Q&A Document 1 (1).pdf

Questions & Answers - 1

Solicitation 2027000032 - Psychiatric Nursing Program

Buying Organization Colorado Department of Corrections

No Question/Answer Question Date

Q1 Question: Credentialing requirement conflict — Exhibit A

Section 1.A.iii states that RN staff must hold an active, unencumbered Colorado RN license, dedicated verifiable inpatient psychiatric nursing experience, and proven clinical experience with individuals diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Sections 1.I and 1.J separately state that "clinicians" must meet credentialing criteria of Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) or Licensed Addiction Counselor

(LAC), with Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW), or

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) accepted only with a documented SUD work history.

Please confirm whether the CAS/LAC/LPC/CSW/LMFT credentialing requirement in Sections 1.I and

1.J applies to the RN positions described in the Scope of Work (Section 1.B), or whether Sections 1.I and 1.J are inapplicable to the staffing model described in this solicitation.

Answer: See published Modification #1, to RFP document, for the changes made to this section.

09/14/2026

Q2 Question: Award structure

Does CDOC intend to make a single award covering both Denver Women's Correctional Facility

(DWCF) and Centennial Correctional Facility (CCF), or may an Offeror submit a proposal for a partial scope (e.g., one facility only)?

Answer: CDOC reserves the right to award to multiple Offerors if applicable, and if it is determined to be in the best interest of CDOC. Offerors can submit proposals for all or some of requested service locations.

09/14/2026

Q3 Question: Exhibit D line-item structure

Reference: Exhibit D, Price Proposal; Exhibit A Section 1.G.iii

The Price Proposal template (Exhibit D) contains a single "Description / Cost or Hourly Rate" field.

Exhibit A, Section 1.G.iii requires invoices to itemize the "Shift line description" as Regular, Swings, Graves, OT, or Holiday. Please confirm whether Exhibit D should include separate rate lines for

Regular, Overtime, and Holiday hourly rates (and a separate mileage reimbursement rate), or whether a single blended hourly rate covering all shift types is sufficient.

Answer: Please include all Regular, Overtime rates on Exhibit D, however CDOC does not anticipate overtime for these positions. Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of

Modification #4.

09/14/2026

Q4 Question: Overtime billability

Section 1.G.ii.a limits billable hours to "up to 40 hours, per FTE, per week." Section 1.G.viii permits overtime with prior CDOC Regional HAS approval. Please clarify whether hours worked beyond 40 per week (once approved) are billable, and if so, at what rate and whether that rate should appear as a separate Exhibit D line item.

Answer: Please include all Regular, Overtime rates on Exhibit D, however CDOC does not anticipate overtime for these positions. Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of

Modification #4.

09/14/2026

No Question/Answer Question Date

Q5 Question: Training cost treatment

Section 1.G.i states the quoted hourly rate includes all indirect costs, including "onboarding training and annual required training." Section 1.G.ii.c separately lists "mandatory training and recertification training costs" among the items billable at the quoted hourly rate. Please clarify whether time spent completing

CTI online training and DT (Defensive Tactics) recertification is separately billable, or fully embedded in the quoted hourly rate with no separate billing.

Answer: Separately billable at quoted hourly rate.

09/14/2026

Q6 Question: Mileage calculation basis

Section 1.G.ii.b measures the 50-mile mileage threshold "from Offeror(s) office location or staff place of residence." Section 1.G.iv.b requires mileage documentation showing "actual mileage from staff residence to work assignment facility." Please confirm mileage is calculated from staff residence only, and clarify how the 50-mile threshold applies where the Contractor's office is located outside Colorado.

Answer: Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4.

09/14/2026

Q7 Question: Invoicing cadence

Section 1.G.iii states Contractor shall invoice "on a bi-monthly basis" but describes a monthly cycle

("invoicing for the preceding calendar month services shall be received by the 15th of each calendar month following services"). Please confirm whether invoicing is monthly or twice-monthly.

Answer: Invoicing is expected monthly, but timesheets will need to be submitted and signed off on weekly. Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4.

09/14/2026

Q8 Question: Contract term dates

Section 5 states the Anticipated Contract Start Date is December 31, 2026. Section 6 states the

Anticipated Contract Term runs November 30, 2026 through June 30, 2027 — a start date preceding the anticipated award and execution dates in Section 2's Schedule of Activities. Please confirm the correct contract term start and end dates, and confirm whether the initial term is intended to be a full year (as referenced by Exhibit B's question regarding "1-year duration of the Contract") or the approximately seven-month period stated in Section 6.

Answer: The initial contract start date will be upon execution of the contract, at this time these dates are merely estimations, as we cannot guarantee when contract negotiations will be completed. The initial term of the contract will be for 1 year; however, the contract dates will run on the State fiscal cycle of July 1 – June 30.

09/14/2026

Q9 Question: Exhibit I reference error

Section 1.A.ii references insurance requirements "included in this solicitation as Exhibit I," but no Exhibit

I appears among the solicitation's Exhibits A through G or Attachments 1 through 3. Please confirm the correct reference (appears to correspond to Attachment 2 and/or Attachment 1, Section 10).

Answer: Section 1.A.ii should read: Insurance Requirements - The awarded Offeror will be required to submit a certificate(s) of insurance evidencing insurance coverage for, at minimum, the types and amounts of insurance as required by the Insurance provision in the Contract or Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, included in this solicitation as Attachment 1, prior to execution of the Contract or

Purchase Order. Attachment 2 has information to determine what insurance will be needed for this solicitation

Q10 Question: Mandatory site visit

The Vendor Responsive & Responsible Checklist references "Vendor Representation attending

Mandatory Site Visit," but no site visit appears in the Schedule of Activities (RFP Section 2) or elsewhere in the solicitation. Please confirm whether a mandatory site visit applies to this solicitation and, if so, the date, location, and registration process.

Answer: Please disregard Vendor Responsive & Responsible checklist. A site visit was not listed in the

Solicitation Activity section and is not needed for this solicitation.

09/14/2026

Q11 Question: Certificate of Good Standing and financial statements — submission timing

The Checklist references a "Colorado Secretary of State's Certificate of Good Standing" and

"Financials" as part of the responsiveness review. Exhibit A, Section 1.A.v states Secretary of State registration is required only before Contract execution, and Sections 1.I.ii and 1.J.i state financial statements are provided only "if requested." Please confirm whether a Certificate of Good Standing and/or audited financial statements must be submitted with the initial proposal, or only upon request or after award.

Answer: You may provide either within your proposal, however neither is required. CDOC is not requesting financials, and we will pull the Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of

State website.

09/14/2026

Q12 Question: HIPAA BAA / IT security audit applicability

Attachment 3, Section 3.K, and the Information Technology Provisions Exhibit (Section 5.C, requiring an annual SOC2 Type II audit) appear directed at vendors that host or process PHI on their own information systems. Given that Contractor staff under this solicitation will document within CDOC's own systems at CDOC facilities rather than Contractor-owned systems, please confirm whether these independent third-party security assessment obligations apply to this staffing engagement.

Answer: The Information Technology Exhibit does not pertain as this Solicitation is not for an information technology contract.

09/14/2026

Q13 Question: Letters of Commitment scope

Exhibit G requires a signed Letter of Commitment for "key personnel." Please confirm whether this requirement applies to all proposed RN direct-care staff under this solicitation, or only to designated leadership or supervisory roles.

Answer: The “Letter of Commitment” is requested from the Offeror for key personnel. Offeror(s) RN staff will not be providing a letter of commitment, but Exhibit G should be submitted for each RN.

09/14/2026

Q14 Question: Background check and credentialing timeline

RFP Section 16.A gives the Contractor 30 days following award or contract execution to complete

CDOC's Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation, and Exhibit A, Section 1.A.iii requires DORA credential verification before staff begin service. Given the anticipated contract start date, please confirm CDOC's typical processing time for background and fingerprint clearance per candidate, and confirm whether a phased staffing ramp-up is acceptable without penalty if full staffing is not cleared by the contract start date.

Answer: The processing time to complete the Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation can vary.

Section 16.A states upon award or full contract execution, the Contractor shall initiate and expedite all

CDOC Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation requirements within 30 days. Failure to comply may result in a formal demand to cure or contract termination.

Q15 Question: Attachment 1 missing page 47

RFP 20270000032 – Psychiatric Nursing Program

Attachment 1, Personal Services Contract Template, is labeled as a 47-page document, but the version currently posted ends at Page 46 of 47 and appears to stop mid-sentence in Section 7.C, “License or use audit rights.” Please confirm whether Page 47 was omitted and, if so, please provide the complete

Attachment 1.

Answer: This document has been corrected and submitted with this addendum modification #2.

09/14/2026

Q16 Question: Contract Start Date / Initial Term

Section 5 of the RFP states an anticipated contract start date of December 31, 2026, or contract execution. Section 6 states the anticipated contract term is November 30, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Please confirm the intended initial contract start date and initial contract term.

Answer: The initial contract start date will be upon execution of the contract, at this time these dates are merely estimations, as we cannot guarantee when contract negotiations will be completed. The initial term of the contract will be for 1 year; however, the contract dates will run on the State fiscal cycle of July 1 – June 30.

