acquisitions or when specific terms and conditions are already established. For the federal government, Purchase Orders are generally used for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), which is $250,000 as of recent regulations, though certain exceptions exist. While SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) were used here, the value is $270,000, which is slightly above the standard SAT. This might indicate the PO was issued under specific exceptions or that the agency is using POs for values slightly exceeding the typical threshold. POs generally have fewer clauses and less formal documentation requirements than larger, more complex contracts, which can streamline the process but may also involve less rigorous oversight and fewer protections.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 18 METRO OFFC PARK CALLE 1 LOTE, GUAYNABO, PR, 00968

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: $270,000

Exercised Options: $270,000

Current Obligation: $270,000

Actual Outlays: $934

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline