AOE Vocational Training Services

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide advanced occupational training to inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, Safford, Arizona, leading to a technical certificate for entry-level employment in specified fields.

• Offer vocational training in Carpentry Technology, General Business Vocational Technology, Personal Trainer, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Vocational Technology.

• Training must be consistent with solicitation requirements, Federal Correctional Institution rules, and applicable laws.

• Contractor must be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or a similar agency.

• Instructors must undergo a security investigation, including fingerprinting and drug testing.

• Provide pre-approved and qualified personnel for instruction.

• Offer instruction in the Education Department or other designated areas.

• Utilize Video Teleconferencing (VTC) for remote instruction during lockdowns or modified operations, but not as the sole method.

• Classes to be held Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

• Specific session hours and inmate capacity detailed for each vocational program.

• Contractor responsible for curriculum, administrative costs, instructor, tuition, and classroom supplies.

• The institution will provide classroom space, computers, books, and software (limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Twenty-four percent (20-40%) of the curriculum must involve hands-on replication of the work environment.

• Develop a written curriculum with measurable behavioral objectives and assessment criteria.

• Include a course on resume development.

• Assist in recruiting employers for a Mock Job Fair.

• Successful completion must qualify inmates for at least entry-level employment.

• Progress reports and semester-end reports required.

• Inform COTR of discrepancies and problem areas.

• Place of Performance: Federal Correctional Institution, Safford, Arizona, 1529 W Highway 366 Safford, AZ 85546.

• Program duration: Within a 1-year period, consisting of at least 4 semesters per year (fall, spring, summer I, summer II).

• Contractor personnel must not be self-employed individuals and must be available to work within the institution.

• Contract must be between the Federal Correctional Institution and an accredited post-secondary institution.

• Program must lead to a college certificate or industry-recognized certificate.

• Contractor personnel must adhere to institution security regulations, including not supervising BOP staff, requisitioning supplies, formulating policy, or attending staff recalls.

• Contractor personnel must wear professional clothing appropriate for the correctional environment.

• Contractor personnel must attend Institution Familiarization Orientation.

• Contractor personnel must not be Government employees.

• If the contract is awarded to an individual, FICA taxes (7.65%) and withholding of taxes are the BOP's responsibility.

Market Research Questionnaire / Sources Sought

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is conducting market research to determine interest and capability for providing AOE Vocational Training Services at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Safford, Arizona. This is a sources sought announcement only, and solicitations are not yet available. The information gathered will help inform the formation and set-aside status of a future solicitation.

• Service: AOE Vocational Training Services
• Location: FCI Safford, 1529 W US Hwy 366, Safford, Arizona 85546
• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Requirements type contract with firm-fixed prices.
• Period of Performance: One (1) base year and four (4) additional twelve-month option years.
• NAICS Code: 611210 (AOE Vocational Training)
• Small Business Size Standard: $32.5 million

This is an existing requirement. The current incumbent is Graham County Community College District DBA: Eastern Arizona College, with a contract that expired on February 3, 2025.

Potential vendors are requested to complete and return a questionnaire by June 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm CT to ldthomas@bop.gov. The questionnaire asks about:

• Business size relative to the NAICS standard.

• Eligibility for small business programs (8(a), WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB).

• Certification to provide services in Arizona.

• Ability to act as Prime Contractor or Subcontractor.

• Experience with landfill operations (if applicable).

• Subcontracting levels and compliance with FAR 52.219-14.

• Ability to provide qualified employees.

• SAM registration status.

• Ability to provide firm-fixed unit pricing for up to five years.

• Availability of services in the commercial marketplace.

• Estimated proposal preparation time.

• Estimated time to begin providing services post-award (considering security clearance).

• Issues with the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• Previous experience providing services in a prison environment.

• Organization type (Non-Profit, Faith-Based, Corporation, LLC).

• Business contact information.

• A draft Statement of Work (SOW) is attached to the questionnaire for review.

• The future solicitation will be distributed solely through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) website. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for all future information, including the solicitation and any amendments.