09/14/2026

Q17 Question: Named Personnel, Resumes and Letters of Commitment

Exhibit G requires Resume Summary Templates and Letters of Commitment for key personnel. Please clarify which positions are considered ‘key personnel’ for this solicitation. Are Offerors required to identify all proposed psychiatric RNs and submit an Exhibit G and signed Letter of Commitment for each nurse with the proposal, or does this requirement apply only to designated management/key personnel?

Answer: Refer to #13.

09/14/2026

Q18 Question: RN Credentialing vs. Addiction Counselor Credentials

Exhibit A Section 1.A requires personnel to possess an active, unencumbered Colorado RN license, verifiable inpatient psychiatric nursing experience, and clinical experience working with individuals diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders. Later in Exhibit A, the Offeror Capabilities section lists CAS or LAC as primary credentials, with LPC, CSW, or LMFT as alternatives. Please clarify whether the

CAS/LAC/LPC/CSW/LMFT credential requirements apply to the psychiatric RNs being requested under this RFP, or whether the RN requirements in Section 1.A are the applicable clinical credential requirements for nursing staff.

Answer: See published Modification #1.

09/14/2026

Q19 Question: Price Proposal Categories

Exhibit D provides six pricing rows but does not identify the required descriptions or rate categories.

Please identify the pricing categories Offerors should enter in Exhibit D and confirm whether separate rates should be proposed for regular hours, overtime, holidays, mandatory training/recertification, and any other applicable categories.

Answer: Please refer to question #3.

09/14/2026

Q20 Question: Mandatory Training Billing

Exhibit A states that the Offeror’s hourly rate shall include onboarding training and annual required training. The following section states that mandatory training and recertification training costs are billable at the Offeror’s quoted hourly rates. Please clarify whether hours spent completing required CTI, Defensive Tactics, and annual recertification training are separately billable to CDOC at the quoted hourly rate or must be included within the regular service rate without separate billing.

Answer: Please refer to question #5.

Q21 Question: Responsive & Responsible Checklist Applicability

The Responsive & Responsible Checklist references a Mandatory Site Visit and a Sealed Bid. The RFP schedule does not identify a mandatory site visit, and Section 9 requires proposals to be submitted electronically through BidNet Direct with no hard-copy submissions accepted. Please confirm that there is no mandatory site visit and that electronic submission through BidNet Direct is the only required proposal submission method for RFP 20270000032.

Answer: Please disregard Vendor Responsive & Responsible checklist. A site visit was not listed in the

Solicitation Activity section and is not needed for this solicitation. Only proposal submissions through

BidNet Direct will be accepted.

09/14/2026

Q22 Question: Bid-Stage Documentation / Insurance

The Responsive & Responsible Checklist references insurance documents, a Colorado Secretary of

State Certificate of Good Standing, and financials. However, the RFP states that insurance is required prior to contract execution, Colorado registration is required before contract execution, and financial statements may be requested by the State. Please confirm whether insurance certificates, a Colorado

Certificate of Good Standing, and financial statements must be submitted with the proposal or only provided if requested or upon award.

Answer: Please disregard Vendor Responsive & Responsible checklist. Insurance certificates can be included with proposal documents; however they can be provided after Award upon request. You can also include your Certificate of Good Standing and financials, however neither are required. CDOC is not requesting financials, and we will pull the Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State site.

09/14/2026

Q23 Question: BidNet Pricing Method

The BidNet solicitation page identifies the pricing method as “Lump sum”; however, Exhibit D requests cost/hourly rates and Exhibit A describes billing based on hourly rates. Please confirm that Offerors should submit hourly rate pricing in accordance with Exhibit D and Exhibit A, rather than a lump-sum price.

Answer: Please refer to question #3.

09/14/2026

Q24 Question: Questions #20270000032

1. Is the Offeror required to identify a specific named individual for each of the 8 (or however many is clarified) FTE/PT roles at time of proposal submission, or can key personnel be identified as "to be assigned upon award" with resumes provided for representative/similarly qualified staff?

2. Does the "Contractor Property" and Work Product IP assignment language in §15 of the Contract

Template apply to any Contractor-proprietary training materials, scheduling tools, or clinical protocols used in service delivery?

3. This solicitation was reportedly issued and cancelled previously. Can CDOC confirm whether RFP

#20270000032 (or a substantially similar prior solicitation for this same Psychiatric Nursing Program scope) was previously published and cancelled, and if so, what was the specific reason for cancellation?

Answer: Please refer to question #13, The IP assignment language does not apply if training materials, scheduling tools, or clinical protocols exist prior to the contract execution (or were developed independently outside of it), this would classify under Section 15.C Contractor Property, Cancellations of solicitations can occur for many reasons and holds no relevance in this RFP.

09/15/2026

Q25 Question: Questions- 2027000032

1. Exhibit A, Section I references clinician credentials (CAS/LAC/LPC/CSW/LMFT). Are these credentials required in addition to RN licensure for the 8 psychiatric RN positions, or do they describe a separate, additional clinician role not reflected in the Section B staffing table? Please clarify total

FTE/PT positions covered.

2. The Cover Page/Attachment 1 states an Initial Term of November 30, 2026–June 30, 2027, while

Section 6 of the RFP lists the Contract Performance Beginning Date as December 31, 2026. Please confirm the correct initial term dates and duration.

3. Is the 1 part-time relief RN per facility intended as the sole backup for PTO, sick leave, and

DT/training decertification, or does CDOC anticipate the Contractor maintaining an additional bench of credentialed staff outside the billable FTE count?

4. Please confirm whether the 32-hour in-person Defensive Tactics training and CTI online training hours are compensated at the Contractor's quoted hourly rate, and who bears travel/lodging cost if training occurs at a location other than the assigned facility.

5. Does CDOC anticipate any rate adjustment mechanism (CPI/COLA) for Extension Terms, given

Section 2.C of the Contract states extensions continue "at the same rates" for up to five years?

6. Can CDOC confirm the timeline expectation between Notice of Intent to Award (est. October 31, 2026) and required completion of CO Secretary of State and CORE registration, given contract execution is estimated for December 31, 2026?

Answer: See published Modification #1, See amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4. The initial contract start date will be upon execution of the contract, at this time these dates are merely estimations, as we cannot guarantee when contract negotiations will be completed. The initial term of the contract will be for 1 year; however, the contract dates will run on the

State fiscal cycle of July 1 – June 30, Training will be compensated at the normal hourly rate. Lodging and/or travel expenses may be discussed during the contact negotiations, CDOC may, at its sole discretion, consider an annual price increase not to exceed 2.5% for each fiscal year of the Contract.

Any request to increase pricing must be received prior to March 15th for the increase to be considered for the following fiscal year, The protest period is 10 business days after Intent to Award is published.

The initial contract start date will be upon execution of the contract, at this time these dates are merely estimations, as we cannot guarantee when contract negotiations will be completed. The initial term of the contract will be for 1 year; however, the contract dates will run on the State fiscal cycle of July 1 –

June 30.

09/15/2026

Q26 Question: Questions- 2027000032

1. Given the accessibility requirement in Section 9(A)(vii) that proposals cannot be redrafted post-submission for accessibility compliance, can CDOC provide any accepted format/tooling guidance (e.g., accepted PDF/UA validation tool) to reduce disqualification risk?

2. Will CDOC accept electronic signatures per the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act for all Exhibits

(B, E, F), or are wet signatures required for any specific document?

3. There's also a mismatch between the invoicing routing on the Contract cover page

(doc_accountspayable@state.co.us) and Exhibit A's invoicing instructions (P.O. Box 1010, Canon City / cdoc_cls_contracts@state.co.us) — which is authoritative?

4. Can you provide historical utilization data (average weekly/monthly hours per client, by service line) so we can size staffing and revenue?

5. How many vendors are currently awarded/active under this or the predecessor contract, and how is referral volume allocated among multiple awarded vendors?

6. What is the Medicaid reimbursement workflow and vendor role?

7. How many vendors are you looking to award?

Answer: Tools for making documents accessible cannot be provided or recommended by CDOC.

Electronic signatures will be accepted. Attachment 1 is a sample. The email listed in Exhibit A is authoritative. No Historic data is available for this new program. Zero, this is a new contract. The

Medicaid reimbursement workflow bears no context to this solicitation. Unable to determine at this time.

09/15/2026

Q27 Question: Number of Awards

What is the intended number of awards (approximate number)?

Answer: Unable to determine at this time.

09/16/2026

Q28 Question: Estimated Budget

What are the estimated funds allocated for this contract?

Answer: Budgeted expenses may be adjusted depending upon the estimated hourly rates from respondents/offerors from this RFP. Current allocations cannot be provided at this time.

09/16/2026

Q29 Question: Start Date

What is the tentative start date for this engagement?

Answer: Please refer to #15.

09/16/2026

Q30 Question: Work Location

What is the work location of the proposed candidates?

Answer: Denver Women’s Correctional Facility (DWCF) 3600 Havana Street, Denver CO 80239, Centennial Correctional Facility (CCF) 57500 East Hwy 50 & Evans Road, Canon City CO 81212

09/16/2026

Q31 Question: Incumbents

Is this a new contract, or are there any incumbents? If there is an incumbent, please provide the incumbent's name and pricing and confirm whether the incumbent is eligible to resubmit the proposal.

Answer: This is a new contract.

09/16/2026

Q32 Question: Pain Points

Are there any pain points or issues with the current vendor(s)?

Answer: No current vendors

09/16/2026

Q33 Question: Previous Spend

Could you please share the previous spending on this contract, if any?

Answer: New program, no historical data with previous spending information available.

09/16/2026

Q34 Question: Subcontracting Requirement

Is there any mandatory subcontracting requirement for this contract? If yes, is there a specific goal for the subcontracting?

Answer: There is no mandatory subcontracting requirement.

09/16/2026

Q35 Question: Good Faith Efforts

Can we submit good faith efforts if we are unable to find a subcontractor?

Answer: It is not recommended to commit to staffing that is not available.

09/16/2026

Q36 Question: Position used in previous Contract

How many positions were used in the previous contract (approximate)?

Answer: No previous contract

09/16/2026

Q37 Question: Positions required per year

How many positions will be required per year or throughout the contract term?

Answer: Required positions are listed in Exhibit A, Section 1.B.i.a and 1.B.ii.a. See amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4.

09/16/2026

Q38 Question: Candidate replacement

If the resources we provide at the time of proposal submission are unavailable at the time of a potential contract award, could vendors replace them with equally qualified resources?

Answer: No, Evaluations of Exhibit G for each nurse will be conducted as part of the proposal.

09/16/2026

Q39 Question: Hourly Rate

Can we provide hourly rate ranges in the price proposal?

Answer: Please refer to question #3.

09/16/2026

Q40 Question: Mid Contract Price Adjustment

Will the County allow mid-contract price adjustments (e.g., for agency fees or wage rates), and if so, under what conditions?

Answer: No mid-contract price adjustments will be considered. CDOC may, at its sole discretion, consider an annual price increase not to exceed 2.5% for each fiscal year of the Contract. Any request to increase pricing must be received prior to March 15th for the increase to be considered for the following fiscal year.

09/16/2026

Q41 Question: Specified Mechanism

If adjustments are permitted, is there a specified mechanism (e.g., annual review, CPI-based increase, or mutual negotiation) that governs such changes?

Answer: No mid-contract price adjustments will be considered.

09/16/2026

Q42 Question: Price Adjustment

Should the initial proposal reflect fixed pricing for the entire term, or can adjustments be proposed in advance as part of the contract?

Answer: Proposed pricing should be fixed for entire term. CDOC may, at its sole discretion, consider an annual price increase not to exceed 2.5% for each fiscal year of the Contract. Any request to increase pricing must be received prior to March 15th for the increase to be considered for the following fiscal year.

09/16/2026

Q43 Question: Payment Terms

What are the invoice/payment terms (NET 30, NET 45, etc.) and required invoice fields?

Answer: The payment terms are Net 45

09/16/2026

Q44 Question: Reporting Requirements

What are the candidate reporting requirements?

Answer: Unsure what this is asking.

09/16/2026

Q45 Question: Onsite/offsite work

Is the work entirely onsite, or is there a possibility for remote operations and performance?

Answer: Entirely onsite

09/16/2026

Q46 Question: Resumes Required

Are resumes required at the time of proposal submission? If yes, do we need to submit the actual resumes for proposed candidates, or can we submit the sample resumes?

Answer: The “Letter of Commitment” is requested from the Contractor for key personnel. Exhibit G should be submitted for each RN with proposal.

09/16/2026

Q47 Question: List of Holidays

Could you please provide the list of holidays? Are there any mandated Paid Time Off, Vacation, etc.?

Answer: Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of work published as part of Modification #4. Not through DOC.

09/16/2026

Q48 Question: Execution Date

Please confirm the anticipated contract execution date. Section 5 of the RFP states December 31, 2026, while Section 6 states the base term begins November 30, 2026. Which governs the effective start of billable services?

Answer: Please refer to #8.

09/17/2026

Q49 Question: Contract Value

Is there an estimated total contract value or prior-year spend/award history for this or a predecessor contract that CDOC can share?

Answer: Please refer to #28.

09/17/2026

Q50 Question: Rate Submission

For Exhibit D, should Offerors submit one all-inclusive hourly rate, or separate rate lines for regular, overtime, and holiday hours?

Answer: Please refer to #3

09/17/2026

Q51 Question: Shifts Question

What are CDOC's expectations for shift cancellation notice, and is there a guaranteed minimum weekly hours floor for individual staff?

Answer: Guaranteed 40 hours per week. Shift cancellation notice is expected as soon as possible but no later than 2 hours before the start of shift.

09/17/2026

Q52 Question: Invoicing Question

What are the standard payment terms (days from invoice receipt to payment) for this contract?

Answer: Please refer to #43

09/17/2026

Q53 Question: Clarifying the Due Date

Oct 11 is a Sunday...Is this correct for the due date?

Answer: See published Modification #2 for corrected date.

09/17/2026

Q54 Question: Due Date Requested

Please confirm the due date for submissions is Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2pm MDT?

Answer: See published Modification #2 for corrected date.

09/18/2026

Q55 Question: Site visit clearance

1. The Responsive & Responsible Checklist references a “Mandatory Site Visit”; however, we could not locate the date, time, location, or attendance instructions in the RFP. Please confirm whether a site visit is required for this solicitation. If required, please provide the applicable details and clarify whether it is associated with a pre-proposal/bid conference.

Answer: Please disregard Vendor Responsive & Responsible checklist. A site visit was not listed in the

Solicitation Activity section and is not needed for this solicitation.

09/18/2026

Q56 Question: Mandatory Site Visit

The Vendor Responsive & Responsible Checklist indicates in first check box section that Vendor

Representation attending Mandatory Site Visit. The RFP does not indicate a Mandatory Site Visit is required. Please clarify if we can input N/A in response to this check box?

Answer: Please disregard Vendor Responsive & Responsible checklist. A site visit was not listed in the

Solicitation Activity section and is not needed for this solicitation.

09/18/2026

Q57 Question: Secretary of State (SOS) Registration

Exhibit A, Section 1. Statement of Work, subsection A. Mandatory Requirements, item v. Secretary of

State (SOS) Registration indicates an awarded Offeror must be registered to do business in the State of

Colorado. However, "If an Offeror is a foreign corporation (formed under a statute or common law in a jurisdiction other than Colorado) or other foreign entity transacting business in the State of Colorado, it shall warrant that it currently has obtained and shall maintain any applicable certificate of authority to transact business in the State of Colorado and has designated a registered agent in Colorado to accept service of process. Please clarify if a U.S. based Corporation formed under a statute or common law jurisdiction other than Colorado can submit a proposal indicating it will obtain such registration if notified of potential award? Also, can said vendor indicate such on the Responsive and Responsible Checklist

"to be obtained" on the Colorado Secretary of State's Certificate of Good Standing question. In other words, will you accept a proposal from a Vendor registered in another State willing to Register in the

State of Colorado if notified of potential award?

Answer: Before Contract execution, the awarded Offeror must be registered to do business in the State of Colorado. If an Offeror is a foreign corporation (formed under a statute or common law in a jurisdiction other than Colorado) or other foreign entity transaction business in the State of Colorado, it shall warrant that it currently has obtained and shall maintain any applicable certificate of authority to transact business in the State of Colorado and has designated a registered agent in Colorado to accept service of process.

Please disregard Vendor Responsive & Responsible checklist. Offeror must be registered with the Colo

Secretary of State at the time of proposal submission to be considered for this solicitation.

09/18/2026

Q58 Question: Exhibit A 1.G.viii and COMPS 4.1.1: daily overtime in the rate

Exhibit A describes shift rotations of thirteen hours and twenty minutes at both facilities. The Colorado

Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order #39, 7 CCR 1103-1, Rule 4.1.1, requires pay at one and one half times the regular rate for work in excess of twelve hours in a workday, or twelve consecutive hours, in addition to the forty hour weekly trigger. Exhibit A, Section 1.G.viii, defines overtime for invoicing purposes as more than forty hours in a Sunday through Saturday week. A thirteen hour and twenty minute shift therefore carries a State law overtime premium on every shift, within a week that does not exceed forty hours.

Will the Department confirm that the hourly rate quoted in Exhibit D is expected to be inclusive of that daily overtime premium, and that it is not separately invoiceable as an overtime line under Section

1.G.viii?

Answer: Direct Support and Care: The Rule 4.1.1(B)-(C) daily (12-hour) overtime rule does not apply to companions designated as direct support professionals/direct care workers who are scheduled for, and work, shifts of at least 24 hours providing residential or respite.

