2026 Statement of Work (SOW) Virtual CRPSS.pdf

May 2026

Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Statement of Work (SOW) for

Virtual Community Reentry Peer Support Service (CRPSS)

1.0 General

1.1 Background. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) is responsible for the custody and care of approximately 154,000 Federal inmates. Around 15,000 of those inmates are residing in Residential Reentry Centers, on home confinement, assigned to Day Reporting Centers (DRCs), or on Federal Location Monitoring (FLM) throughout the United States of America and various territories (i.e., Guam, and Puerto Rico). Approximately 4,800 inmates in the community are receiving treatment through the FBOP’s Community Treatment Services (CTS) section, under Community Reentry Affairs Branch. Treatment services for inmates in community placement are procured by the CTS Contracting Section, in conjunction with CTS. Both sections work to secure community based mental health, substance use disorder, and sex offender treatment services by utilizing a network of community treatment providers in areas where inmates are located or, when possible, using nation-wide vendors to deliver a specific service.

1.2 NEED. The FBOP has a need to provide a virtual Community Reentry Peer Support Service to augment traditional mental health and substance use disorder treatment for inmates currently participating in CTS and to provide reentry peer support for all inmates in community placement. Peers can have a powerful effect on those in treatment services by improving quality of life, increasing and improving engagement with services, and increasing whole health and self-management. For any inmate transitioning back to the community, peers with the lived experience in the justice system can provide the additional support and assistance needed for a successful reentry.

1.3 SCOPE. The virtual Community Reentry Peer Support Service shall be delivered via mobile application utilizing tele-support or video-support mechanisms. It shall be delivered by certified peer support specialists to inmates in community placement on cellular phones, laptops, and tablets. Language access services for those inmates who do not speak English (as their primary language) shall also be provided. Community Reentry Peer Support shall be made available to the inmate population 365 days a year, seven days per week, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, local time of the location where peer support services are being provided. Outside of these hours, inmates shall be given contact information for other support options, such as crisis lines, hotlines, or lifelines, for urgent crisis situations.

1.4 OBJECTIVE. To achieve a Community Reentry Peer Support Service which provides the following:

• proactive support to inmates in community placement;

• support which can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting;

• identification of risk factors for relapse and recidivism and offer direct support from peer specialists who can help navigate these challenges;

• improvement in mental health and treatment outcomes; and

• a peer support service that aligns with the FBOP’s mission to provide self-improvement opportunities to assist inmates in becoming law-abiding citizens.

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 ACCESSING SERVICES. Contractor shall provide access to inmates in community placement to a digital platform and all necessary peer support services to maintain full operations with no disruptions from contract award.

2.1.1 Unlimited Access. Contractor shall provide unlimited access to certified peer support specialists, modalities, tools, materials, and other necessary items for inmates 365 days a year, seven days per week, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, local time of the location where peer support services are being provided, for a virtual Community Reentry Peer Support Service. Outside of these hours, inmates shall be given contact information for other support options, such as crisis lines, hotlines, or lifelines, for urgent crisis situations.

2.1.2 Access Information. Contractor shall assist inmates on how to access the digital platform utilized and must provide information for navigating in the virtual platform, such as how to download the mobile application or how to use their device — whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, tablet — to access services and sessions with their assigned peer support specialist. Mobile applications must be compatible with iOS and Android operating systems.

2.1.3 Offer Telephone Support. Contractor must also provide peer support services to inmates who lack access to a digital platform, due to a lack of devices or internet, and offer telephone support.

2.2 MEASURING OUTCOMES. Contractor shall measure the effectiveness of the Community Reentry Peer Support Service for inmates in community placement.

2.2.1 Outcome Factors. Contractor must identify the following applicable outcome factors for inmates who participated in peer support services, upon their discharge:

relapse/recovery rates, medication and treatment compliance, employment status, and satisfaction with the service.

2.2.2 Empirical Data. Contractor must provide empirical data to the FBOP on individual outcome factors upon discharge from services when submitting the Outcome Report. If additional inmate outcomes are collected by the Contractor, these outcomes shall also be provided to the FBOP.

2.3 PROVIDING SERVICES. Contractor shall provide a virtual Community Reentry Peer Support Service to inmates, based on his/her needs, designed on the principle of individual choice and the active involvement of persons in their own recovery process. Inmates appropriate for peer support services are those who would benefit from a one-to-one supportive relationship with an individual who shares similar experiences in their recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both, or has lived experience with the justice system.

2.3.1 Eligibility. Inmates eligible for Community Reentry Peer Support Service shall currently be in community placement, under the jurisdiction of the FBOP, and shall be residing in an RRC, on home confinement, assigned to a Day Reporting Center (DRC), or on Federal Location Monitoring (FLM) and would benefit from a peer support relationship.

2.3.1.1 Inmates who have been released from FBOP custody, or have been placed in secure custody, or are not currently residing in the community are not eligible for peer support services. The FBOP will not reimburse the Contractor for services rendered for ineligible inmates.

2.3.2 Additional Support. Inmates who require additional support beyond the traditional treatment model will be considered for Community Reentry Peer Support Service, such as those who relapse while in the community, have a serious mental illness, are considered high risk to re-offend, or lack positive, supportive relationships. The service should be used as a complement to an inmate’s treatment, to provide non-clinical assistance, and to support long-term recovery. Inmates who are not participating in, or in need of, clinical treatment may also benefit from peer support to address the challenges of reentry, by being provided with social and emotional support as they navigate community reintegration.

2.3.3 Trained and Certified Individuals. Peer support services shall be provided by an individual, trained, and certified, who has the lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both, and/or involvement with the justice system.

2.3.4 Referral Source. Inmates will be referred to peer support services by FBOP, a CTS contracted community-based treatment provider, Residential Reentry Center (RRC) employee, or by self-referral. Participation in Community Reentry Peer Support Service is voluntary, and the inmate may decline peer support services at any time.

2.3.5 Referral & Authorization Form. The FBOP will provide a Referral & Authorization form for each inmate referred to peer support services. It will specify Community Reentry Peer Support Service and the service authorization period. Services are only authorized from the start date to the end date, as indicated on the form. Amendments will be provided, as necessary.

2.3.6 Receipt of Referrals. The Contractor shall utilize the FBOP’s approved electronic file management system (EFMS) for the primary receipt of referrals and transmission of all records related to the delivery of peer support services. The Contractor shall limit the users of the EFMS to Contractor’s administrative staff. Ordinarily, peer support specialists will not be given access to EFMS.

2.3.7 Obligation to Treat. The Contractor shall timely accept all referrals from the FBOP for peer support services. If the Contractor determines they cannot provide peer support services to a particular individual or condition, the Contractor must submit documentation which explains the issue to the FBOP within five (5) business days from receipt of the referral.

2.3.8 Enrollment Session. The Contractor shall contact the inmate within two business days from the referral authorization start date for an enrollment session, but no more than five business days after the authorization start date. The enrollment session is not considered a peer support session and shall not be billed. During the enrollment session, the Contractor must provide introductory information about Community Reentry Peer Support Service, complete enrollment procedures and FBOP forms, including an informed consent and a release of information form, and confirm the inmate is able to access the service from personal devices (i.e. cellphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) or may need to use telephone support only. Contractor must submit the informed consent and release of information to the EFMS within one business day of the enrollment session.

2.3.8.1 The Contractor shall have a system to verify the identity of the inmate at the enrollment session and for all subsequent peer support sessions, which may include requiring certain information from the inmate, such as register number, current location, release date, etc.

2.3.8.2 During the enrollment session, the Contractor shall obtain additional information from the inmate to be utilized as part of the emergency plan. The inmate must be asked to provide contact information (i.e. name and phone number) for the inmate’s Residential Reentry Center (RRC), Day Reporting Center (DRC), or United States Probation Officer (USPO) for FLM cases.

2.3.8.3 If an inmate declines Community Reentry Peer Support Service during the enrollment session, Contractor shall notify the FBOP of the inmate’s decision to decline. Contractor must submit the informed consent form to the EFMS indicating the inmate declined services within one business day of the enrollment session.

2.3.9 Assignment of Peer Support Specialist. During the enrollment session, Contractor shall assign a peer support specialist to be the primary contact/provider for peer support services for each eligible inmate (participant). Participants must be provided with Community Reentry Peer Support Service by personnel with the appropriate certification as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria (Section 2.1 of SF1449). The Contractor must also match a participant with a suitable peer support specialist with similar shared lived experiences, based on mental health conditions, substance use, or life circumstances, e.g., criminal justice involvement, veteran status. The Contractor should also consider other demographic and goal alignment factors, e.g., pairing a participant with a peer support specialist who has experience in the specific recovery goals of the participant.

2.3.10 Initial Meeting. Within five business days of the enrollment session, the assigned peer support specialist shall contact the inmate for the first virtual peer support session. The initial meeting sets the foundation for a meaningful peer support relationship. The focus should be on getting to know each other initially. 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.

2.3.10.1 The peer support specialist must create a comfortable, confidential (virtual) space, letting a participant know they are there to help, not treat or diagnose.

2.3.10.2 The peer support specialist must explain what peer support is (and is not) and may include the peer support specialist sharing briefly their own recovery journey to establish trust.

2.3.10.3 The peer support specialist must focus on what the participant wants to work on, with the aim of helping the participant set their own goals, rather than providing professional advice.

2.3.10.4 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.

2.3.10.5 The initial meeting also determines if the pair is a good match. In the event the peer support specialist determines the participant would be best served by another peer support specialist, the Contractor shall re-assign a different peer support specialist.

The newly assigned peer support specialist must contact the participant within five business days of the initial meeting. Any re-assignments of peer support specialists must be documented in the inmate’s monthly report.

2.3.11 Engagements. The Contractor shall deliver Community Reentry Peer Support Service virtually, using both synchronous and asynchronous engagement. In-person peer support services are not authorized.

2.3.11.1 Synchronous engagement refers to an active, real-time, live interaction between a participant and a peer support specialist conducted virtually. The Contractor shall provide synchronous engagement through an online platform or digital means, in which interaction happens simultaneously in real-time, requiring both the participant and the peer support specialist to be present at the same time, through a telephone call, live video call, and live instant messaging/chat.

2.3.11.2 Asynchronous engagements, or Support Check-ins, are a method of providing peer support where individuals can interact and share experiences at various times, using online platforms or tools that do not require one to be online simultaneously, allowing for flexibility and accessibility in communication, unlike traditional real-time peer support sessions. Examples include texting or peer support apps with messaging features, allowing for peer connection and check-ins.

2.3.12 Contract Line Items. The Contractor shall utilize one of three contract line items (CLINs) for each billing cycle, ordinarily a month, of peer support services rendered for each inmate. The Contractor must meet the minimum requirements of the CLIN for both synchronous and asynchronous engagements provided to an inmate in a billing cycle.

The Contractor must not bill for engagements which do not meet the minimum requirements.

2.3.12.1 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

2.3.12.2 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

2.3.12.3 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

2.3.13 Ongoing Sessions. Peer support specialists shall provide support and assist participants during ongoing sessions, using their own lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorder, or personal experience with the justice system.

Peer support sessions must focus on helping participants create plans for their own recovery and future, identify strengths and build actionable strategies for everyday challenges, offer validation and emotional support, and focus on compassion over clinical diagnosis.

2.3.14 Privacy and Confidentiality. Peer support specialists shall respect the rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of participants engaging in Community Reentry Peer Support Service.

2.3.14.1 Peer support specialists shall respect the right to privacy of participants and shall not solicit private information unless it is essential. Once private information is shared, standards of confidentiality apply.

2.3.14.2 Peer support specialists shall respect any confidential information shared by the FBOP during their professional relationships working under the contract.

2.3.14.3 Peer support specialists shall discuss with participants, and other interested parties, the nature of confidentiality and limitations of the right to confidentiality.

2.3.14.4 Peer support specialists shall immediately report to the FBOP any disclosures that may impact on the safety and security of the RRCs or DRCs, or present safety risks to the community, including but not limited to escape status, threats, or knowledge of ongoing substance use or other criminal activity.

2.3.14.5 Peer support specialists must comply with all applicable federal and state confidentiality laws and guidelines (in accordance with Part 2, Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations and HIPAA requirements).

2.3.15 Provision of Services. During the provision of the service, peer support specialists:

• must refrain from session topics that are sexual or provocative in content;

• must not share/trade explicit or personal pictures or videos;

• must provide video services in appropriate attire, with neutral backgrounds;

• must not engage in a sexual/intimate or exploitive relationship with participants;

• must not disclose specific personal contact information;

• must not utilize personal communication devices, personal social media accounts, etc. to communicate with the inmate; and

• must not receive, offer, or give any gift, favor, article, or item of value to participants, family members, or anyone associated with or related to the participant.

2.3.16 Returning Calls. Peer support specialists shall return any calls or messages to contact a participant within two hours, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, local time of the location where peer support services are being provided. Outside of these hours, the peer support specialist must consider the nature of the message and may want to send a support check-in or wait until the next business day.

