Department of Justice Awarded a Contract to THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT FORT WORTH for $81,989,926.61

Summary of Award

The contract in question is an Indefinite Delivery/Requirements (IDR) agreement between the United States federal government and The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) through its Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons, the contract is designated under the award identification number 15B50921D00000001. Signed on April 6, 2021, this agreement underscores a significant commitment to provide comprehensive medical services specifically for FMC Fort Worth, a facility within the Federal Prison System.

Key Features and Scope of the Contract:

This IDR contract is characterized by its flexibility and open-ended nature, allowing for orders to be issued continuously as needed without a predetermined quantity. Such contracts are particularly beneficial in dynamic service sectors like medical care, where requirements can fluctuate. The contract is projected to run from May 1, 2021, until October 31, 2026, with a total potential value of $81,989,926.61, should all options be exercised. Recipient Details: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, a major higher education and government-affiliated entity, is the contract's designated recipient. Situated at 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas, the institution’s involvement highlights its robust capabilities in providing medical and educational services. As a recognized educational institution under the U.S. National Government framework, it operates within multiple categories such as higher education and is not designated as a small business. The center likely provides a range of medical services, aligning with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 622110, which pertains to general medical and surgical hospitals. This code further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of services tailored for general and surgical medical care, necessary for maintaining health protocols in a federal correctional setting. Award and Transaction Details: Despite the sizeable potential value, the contract currently exhibits a total obligation of $0, with all relevant transactions related to the award amounting to $0 as well. This unusual financial pattern likely indicates that while orders can be placed as needed, specific transactions or services within the scope of this contract have yet to accrue billable amounts at this reporting stage, or they might be structured differently regarding funding allocations. Over the term of the contract, there have been six notable modifications (Mods) or administrative changes, identified as P00007 to P00003, with each mod representing updates or minor adjustments to the overall agreement. An initial base '0' modification signifies the original contract formation. The solicitation protocol identified employs a "Negotiated Proposal/Quote" process, marked by full and open competition. With five offers evaluated, the process underscores an inclusive and competitive environment ensuring the best value and quality for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Contract and Transaction Dynamics: Fundamentally, the contract employs a “Firm Fixed Price” model under the product/service code Q999 “Medical-Other,” allowing for stable and predictable pricing throughout its duration. This approach reduces financial uncertainty for the awarding agency by predetermining costs irrespective of the specifics encountered in service delivery. Given the public nature of such contracts, no noteworthy procurement exceptions are detailed, such as preferential biases or restrictive set-asides. This suggests an equitable landscape based on criteria unrelated to seller size or minority status. Furthermore, the absence of foreign funding, DOD-specific acquisition programs, or a consolidated contract framework points towards a domestically focused initiative, squarely aligned with public health and safety at the federal level. Future Outlook: As this contract progresses toward its future milestones, the practical expression of medical services provided will be crucial, especially as FMC Fort Worth addresses evolving healthcare needs within the correctional system context. The facility's reliance on comprehensive external medical service support reflects the growing trend of partnering with educational and research institutions, leveraging their expertise in healthcare and innovation. In conclusion, while the contract and its transactions currently report no financial obligation, they illustrate a potential for substantial service engagement in support of federal health requirements. This reflects the ongoing and adaptable nature of federal contracts in addressing diverse needs through specialized institutional partners.