09/21/2026

Q59 Question: COMPS Rule 5.1: meal period relief or compensable time

COMPS Order #39, 7 CCR 1103-1, Rule 5.1, entitles an employee to an uninterrupted and duty free meal period of at least thirty minutes when the shift exceeds five consecutive hours. Colorado

Department of Labor and Employment guidance, INFO #4, provides that where an uninterrupted, duty free meal period is impractical, the employer must permit the employee to eat while working and must pay for that time. Exhibit A describes a single nurse assigned per unit per shift.

Will the Department confirm which of the following applies:

a. The Department will provide relief coverage so that each nurse can take a duty free, uninterrupted thirty minute meal period away from the unit, in which case that period is unpaid and is excluded from billable hours; or

b. The nurse remains on the unit and on duty throughout the shift, in which case the meal period is compensable working time and is included within the thirteen hour and twenty minute billable shift.

Answer: The nurse remains on the unit and on duty throughout the shift

09/21/2026

Q60 Question: Exhibit A 1.G.ii.a and 1.G.v: rounding against the 40 hour cap

Exhibit A, Section 1.G.ii.a, limits billable time to up to forty hours per full time equivalent per week.

Three shifts of thirteen hours and twenty minutes equals exactly forty hours, leaving no margin. Section

1.G.v provides that an employee who clocks out more than seven minutes late has an additional quarter hour added to time worked.

Will the Department state how time is to be invoiced when the rounding rule at Section 1.G.v carries a nurse past forty hours in a week, and whether the prior approval required by Section 1.G.viii.a may be obtained after the fact for time arising from the rounding rule rather than from a scheduled assignment?

Answer: It is the responsibility of each nurse to ensure they are not clocking in more than 7 minutes early or out more than 7 minutes late. A nurse who consistently gets incidental OT would have a review of whether or not they would remain as contract staff. This would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

See amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4.

09/21/2026

Q61 Question: Exhibit A 1.G.i and 1.G.ii.c: conflict on training billability

Exhibit A, Section 1.G.i, states that the hourly rate shall include all indirect costs, expressly including onboarding training and annual required training. Exhibit A, Section 1.G.ii.c, states that mandatory training and recertification training costs referenced in Section 1.F are billable. These provisions are in conflict.

Will the Department confirm which is controlling for the Contract Temporary and Intern online training and for the thirty two hour in person Use of Force and Defensive Tactics course:

a. Billable at the quoted hourly rate as hours worked; or

b. Included in the quoted hourly rate as an indirect cost and not separately invoiceable?

Answer: Billable at the quoted hourly rate as hours worked.

Q62 Question: Pre placement health screening: requirements and who pays

The solicitation does not address pre placement health screening. Will the Department state which of the following the Department requires before a nurse may enter a facility, and in each case whether the cost is borne by the Contractor or by the Department:

a. Tuberculosis screening, and if so whether two step testing or an interferon gamma release assay is required;

b. Respiratory medical clearance and respirator fit testing;

c. Immunization records or titers, and which immunizations;

d. Physical examination.

Answer: CDOC will default to the Contractor to ensure staff are able to physically complete their assignment and that they have their 2 step TB test documentation and flu vaccine confirmation as part of their onboarding. CDOC reserves the right to request confirmation of this information at any time.

09/21/2026

Q63 Question: RFP 16.B: is facility lockdown time billable

Section 16.B provides that in the event of a facility disturbance or event, the Department may temporarily detain the entry and exit of all traffic from the facility. Will the Department confirm whether time during which Contractor personnel are held on site, or are prevented from entering at the start of a scheduled shift, is billable at the quoted hourly rate?

Answer: Yes, it would be paid at quoted rate if detained. They will not be paid if not on premise working. They will have the ability to extend their work time to complete their 1320.

09/21/2026

Q64 Question: Exhibit D: single rate line, and holiday rate at straight time

Exhibit D, Price Proposal, is provided as a blank table with the column headings "Description," "Cost or

Hourly Rate," "Cost," and "Hourly Rate," and contains no line items. Section 1.G.iii.d separately requires each invoice to identify hours by shift line description, namely Regular, Swings, Graves, Overtime, Holiday and Mileage, and Section 1.G.vii provides for a holiday hourly rate on six named holidays.

Will the Department confirm:

a. That offerors define the Exhibit D line items;

b. That an offeror may satisfy Exhibit D by quoting a single hourly rate applicable to all shifts, all days of the week, and all six holidays, with no separate differential or premium lines, provided the Contractor's invoices continue to identify hours by the shift line descriptions at Section 1.G.iii.d for the Department's reporting purposes; and

c. That a holiday rate quoted equal to the straight time rate is responsive to Section 1.G.vii.

Answer: Please refer to #3. Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of

Modification #4.