2.3.17 Coverage Plan. In the event of a peer support specialist’s planned absence, the Contractor shall have a coverage plan for participants, identifying who to contact for support. The Contractor must also have a coverage plan in cases of unplanned absences and provide backup support through other peer support specialists to ensure services continue.

2.3.18 Emergency Plan. Contractor shall have an emergency plan that details the Contractor’s procedures and policy to address significant acute treatment needs or a participant’s suicidal or homicidal ideation during the peer support process. Contractor must immediately contact the local authorities, the Residential Reentry Center or United States Probation Officer (USPO), as applicable, via phone call. Contractor must immediately notify the FBOP, no later than one business day of inmate’s crisis via EFMS and provide information on all efforts made to resolve the situation, and the individuals that were contacted.

2.3.19 Continuity Plan. Contractor shall maintain a continuity plan to continue Community Reentry Peer Support Service during a national emergency, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism, and shall be expected to make a reasonable effort to keep performance at an acceptable level during emergency periods.

2.4 DOCUMENTING SERVICES.

2.4.1 Documentation. All Community Reentry Peer Support Service documents are provided by the FBOP. The Contractor shall thoroughly complete and submit all documents only through the FBOP’s approved electronic file management system.

2.4.2 Electronic File Management System (EFMS). The Contractor shall utilize the FBOP’s approved electronic system for referrals, transmission of all records, and any correspondence related to the delivery of peer support services. The electronic file management system (EFMS) is a FISMA moderate system, which meets NIST 800-53 security controls.

2.4.3 Documentation Requirements. 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. Generic content, templates, AI generated reports, and general information are not acceptable. Documentation that does not meet these standards will be returned for correction, which may result in delay in payment until acceptable documentation is received.

2.4.4 Electronic Signatures. The Contractor shall provide legally acceptable signatures on all documentation in accordance with state and federal law. Signatures that are authenticated by the user, such as digital signature certificates or signature images, are acceptable. Typed signatures that are easily added by any staff, such as cursive script, are not acceptable as an electronic signature. Proof of signature authentication shall be provided to the FBOP upon request.

2.4.5 Individual Support Plan (ISP). The ISP is required at the start of peer support services and provides a record of agreed goals and objectives, planned approaches and interventions, identifies responsible parties, and planned changes along the way.

2.4.5.1 The ISP must be based on a peer support session with the participant, ordinarily the initial meeting, be individualized, and created collaboratively with the participant.

The Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time limited (SMART) framework should be utilized in creating the ISP. Goals on the ISP should identify specific outcomes, be personal for the individual, be simple and clear, and be updated as needed. Objectives are necessary steps toward the goal, written in everyday language. Interventions are actions necessary to achieve the objective.

2.4.5.2 The ISP must include the inmate’s first and last name, register number, date, and be signed by the participant and the peer support specialist.

2.4.5.3 The ISP must be submitted to the electronic file management system within 20 business days from the initial meeting with the inmate.

2.4.5.4 It is expected the ISP will change as situations evolve for the participant and be modified and updated regularly. Any changes to the ISP must be uploaded to the EFMS within 10 business days of any updates.

2.4.6 Monthly Individual Report (MIR). The individualized MIR is a required document which identifies the level of services delivered, details the engagements provided, and describes progress towards goals, interventions offered, the individual’s response to interventions, and plan for next steps and support.

2.4.6.1 The MIR must include the inmate’s first and last name and register number, type and dates of each engagement provided, with time in/out for synchronous engagements, location of the participant, list of peer support specialists who provided services during the billing cycle and be signed and dated.

2.4.6.2 The content of MIR must include the goal, interventions provided by the peer support specialist, response to interventions by the participant, and a plan to support stability. The MIR should provide evidence that interventions are occurring and describe if progress (or lack of) is being made toward specific goals and objectives.

2.4.6.3 The MIR must be uploaded to the EFMS no later than the 10th of the month or when the bill is submitted. Peer support services rendered during a billing cycle will not be reimbursed prior to receipt of the report, which must show the minimum requirements were met for the CLIN being billed for.

2.4.6.4 The Contractor shall not submit a MIR to EFMS when the minimum requirements for CLIN 1030 (CRPSS – Basic) during a billing cycle for a participant have not been met.

The Contractor must submit a list of names of inmates, who remained enrolled in peer support services, but who did not participate in Community Reentry Peer Support Service during the billing cycle. This list showing inactive services for a participant shall be submitted with the monthly billing.

2.4.7 Outcome Report. Upon discharge from peer support services, the Outcome Report provides data to include, but not be limited to, relapse/recovery issues, engagement in services, medication and treatment compliance (as applicable), employment status, and satisfaction with the service.

2.4.7.1 The Outcome Report must also summarize the progress (or lack of) made toward goals and development of community engagement and natural supports.

2.4.7.2 This document is required at the end of Community Reentry Peer Support Service, to include planned or forced endings. The Outcome Report must be completed and submitted to the EFMS within 10 business days of an inmate’s discharge from peer support services.

2.4.8 Peer Support Notification. The Contractor shall be aware and recognize certain situations and behaviors by the participant which require notification to the FBOP, and respective RRC, DRC, or USPO of the inmate, as applicable. Peer support specialists must understand confidentiality in peer support for inmates in community placement is not absolute and must prioritize safety over privacy. The limits of confidentiality must be explained to the participant from the beginning and expectations clearly outlined regarding information that must be shared with others.

2.4.8.1 The Contractor shall utilize the Peer Support Notification document to notify the FBOP of the following emergency situations, immediately after a peer support session, by uploading the document into the EFMS. Additionally, the Contractor must immediately contact the participant’s RRC, DRC, or USPO by telephone, following a peer support session, in the event of the following emergency situations:

• Any emergency or crisis which occurred during a peer support session and led to Contractor using their emergency plan to handle the situation.

• Mental health crisis to include suicidal or homicidal ideation by the participant.

• Potential threats to the inmate or threats impacting the safety and security of the RRC, DRC, or to public safety, to include escape status.

• Assault or sexual assault of an inmate (either as victim or perpetrator).

• Allegations of misconduct, to include illicit drug use, use of alcohol, demonstration of violent behavior, or threatening or abusive statements.

• Becoming aware that the inmate utilized other support options for an urgent crisis, outside of the peer support service operating hours.

2.4.8.2 The Contractor shall also use the Peer Support Notification document when any non-emergency change in an inmate’s status in peer support services occurs. The Contractor must upload the document into the EFMS within one business day of the following instances:

• A missed scheduled synchronous engagement session.

• After three consecutive attempts to contact the participant to schedule a synchronous engagement session.

• General lack of engagement during synchronous engagement sessions.

• Request from an inmate to discontinue peer support services.

• Request from an inmate to re-enroll in peer support services, after being discharged or declining services from initial referral.

2.5 DISCHARGING/DISENGAGING FROM SERVICES. Contractor shall have procedures for discharging participants from Community Reentry Peer Support Service and must also include procedures for re-enrolling in services.

2.5.1 Length of Services. 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.

2.5.2 Discharging. Peer support specialists shall discharge the inmate from peer support services upon the inmate’s release, return to secure custody, at a mutually agreed upon ending time with the participant, or after a period of non-participation from the inmate.

2.5.2.1 At any time should a participant be deemed no longer benefiting from Community Reentry Peer Support Service, the Contractor must notify the FBOP within one business day of this determination and discharge the participant from services.

2.5.2.2 The FBOP retains the right to determine if peer support services are clinically indicated, and if not, the FBOP will notify the Contractor to discharge the participant.

2.5.2.3 Upon an inmate being discharged from peer support services, all billing must end as the inmate is no longer enrolled in the service. The FBOP will not reimburse the Contractor for inmates not enrolled in Community Reentry Peer Support Service.

2.5.2.4 A participant’s discharge from peer support services due to non-participation will not preclude the inmate from requesting and receiving peer support again, if all other conditions of eligibility are met. The Contractor must inform the inmate on how to request services again, ordinarily by contacting their peer support specialist.

The Contractor must notify the FBOP within one business day that the inmate has requested to reengage in services.

2.5.3 Planned or Forced Endings. The peer support relationship can end in two ways, either planned or forced. The Contractor must recognize the difference between planned and forced endings and implement the proper discharge procedures.

2.5.3.1 Planned endings occur when the inmate releases from FBOP custody or the participant and peer support specialist mutually agree to end the relationship, even though the inmate has not yet been released.

2.5.3.2 Forced endings are the result of outside circumstances, such as the inmate being returned to secure custody or if the inmate declines further services by not engaging with the peer support specialist after the required contact attempts were made.

2.5.4 Disengaging. Peer support specialists shall also inform participants about the process for disengaging from Community Reentry Peer Support Service. If a participant has expressed a desire to discontinue peer support services or is not meaningfully engaging, then s/he must be discharged from peer support services.

2.5.4.1 The Contractor must inform participants at the beginning of the peer support relationship as to the option to discontinue services at any time. The peer support specialist should work towards establishing a long-term relationship with the participant but also recognize that peer support services may come to a natural conclusion prior to the referral end date.

2.5.4.2 When a participant is no longer meaningfully engaging in Community Reentry Peer Support Service but still enrolled in the service, the peer support specialist must determine the participant’s level of interest and benefit in continuing peer support services. The peer support specialist shall assess the lack of engagement during the peer support sessions, such as a participant only providing minimal responses, not being fully engaged in the sessions and being distracted or not meeting the synchronous engagement duration. The peer support specialist must discuss the level of engagement with the participant and decide whether the peer support relationship should be ended. Ordinarily, the peer support specialist must discharge the inmate from services, if the participant does not fully engage in peer support services.

2.5.5 Discharge Notifications. Notifications regarding discharges shall be the responsibility of both the Contractor and the FBOP.

2.5.5.1 The Contractor shall notify the FBOP within one business day of inmates who are discharged from peer support services due to non-participation or a request from the inmate to be discharged. If the inmate is still under FBOP custody and wishes to resume peer support services, the inmate will be allowed to do so.

2.5.5.2 Within one business day of notification from the FBOP that an inmate is no longer in community placement and is in secure custody, the Contractor shall discharge the inmate from peer support services. Depending upon the circumstances of the inmate’s situation, an inmate may sometimes be returned to the community. An inmate can resume participating in Community Reentry Peer Support Service upon their return to the community, if they are willing to participate again in peer support services.

2.5.6 Monitor Need for Services. Peer support specialists shall monitor a participant’s need for and/or a participant’s decline of peer support services. Peer support specialists must schedule sessions with a participant throughout the billing cycle, ordinarily a month, based upon the minimum requirements.

2.5.6.1 Peer support specialists shall schedule and complete at least one synchronous engagement session, for at least 15 minutes, and two support check-ins during the billing cycle with the participant to meet the minimum requirement for CLIN 1030.

2.5.6.2 If an inmate does not attend a synchronous engagement or the peer support specialist cannot schedule a synchronous engagement session during a billing cycle, the peer support specialist must make three attempts, spaced several days apart, ordinarily five business days between attempted contacts, to re-engage the inmate.

2.5.6.3 If three or more attempts were made during a billing cycle, and a session was not scheduled and/or does not meet the minimum billing requirements, the Contractor must inform the FBOP by submitting the inmate’s name on a list with the monthly billing, which shows inactive services during the billing cycle.

2.5.6.4 Inactive services during a billing cycle may not lead to discharge. The Contractor shall contact the FBOP regarding inactive cases to determine if suspension is more appropriate.

2.5.7 Suspend Status. The FBOP may suspend participants temporarily from peer support services due to secure custody placement or furlough. The FBOP will notify the Contractor of any inmates in suspended status through the EFMS. While an inmate is in suspend status, the Contractor shall not provide Community Reentry Peer Support Service. After 90 days, the Contractor and the FBOP should discuss whether the inmate should be discharged from peer support services or remain in suspend status.

3.0 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

3.1 QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified in this SOW.

3.1.1 Technical Personnel Document. Contractor shall identify by name, position, and responsibility on the Technical Personnel document all key personnel who meet SOW and the initial Decisional Rule Criteria (DRC) requirements from the solicitation to provide Community Reentry Peer Support Service awarded to the contract.

3.1.2 Key Personnel. Contractor shall maintain key personnel for the life of the contract and inform the FBOP of any changes. The Contractor shall not replace key personnel without approval from the FBOP. All personnel providing Community Reentry Peer Support Service must meet the certification standards and minimum requirements as listed in the Decisional Rule Criteria (Section 2.1 of SF 1449).

3.1.3 Minimum Requirements of Key Personnel. 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.

3.1.4 Verification of Key Personnel. Contractor shall verify the education, experience, training, and credentials of peer support specialists. The Contractor shall voucher potential employees through reference and employment checks and document information regarding reference and employment checks.

3.1.5 Caseload Size. 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.

3.2 PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS. All key personnel providing Community Reentry Peer Support Service to inmates shall be a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS), a National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS), or a State-Level Peer Support Specialist (Certified Peer Specialist). Supervised peer trainees (with lived experience) under a certified supervisor are not acceptable.

3.2.1 National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS). An individual who is in recovery from a substance use or co-occurring mental health disorder and their life experiences and recovery allow them to provide recovery support in such way that others can benefit from their experiences. The National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist credential standardizes the knowledge and competency of peer support to individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

3.2.1.1 NCPRSS Eligibility Requirements are:

• must have a High School diploma, GED or higher.

• must have a minimum of two years of recovery from lived-experience in substance use and/or co- occurring mental health disorders (self-attested).

• must have a minimum of 200 hours of direct practice (volunteer or paid) in a peer recovery support environment (supervisor-attested).

• must provide evidence of earning 60 contact and training hours (CEs) of peer recovery-focused education and training.

• provide two references, at least one of which must be professional.

• submit a signed statement that they have read and adhere to the NAADAC/NCC

AP Peer Recovery Support Specialist Code of Ethics.

• must receive a passing score on the NCPRSS exam.

3.2.2 National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS). An advanced credential focused on the knowledge and skills peer specialists need when supporting others to achieve and maintain recovery from a mental health condition or other behavioral health challenge.

Most NCPS applicants have already been credentialed by their state, and the NCPS credential does not replace such state-level credentials. Instead, the NCPS credential signifies that an individual with significant work experience as a peer specialist, who currently provides peer services, seeks to demonstrate their advanced competency in the field.

3.2.2.1 NCPS Eligibility Requirements are:

• currently hold a state-level peer support specialist credential that required a minimum of 40 hours of training or have previously completed an equivalent 40-hour training program.

• have 2,000 hours of supervised work or volunteer experience providing peer specialist services within the ten (10) years prior to application.

• obtain three (3) professional letters of recommendation.

• pass a 125-item, multiple choice exam of peer specialist knowledge and skills.

3.2.3 State-Level Peer Support Specialist (or Certified Peer Specialist). A person with lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery, certified by a state agency to support others. They are certified professionals in healthcare settings, community organizations, or corrections who use their personal recovery journey to provide mentorship and advocacy.

3.2.3.1 Peer support specialist certification requirements vary across states:

• Some states have more than one certification for peer support specialists (e.g., a certification for substance use peer support specialists and a certification for mental health peer support specialists), with differing rules or structures for their respective training processes and certifications.

• All states have a requirement that peer specialists have lived experience, whether that is self-identification of being in recovery or involvement with services.

• Required training in peer support values and skills can range from 32 to over 100 hours.

• Experience requirements for working or volunteering as a peer specialist can range from zero to 2,000 hours.

• Some states require letters of recommendation as part of the certification process.

• Examination requirements vary around the country; some require it while others do not.

• Some state certifications are operated under a formal certification board, while others are operated through or by the state’s department of mental health or a provider entity.

3.3 APPROVALS. The FBOP requires that all contract staff (employees, subcontractors, and volunteers), both administrative and peer support specialists, are approved in writing by the FBOP prior to any contact with inmates. The Contractor must only submit approval requests for personnel who will actively participate in the administration of the contract.

3.3.1 Initial Background Check. All proposed personnel on the initial Technical Personnel document who meet the solicitation requirements must be submitted for approval. Prior or current approvals from other contracts do not substitute for this process. Ordinarily, the initial background check process for proposed personnel is completed when the Contractor becomes the apparent awardee. The Authorized Negotiator is responsible for ensuring timely submission of all requested information and documentation for the background checks to avoid delays of contract award.

3.3.2 NCIC Check. After contract award, the Contractor shall request a background check from the FBOP for all key personnel after the Contractor determines that personnel are appropriate to work with inmates. The Contractor must submit all relevant information, including a completed and signed NCIC Check form, copy of the individual’s current driver’s license or other government-issued identification, and for peer support specialists, a copy of their resume and certification. This begins the background check process. The information provided on the form includes full name, all aliases used, date of birth, place of birth, sex, race, and social security number. The Contractor shall notify the individual that a National Crime Information Center/National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (NCIC/NLETS), criminal records and other appropriate background checks will be processed by the FBOP to verify this information.

3.3.3 Previous Criminal Convictions. Contractor shall not submit anyone for FBOP approval who is under the supervision or jurisdiction of any parole, probation, or correctional authority. Contract staff with previous criminal convictions, who are not under supervision, may be considered for approval to work with Inmates referred for peer support. However, the FBOP reserves the right of approval in such cases. Consideration will be given to such factors as criminal history, time elapsed since conviction(s), and subsequent adjustment in the community.

