Questions 1_15BCTS26Q00000003 National Peer Support.pdf

Questions 1

RFQ/Solicitation: 15BCTS26Q00000003 National Peer Support Virtual Community Reentry Peer Support Service (CRPSS)

(Tele-Support or Virtual-Support)

1. Insurance Requirements - We understand that the solicitation requires proof of liability insurance. Would the Bureau of Prisons accept a Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance Policy that meets the required coverage limits in lieu of a Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions / Malpractice) Policy, or is Professional Liability Insurance specifically required for this funding opportunity?

Response: This is a nonpersonal services contract under which all professional services are performed by the Contractor in its capacity as an independent entity. While the Government may evaluate the quality of administrative and professional services provided, it does not control any professional aspects of the work performed. This includes, for example, the Contractor’s medical judgment, diagnoses, or specific treatments. Consequently, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) requires that the Contractor maintain Professional Liability Insurance, as this coverage is the most appropriate for services involving independent, professional judgment.

2. Units of Service, Contract Pricing, and Option Period - Are the contract line item units based on 15-minute increments, similar to Medicaid Peer Support Services (H0038), where:

1 unit = 15 minutes

4 units = 1 hour Or is the Bureau using a different unit of measure for billing and payment? If so please specify.

Response: In 2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS, on page 16 under section 7.2 SUMMARY OF CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs), it states the Contractor shall specify the Community Reentry Peer Support Service CLIN (unit type) provided to an inmate during the billing cycle and submit a Monthly Individual Report for payment.

CRPSS - Basic (CLIN 1030). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: One (1) 15-minute synchronous engagement, and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins). Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

CRPSS - Standard (CLIN 1040). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: Two (2), up to a limit of three (3), 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided biweekly), and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins). Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

CRPSS – Enhanced (CLIN 1050). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: Four (4) 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided weekly), with no limit, and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins).

Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

3. For pricing purposes, is there an estimate for unit pricing, or anticipated hourly range that offerors should consider? Is there guidance regarding anticipated pricing expectations that would assist in preparing a realistic and responsive quote.

Response: The contractor should provide fair market pricing for nationwide peer support. The Bureau does not have any guidance regarding anticipated pricing expectations that would assist in preparing a realistic and responsive quote.

4. The solicitation references a performance period ending approximately December 31, 2026. Is the Bureau anticipating an additional authorization, option period, or follow-on procurement covering January 1, 2027 through April 1, 2027, or is the current performance period intended to be the full requirement?

Response: At this time, the performance period is being amended to end on March 31, 2027. On August 5, 2026, Amendment 1 was issued to update the period of performance for each Itemized Line from 09/01/2026-12/31/2026 to 09/10/2026-12/31/2026. Amendment 2 is being issued to update the period of performance for each Itemized Line from 09/10/2026-03/31/2027. The current solicitation does not have an option period.

5. Could you also explain the operational differences between the following Contract Line-Item Numbers

(CLINs):

1030 – CRPSS Basic o Guaranteed Minimum: 10 Units o Estimated Maximum: 1,015 Units

1040 – CRPSS Standard o Guaranteed Minimum: 5 Units o Estimated Maximum: 600 Units

1050 – CRPSS Enhanced o Guaranteed Minimum: 3 Units o Estimated Maximum: 250 Units

Specifically:

What distinguishes Basic, Standard, and Enhanced Community Reentry Peer Support Services?

Response: In 2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS, on pages 4-5 under sections 2.3.11 and 2.3.12, it defines both synchronous and asynchronous engagement and outlines the minimum requirements for each CLIN.

CRPSS-Basic (CLIN 1030) – must meet the following minimum requirements:

• One 15-minute synchronous engagement during the billing cycle

• Two asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle

• Additional asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle, if needed, with no limit

CRPSS-Standard (CLIN 1040) - must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Two, up to a limit of three, 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided biweekly) during the billing cycle

• Two asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle

• Additional asynchronous engagements during the billing cycle, if needed, with no limit

CRPSS-Enhanced (CLIN 1050) – must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Four 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided weekly) during the billing cycle, with no limit

• Two asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle

• Additional asynchronous engagements during the billing cycle, if needed, with no limit

Are there differences in the required frequency of contacts, duration of services, participant risk level, staffing requirements, documentation expectations, or intensity of services?

Response: In 2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS, on page 4 under section 2.3.10, it outlines the requirements for the initial meeting and future scheduling of peer support sessions. It states: “The first or initial meeting must be an active, real-time, live interaction between the peer support specialist and the participant, conducted virtually, for at least 15 minutes in duration. During the initial meeting, the peer support specialist must include personal introductions, explaining the peer role (non-clinical, lived experience-based), setting boundaries, and discussing the participant’s goals or current needs...The peer support specialist shall discuss future scheduling of peer support sessions with the frequency of sessions tailored according to the participant’s situation, needs, and circumstances. Community Reentry Peer Support Service shall be individualized, based upon participant need, and not use a “one size fits all” approach. Separate levels of support provide options throughout each month to meet individual needs for engagement in the peer support service.”

On pages 10-11 under sections 3.1.3 and 3.1.5, it outlines the minimum requirements of key personnel and criteria for caseload sizes. It states: “Peer support specialists and peer support supervisors shall be certified through state-specific boards or national organizations with a minimum requirement in the following areas: high school diploma or GED; two years recovery, self-attested (if applicable); 32 contact and training hours (CEs) of peer recovery-focused education, peer support values and skills training, or completion of a peer support training program; and 2000 hours direct practice (volunteer or paid) providing peer support services... Contractor shall maintain adequate caseload sizes for peer support specialists. Contractor must determine an appropriate workload for each peer support specialist to allow for meaningful, relationship-focused support rather than high-volume, brief contacts. Depending on the intensity of the services, active caseload sizes shall not exceed 50 participants at any one time per peer support specialist.”

On page 6 under section 2.4.3, it outlines the requirements for documenting peer support services. It states: “All documentation must be submitted to the EFMS within the specified time frames, meet the document format requirement, and must be completed and signed by the peer support specialist who provided the services. All documentation must be individualized and contain specific information regarding an inmate’s goals and responses to interventions.”

Are these three CLINs expected to be priced differently based on differing levels of effort?

Response: The contractor should provide fair market pricing for nationwide peer support. Each CLIN tier would be priced from least to most costly by the following: lowest price would be for CLIN 1030, then middle price would be for CLIN 1040, and highest price would be CLIN 1050. The Bureau does not have any guidance regarding expected to be priced differently based on differing levels of effort.

6. Lastly, please clarify what constitutes one billable unit under each CLIN.

Response: In 2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS, on page 16 under section 7.2 SUMMARY OF CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs), it states the Contractor shall specify the Community Reentry Peer Support Service CLIN (unit type) provided to an inmate during the billing cycle and submit a Monthly Individual Report for payment.

CRPSS - Basic (CLIN 1030). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: One (1) 15-minute synchronous engagement, and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins). Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

CRPSS - Standard (CLIN 1040). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: Two (2), up to a limit of three (3), 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided biweekly), and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins). Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

CRPSS – Enhanced (CLIN 1050). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: Four (4) 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided weekly), with no limit, and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins).

Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

7. Option years - the public notice says the contract ends December 31, 2026 with no option to extend, but the

Statement of Work references option years and "option year prices." Which is right? It's the difference between a roughly 3.5-month contract and a potentially multi-year one.

Response: At this time, the performance period is being amended to end on March 31, 2027. On August

09/01/2026-12/31/2026 to 09/10/2026-12/31/2026. Amendment 2 is being issued to update the period of performance for each Itemized Line from 09/10/2026-03/31/2027. The current solicitation does not have an option period.

8. Pricing format - the pricing chart asks for a single total, but the line items are priced per unit. How do they want pricing submitted?

Response: On the Updated Pricing Chart document, titled “Updated Pricing Chart.pdf,” insert the total price for the Period of Performance amounts for lines “09/10/2026 - 03/31/2027” and “Total Period of Performance.” On the document titled “Updated 15BCTS26Q00000003 National Peer Support.pdf,” insert the Unit Price and Amount for each Line Items for CRPSS-Basic (1030), CRPSS-Standard (1040), and CRPSS-Enhanced (1050).

9. Page limits - for the operational plans, does the three-page limit apply to each plan separately, or to all three operational plans combined?

Response: On page 2 of the document titled “Technical Quotation Information Packet.docx,” it states that each response shall not exceed three pages in total. Therefore, each separate plan response should not exceed three pages in total. This WOULD NOT be for all three operational plans combined to not exceed three pages in total.

10. With the amended period of performance beginning September 10, 2026, approximately how much time does FBOP anticipate between award notification and the date the selected contractor is expected to begin accepting referrals and delivering services?

Will there be a defined mobilization/onboarding period following award?

Response: It is expected the apparent awardee will begin services on the contract effective date. It is unknown at this time on the timeframe between contract award and contract effective date.

11. The solicitation references the Decisional Rule Criteria in Section 2.1 of the SF-1449. We have not been able to locate the referenced criteria in the posted documents. Could you please clarify where those criteria can be found or provide the applicable criteria?

Response: The Decisional Rule Criteria refers to the section of the solicitation synopsis titled, COMMUNITY TREATMENT SERVICES 2026 DECISIONAL RULE CRITERIA – LPTA. Please review section 2 Staffing Requirement – Key Personnel.

2a. Minimum Staffing Requirements of Key Personnel Identify the following on the Technical Personnel Document:

Authorized Negotiator (AN) Peer Specialist (PS) Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)

2b. Certification Requirements for Peer Specialists & Supervisors All key personnel providing peer support services to inmates or supervisors of peer specialists must be a:

Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Nationally Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) State-Level Peer Support Specialist (or Certified Peer Specialist)

The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

12. Does a Service Contract Labor Standards wage determination apply to this procurement? If so, could you please identify the applicable wage determination?

Response: Service Contract Labor Standards wage determination does not apply to this procurement.

13. Will FBOP provide the selected contractor with EFMS access credentials, training, and applicable technical specifications during onboarding?

Additionally, should contractors anticipate entering required information manually into EFMS, or is there an API/system-integration option available?

Response: Yes, the Bureau will provide the selected contractor with EFMS access credentials, training, and applicable technical specifications during onboarding. The contractor should anticipate entering required information manually into EFMS as an API/system-integration option is not available.

14. Should offerors anticipate any option periods or continuation of services beyond December 31, 2026? If option periods are contemplated, should those periods be priced as part of the current response?

If the initial period is intended to serve as an initial/trial period, approximately when would the contractor be notified whether services will continue beyond December 31?

Response: At this time, the performance period is being amended to end on March 31, 2027. On August

09/01/2026-12/31/2026 to 09/10/2026-12/31/2026. Amendment 2 is being issued to update the period of performance for each Itemized Line from 09/10/2026-03/31/2027. The current solicitation does not have an option period.

15. Are the estimated maximum quantities in the solicitation expected to be distributed relatively evenly across the September 10–December 31 period, or should contractors anticipate that referral volume may vary substantially by month?

Also, are the maximum billing/quantity estimates stated in the solicitation intended to represent the approximately four-month initial period of performance only, or a longer anticipated service period?

Response: The estimated maximum quantities in the solicitation are not expected to be distributed relatively evenly across each month of the performance period, but rather contractors should anticipate referral volume will vary from month to month.

16. Section 2.3.12 describes the billing cycle as "ordinarily a month." For purposes of service delivery and invoicing, should the contractor interpret a billing cycle as a calendar month, or as a rolling monthly period beginning with the participant's Referral & Authorization start date?

For example, if a participant is authorized on September 18, would the first billing cycle end September 30 or approximately October 17?

Response: The Contractor should interpret a billing cycle as a calendar month. For example, if a participant is authorized on September 18th, the first billing cycle ends September 30th.

17. When a referral begins mid-cycle or a participant is discharged before completion of a billing cycle, how should the contractor bill for a partial period when the applicable CLIN service minimum cannot reasonably be completed?

Should the period be prorated, treated as non-billable, or reported through the inactive-services process?

Response: In 2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS, on pages 4-5 under sections 2.3.11 and 2.3.12, it defines both synchronous and asynchronous engagement and outlines the minimum requirements for each CLIN.

CRPSS-Basic (CLIN 1030) – must meet the following minimum requirements:

• One 15-minute synchronous engagement during the billing cycle

• Two asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle

• Additional asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle, if needed, with no limit

CRPSS-Standard (CLIN 1040) - must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Two, up to a limit of three, 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided biweekly) during the billing cycle

• Two asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle

• Additional asynchronous engagements during the billing cycle, if needed, with no limit

CRPSS-Enhanced (CLIN 1050) – must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Four 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided weekly) during the billing cycle, with no limit

• Two asynchronous engagements (Support Check-ins) during the billing cycle

• Additional asynchronous engagements during the billing cycle, if needed, with no limit

18. May the CLIN/service level billed for an individual participant change from one billing cycle to the next based upon the level of support actually delivered and documented, or does a change in service level require prior FBOP authorization?

