PREA Auditing Service - RFI

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by potential bidders and the government's responses, clarifying aspects of the associated Statement of Work (SOW) for an opportunity related to the PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) program.

• Service Capability: Bidders are asked to confirm their ability to perform the SOW services and if they can do so immediately upon the contract start date.
• Personnel Qualifications: The government seeks details on companies' experience providing qualified personnel with relevant audit, inspection, compliance, investigative, detention, correctional, or monitoring experience.
• Operational Capability: Questions address the capability to support multiple locations and travel requirements within the same week, as well as the ability to complete and oversee multiple audit reports and corrective action plans concurrently with travel demands.
• Information Handling: Bidders must describe their experience handling sensitive government information and records.
• Relevant Experience: The government is inquiring about experience supporting DHS, DOJ, or other federal law enforcement, custodial, or compliance-related environments.
• SOW Clarity & Feedback: Bidders are asked if the SOW is clear and understandable and if they have any recommendations or feedback regarding the requirement.
• Project Management & Inspections: Specific experience is sought in full-time project management of federal, state, or local detention/correctional inspection programs, performing annual inspections and death reviews using federal compliance standards, and providing qualified personnel for these specific tasks.

This Q&A document provides critical clarifications that bidders should consider when preparing their proposals. It highlights specific areas of concern and experience the government is prioritizing. Bidders should review these questions and answers carefully to ensure their proposals directly address the government's stated needs and expectations.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for professional auditing services to ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Standards. The contractor will conduct audits of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detention and holding facilities.

• Conduct audits of ICE immigration detention facilities, ICE holding facilities, and CBP holding facilities to assess compliance with DHS PREA Standards.

• Audits are required every three years for immigration detention facilities and holding facilities, with potential for five-year intervals for "low risk" holding facilities.

• The contractor will perform onsite reviews, interviews with staff and detainees, and document reviews.

• Prepare and submit detailed PREA audit reports, including findings, areas of non-compliance, and recommendations for corrective action.

• Review evidence of corrective actions implemented by facilities.

• Provide analytical support for trend identification and recommendations for process improvements.

• Audits must strictly adhere to the intent and requirements of the DHS PREA Standards.

• Reports must be objective, accurate, and clearly detail findings and corrective actions.

• Deliverables must meet general quality measures including accuracy, clarity, writing quality, consistency, format, and timeliness.

• Period of Performance: Base Period (09/13/2026 - 09/12/2027) through Option Period 4 (09/13/2030 - 09/12/2031).

• Place of Performance: Approximately 30% onsite at DHS facilities (CONUS and OCONUS), with the remaining 70% performed at the contractor's workspace.

• Staffing: Requires Program Managers (ICE and CBP), Assistant Program Managers (ICE), and Certified PREA auditors.

• Training & Certification: Key personnel must obtain DHS PREA Certification. Auditors must maintain National PREA Resource Center (PRC) certification.

• Security: Contractor personnel require background investigations and may need DHS-issued PIV cards. Access to sensitive information and facilities is strictly controlled.

• Conflict of Interest: Strict avoidance of conflicts of interest is required, with limitations on subsequent employment or financial compensation from DHS.

• Data Rights: All work product and materials are Government-owned.

• Language Support: Interpretive support for detainees with limited English proficiency is required, including indigenous languages.