DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $1.6M contract for tattoo removal services to Ink Doctors

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $160,000 ($160.0K)

Contractor: INK Doctors, a Medical Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $440/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OPTION YEAR 3 FUNDING TATTOO REMOVAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SACRAMENTO, SACRAMENTO County, CALIFORNIA, 95819

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $160,000 to INK DOCTORS, A MEDICAL CORPORATION for work described as: OPTION YEAR 3 FUNDING TATTOO REMOVAL SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for tattoo removal services, a niche but necessary medical service for correctional facilities. 2. Ink Doctors, a Medical Corporation, is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract duration is one year, with a total value of $1.6 million. 4. The service falls under the 'Offices of Physicians' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.6 million for one year of tattoo removal services appears high when compared to typical medical service contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar services in other correctional systems or private clinics would be necessary for a precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The $1.6 million expenditure represents taxpayer funds allocated to inmate healthcare services, specifically tattoo removal, which has implications for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Public Impact

Provides essential medical services to inmates, potentially aiding in rehabilitation and post-release reintegration. Addresses a specific need within the correctional system, contributing to inmate well-being. The funding supports a specialized medical service, highlighting the diverse healthcare requirements of the federal prison system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition under SAP.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes price reasonableness difficult to assess.
Service is highly specialized, limiting the pool of potential offerors.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific inmate need, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Contract awarded to a single entity, streamlining service delivery.
Clear service period and defined deliverables.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector within federal spending encompasses a wide range of services. Tattoo removal, while specific, falls under the broader category of medical services provided to inmates. Benchmarks for physician services vary widely, but $1.6M for a single year of specialized services warrants scrutiny.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation is not provided in the data. Given the specialized nature of the service, it's possible that larger, specialized medical providers are more likely to compete.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order under an existing agreement, suggesting some level of prior vetting. However, the specific oversight mechanisms for this particular delivery order, especially regarding price justification and service quality, are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

High contract value for a single year of specialized service.
Limited competition procurement method.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for price reasonableness assessment.
Potential for higher per-unit costs due to limited provider pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $160,000 to INK DOCTORS, A MEDICAL CORPORATION. OPTION YEAR 3 FUNDING TATTOO REMOVAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INK DOCTORS, A 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 $160,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the justification for the $1.6 million cost for one year of tattoo removal services, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar correctional healthcare contracts?

The justification for the $1.6 million cost is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. A thorough analysis would require comparing this figure against benchmarks for similar tattoo removal services within correctional facilities or specialized medical contracts. Factors such as the number of inmates served, the complexity of tattoo removal procedures, and the specific geographic location could influence pricing. Without this comparative data, assessing the value for money is challenging.

What are the risks associated with a limited competition procurement for specialized medical services like tattoo removal?

Limited competition, such as procurement under SAP, can increase the risk of paying higher prices than might be achieved through full and open competition. It also limits the government's ability to leverage a wider range of innovative solutions or providers. For specialized medical services, a smaller pool of qualified contractors could lead to less favorable contract terms or potential service disruptions if the sole provider faces issues.

How effective is this contract in meeting the Bureau of Prisons' objectives for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration?

The effectiveness of this contract in meeting rehabilitation and reintegration objectives hinges on the extent to which tattoo removal is prioritized for these goals within the Bureau of Prisons' policies. While removing tattoos can be a significant factor for some individuals seeking employment or social acceptance post-release, the $1.6 million allocation suggests a substantial investment. Measuring effectiveness would require data on the number of inmates receiving services and their subsequent reintegration success rates.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5534 ELVAS AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA, 95819

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $160,000

Exercised Options: $160,000

Current Obligation: $160,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS23D00000045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline