RFI for Juvenile Detention Services within the boundaries of the contiguous 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to determine the availability of qualified sources for secure juvenile detention services within the contiguous 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). The BOP is seeking input on the feasibility of providing these services and may lead to a future solicitation for an IDIQ contract.

• The anticipated requirement is for a guaranteed minimum of 9 beds and a maximum of 15 beds, or a guaranteed minimum of 6 beds and a maximum of 10 beds.

• These beds can accommodate a combination of males or females.

• Services are for in-house residents only.

• The contract is anticipated to be for a One-year Base Period and four One-year Option Periods.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to contract.

• Responses should address the Government's requirements, assumptions, conditions, or contemplated approaches, and suggest innovative approaches for cost savings.

• Do not submit proposals, offers, white papers, brochures, or marketing materials.

• Responses must be submitted in PDF format to pbarcelona@bop.gov by 2:00 p.m. (EDT) on June 18, 2026.

• Questions regarding the RFI must be submitted to pbarcelona@bop.gov by June 4, 2026.

• Questions and answers will be posted as an amendment on SAM.gov on or about June 9, 2026.

• The RFI requests information on potential providers of RRC and Home Confinement services.

• Vendors are asked to include their company's point of contact, address, e-mail, telephone, socio-economic category (HUBZone, 8(a), Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Women Owned Small Business), and NAICS codes.

• The BOP is seeking input on potential challenges such as state/local ordinances, zoning issues, transportation, job placement feasibility for inmates, and any unique laws or environmental concerns.

• Information received will become the property of the Government and may not be returned. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for the comprehensive management and operation of a secure juvenile correctional facility with work release. The primary objective is to provide rehabilitation, re-entry services, and accountability for federal juvenile offenders in secure and work release settings, ensuring public safety and protection.

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary facilities, equipment, personnel, and staff training to meet the SOW requirements. This includes developing and implementing operational policies and procedures that adhere to accepted juvenile correctional practices, American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, PREA, and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) guidelines. The contractor must ensure programs are conducive to the rehabilitative needs of juveniles and do not compromise security requirements. Key areas covered include:

• Administration: Maintaining documentation, developing an Operations Manual, and adhering to zoning, sanitation, and life safety codes.
• Fiscal Management: Accurate accounting of expenditures, timely submission of vouchers, and proper financial record-keeping.
• Personnel: Employing screened and trained staff, developing personnel policies, and establishing a Community Relations Board.
• Staffing Patterns: Maintaining specific staff-to-juvenile ratios and ensuring adequate coverage.
• Training: Providing comprehensive staff development and training programs, including annual training on various critical topics.
• Facility: Ensuring the facility meets ACA standards for housing, recreation, and safety.
• Life Safety: Implementing measures to ensure life safety, including fire safety, environmental protection, and emergency evacuation plans.
• Electrical Safety: Adhering to electrical safety standards to prevent hazards.
• Toxic, Caustic, and Flammable Materials: Establishing a program for the safe storage, handling, and accountability of these materials.
• Pest Control: Providing vermin and pest control services.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintaining high standards of sanitation and hygiene throughout the facility.
• Security and Control: Implementing policies and procedures for perimeter control, central control operations, offender movement, and the use of restraints.
• Supervision of Juvenile Offenders: Developing strategies for direct supervision and managing offender behavior.
• Juvenile Offender Discipline: Establishing a system of graduated sanctions, prohibiting corporal punishment, and ensuring due process.
• Referral and Intake Processing: Developing policies for referral, intake, and processing of juveniles.
• Services: Providing food, medical, mental health, dental, mail, and recreational services.
• Juvenile Offender Rights: Preserving facility safety and constitutional rights of juveniles.
• Case Management: Implementing policies for intake, orientation, assessments, and developing Individualized Program Plans (IPPs).
• Programming of Juveniles: Requiring at least 50 hours of formal quality programming per week, including education, vocational training, and life skills.
• Records and Reports: Maintaining confidential case records and reporting serious incidents.
• Escapes, Deaths, and Significant Incidents: Establishing notification procedures for critical events.
• Release from Service of Sentence: Preparing juveniles for release back into the community.
• Sexual Abuse/Assault Prevention and Intervention: Implementing training and education programs to prevent and address sexual abuse.
• Juveniles Under Supervision: Developing plans for intake and release of juveniles under supervision.
• Juvenile Work Release Programs: Providing opportunities for offenders to leave the facility for work or community service.
• Research and Evaluation: Generating and gathering data for research and evaluation purposes.
• Inspections: Conducting on-site visits for monitoring purposes and providing technical direction.

Not explicitly detailed in this section, but implies ongoing operation of a juvenile correctional facility.

• Adherence to American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards, PREA, and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) guidelines.
• Zero-tolerance for sexual abuse.
• Comprehensive staff training programs.
• Evidence-based or independently validated programs.
• Culturally and gender-sensitive programming.
• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and codes.
• Specific requirements for DNA sample collection from juveniles.
• Detailed policies and procedures for all aspects of facility operation, including security, programming, and offender management.