3.3.4 Approvals. Contract staff shall not begin working with Inmates prior to obtaining written approval from the FBOP. Approval may be granted after the NCIC/NLETS check is complete with satisfactory results. Prior approval on a previous FBOP contract does not extend to new contracts, nor does it guarantee that the individual will be approved again

3.3.5 Denials. There may be occasions when an individual is prohibited from working with Inmates, which may include immediate removal from performing peer support under the contract. This determination does not preclude the Contractor from employing the staff member to work with non- FBOP clients.

3.3.6 Appeals. If the Contractor wishes to appeal the initial decision, the prohibited staff member may submit a detailed description of criminal history and reasons why the individual should be approved to work with Inmates. This information will be reviewed for a final decision.

3.3.7 Revoked Approvals. The FBOP reserves the right to revoke the approval for any peer support specialist or administrative staff member pending investigation of alleged misconduct. The Contractor shall report all pending investigations or sanctions involving personnel providing service under the contract with the FBOP.

3.4 EMPLOYEE CONDUCT. The peer support specialist’s Code of Ethics for their respective certification shall be practiced, along with the FBOP’s standards of conduct and the Contractor's internal standards and expectations for their employee. If ethical concerns or practices are observed, the Contractor shall report this information to the FBOP within one business day of the Contractor becoming aware of the concern or practice.

3.4.1 Certification Requirements. The Contractor must also report within one business day of a peer support specialist certificate being revoked, suspended, or placed on probation for violating ethical standards, misconduct, or failure to maintain certification requirements.

3.4.2 Communication. The Contractor and the peer support specialist shall maintain a professional and respectful relationship with RRC and DRC staff, USPO, and the FBOP.

3.5 TRAINING. Contractor shall train personnel regarding SOW requirements. All approved staff must be sufficiently trained at contract award and on annual basis. Contractor must provide training to all approved staff regarding SOW requirements prior to the contract effective date, or within 10 business days for contracts that begin immediately.

3.5.1 Initial Training. New key personnel must complete training on SOW requirements within 10 business days after FBOP approval to work with inmates under the contract.

3.5.2 Annual Training. Contractor must provide annual training to all approved staff. Standard topics must include a review of all initial training and any specific areas of concern or noted deficiencies. The Contractor will notify the FBOP of training dates and obtain any additional topics deemed relevant by the FBOP based on current trends and/or changes in FBOP policy after publication of this SOW.

3.6 SUPERVISION. Contractor shall provide effective supervision of peer support specialists, which must focus on balancing administrative requirements with supportive, recovery-oriented mentorship.

3.6.1 Peer Support Supervisor. A person who supports and oversees peer specialists while they provide the necessary components of peer work. Contractor shall identify at least one key personnel as a Peer Support Supervisor to meet the supervision requirements.

3.6.2 Administrative. Peer Support Supervisor shall conduct monthly administrative compliance checks to ensure documentation reflects peer-specific services, confirm dates of service, and signatures.

3.6.3 Skills Development and Performance. Peer Support Supervisor shall provide monthly group supervision meetings with peer support specialists to discuss core competencies in action or a case review and determine any training needs to develop or enhance skills.

3.6.4 Supportive and Wellness Check-ins. Peer Support Supervisor shall provide, at a minimum, monthly individual supervision of peer support specialists to discuss issues related to, but not be limited to, self-care, boundaries, and challenges or job satisfaction.

3.6.5 Supervision Record. Contractor shall document supervision meetings (group and individual) by listing the dates, times, and attendance only.

4.0 OTHER APPLICABLE CONDITIONS

4.1 FAC-COR. The Contracting Officer will appoint a Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting

Officer’s Representative (FAC-COR) from the CTS section to act as a representative in monitoring specified aspects of the contractor’s performance.

4.1.1 Oversight. The FAC-COR will oversee the performance of the contract and ensure compliance with the requirements of the SOW.

4.1.2 Technical Assistance. The FAC-COR will provide technical assistance within the scope of the contract.

4.1.3 Monitoring. The FAC-COR will monitor and evaluate whether the Contractor meets the technical requirements under the contract within the period of performance. The FAC- COR or designated staff will conduct remote inspections, often scheduled in advance with the Contractor but may also be conducted without notice. The primary purpose of the monitoring is to observe peer support sessions (as needed), provide routine and issue-specific training, and interact with inmates and contract staff.