Response: In 2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS, on page 16 under section 7.2 SUMMARY OF CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs), it states the Contractor shall specify the Community Reentry Peer Support Service CLIN (unit type) provided to an inmate during the billing cycle and submit a Monthly Individual Report for payment (based on the following criteria):

CRPSS - Basic (CLIN 1030). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: One (1) 15-minute synchronous engagement, and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins). Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

CRPSS - Standard (CLIN 1040). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: Two (2), up to a limit of three (3), 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided biweekly), and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins). Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria. The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

CRPSS – Enhanced (CLIN 1050). Virtual peer support service provided by a certified peer support specialist with the following minimum requirements: Four (4) 15-minute synchronous engagements (ordinarily provided weekly), with no limit, and two (2) asynchronous engagements (support check-ins).

Additional asynchronous engagements, if needed, with no limit. Price is per level of peer support engagement during the billing cycle and per submission of a monthly individual report. The peer specialist providing the services must meet the certification standards, as listed in the The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

It is possible an inmate’s CLIN/service level may change from one month to the next, based on need and willingness of the inmate to participate in peer support services, whether that be an increase or decrease in engagements.

19. Is there a typical or maximum period of service authorized on the Referral & Authorization form?

Under Section 2.3.5, when continued services are appropriate, can an extension be requested by the contractor, initiated by FBOP, or either? If contractor requests are permitted, is there a recommended lead time for requesting an extension before the current authorization expires?

Response: The length of time an inmate is in Community Reentry Peer Support Service will vary, based upon their community placement, and the inmate’s willingness to engage in, or be able to participate in, peer support services. Inmates will not be expected to participate in peer support services for the entire length of their community placement and may be discharged from services, at any point in time, as this is a voluntary program.

20. When a participant is placed in suspend status pursuant to Section 2.5.7, does the participant's existing authorization period continue to run during the suspension, or is the authorization period paused until services resume?

Response: While an inmate is in suspend status, the Contractor shall not provide Community Reentry Peer Support Services. The authorization period will be paused for the duration of the suspend status and will resume once services restart.

21. If a participant discharged for non-participation later requests to re-engage as contemplated under Section

2.5.2.4, would FBOP issue a new Referral & Authorization form, or would the participant resume services under the original authorization?

Response: If a participant is discharged for non-participation and later requests to re-engage in peer support services, the Bureau will issue a new Referral and Authorization form.

22. What does "Decisional Rule Criteria (Section 2.1 of SF1449)" in the 15BCTS26Q00000003 SOW refer to?

Response: The Decisional Rule Criteria refers to the section of the solicitation synopsis titled, COMMUNITY TREATMENT SERVICES 2026 DECISIONAL RULE CRITERIA – LPTA. Please review section 2 Staffing Requirement – Key Personnel.

2a. Minimum Staffing Requirements of Key Personnel Identify the following on the Technical Personnel Document:

Authorized Negotiator (AN) Peer Specialist (PS) Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)

2b. Certification Requirements for Peer Specialists & Supervisors All key personnel providing peer support services to inmates or supervisors of peer specialists must be a:

Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Nationally Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) State-Level Peer Support Specialist (or Certified Peer Specialist)

The following language “Section 2.1 of the SF-1449” has been omitted since this solicitation is being advertised as a Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

23. Offer due date. Block 8 of the SF 1449 shows an offer due date of August 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET, while the cover letter references September 24, 2026. Please confirm the date and time that governs.

Response: The document titled “Updated Cover Letter FBO 003-26” has been corrected. The due date is August 24 and NOT September 24.

24. Option period pricing. The Pricing Chart provided requests a single total for the base performance period, September 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Please confirm whether option period pricing should be included in our quote, and if so, the format in which the Government would like it submitted.

Response: At this time, the performance period is being amended to end on March 31, 2027. On August

09/01/2026-12/31/2026 to 09/10/2026-12/31/2026. Amendment 2 is being issued to update the period of performance for each Itemized Line from 09/10/2026-03/31/2027. The current solicitation does not have an option period.