09/21/2026

Q65 Question: Exhibit A 1.G.ii.b: mileage basis, uniforms and badges

Will the Department state the reimbursement basis for the pass through items it contemplates, specifically:

a. Mileage under Section 1.G.ii.b, whether at the State of Colorado authorized rate, the federal standard mileage rate, or a rate quoted by the offeror; and

b. Whether uniforms, identification badges, or any equipment are furnished by the Department or are a

Contractor cost.

Answer: Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4.

Badges are provided. All other items are the Contractors responsibility.

Q66 Question: Estimated annual hours or not to exceed contract value

The RFP states no estimated contract value and no estimated annual hours. Based on the staffing allocation and shift structure described at Exhibit A, Sections 1.B.i and 1.B.ii, Staffing First calculates a requirement of approximately 280 billable hours per week across both facilities. Will the Department confirm that figure, or provide its own estimated annual hour quantity or not to exceed contract value for planning purposes, recognizing that Section 9.A.xiii guarantees no quantities?

Answer: 240 at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility and 120 at Centennial Correctional Facility for a total of 360 across all assignments per week.

09/21/2026

Q67 Question: RFP 13.C.iii: preferred basis for future price adjustment

Evaluation criterion 13.C.iii refers to the proposed basis for requesting future price increases. Will the

Department state whether it prefers a fixed annual escalation percentage, an index based adjustment, or negotiation at each renewal, and whether an offeror proposing no escalation during the initial term is scored favorably on this criterion?

Answer: CDOC may, at its sole discretion, consider an annual price increase not to exceed 2.5% for each fiscal year of the Contract. Any request to increase pricing must be received prior to March 15th for the increase to be considered for the following fiscal year.

09/21/2026

Q68 Question: Exhibit A 1.B: shift start and end clock times at each facility

Will the Department state the scheduled start and end clock times for the thirteen hour and twenty minute shift at each facility? Offerors require this to determine whether any portion of the shift falls within the swing or graveyard windows referenced at Section 1.G.iii.d, and to recruit accurately.

Answer: There will not be any swing shift rates or graveyard shifts. The shift time will not go past 7pm.

Please see amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4.

09/21/2026

Q69 Question: Exhibit A 1.B: unit dedicated or reassignable nurse assignments

Exhibit A, Section 1.B.i, assigns two full time nurses to the sixty five bed Therapeutic Community unit and two to the forty eight bed Residential Treatment Program unit, with one part time nurse in a midweek relief role supporting both. Will the Department confirm whether nurses are dedicated to a single named unit for the term of their assignment, or whether the Department may reassign a nurse between units and between the two facilities?

Answer: See amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work as part of Modification #4. Support will be between units not facilities.

09/21/2026

Q70 Question: Exhibit A 1.B: are the stated staffing levels a minimum

Will the Department confirm whether the staffing levels described at Sections 1.B.i and 1.B.ii, namely six full time and two part time Registered Nurses, represent a minimum the Department intends to order throughout the contract term, or whether the Department may reduce the number of positions ordered without a contract modification?

Answer: See amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work as part of Modification #4.

09/21/2026

Q71 Question: Exhibit A 1.B.iii: other CDOC facilities and travel

Exhibit A, Section 1.B.iii, states that nurses may be asked to support other CDOC facilities as identified.

Will the Department indicate which facilities are contemplated, the anticipated frequency, and whether travel to those facilities is reimbursable under Section 1.G.ii.b?

Answer: Support will be between units not facilities. No travel.

Q72 Question: Exhibit A 1.A.iii: Nurse Licensure Compact multistate privilege

Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact under Senate Bill 18-027. A nurse whose primary state of residence is another compact state, and who holds a multistate license issued by that home state, is authorized to practice in Colorado under a multistate privilege without a Colorado issued license. A nurse whose primary state of residence is Colorado must hold a Colorado issued license.

Either status is verifiable through Nursys and the Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Will the Department confirm that a nurse practicing under a valid multistate privilege satisfies the requirement at Exhibit A, Section 1.A.iii, for an active, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Colorado?

Answer: See amended Exhibit A, Statement of Work published as part of Modification #4. No Traveling or Out of State Nurses will be considered.

09/21/2026

Q73 Question: Exhibit A 1.F.ii: Defensive Tactics scheduling and cohort size

Exhibit A, Section 1.F.ii, describes Use of Force and Defensive Tactics training as thirty two hours over four days, delivered in person. Will the Department state how frequently these classes are offered, at which locations, the typical interval between scheduling and seating, and whether the Department can accommodate an initial cohort of eight Contractor staff following award?

Answer: DT classes are offered at CDOC Headquarters and the Denver Complex on a regular basis.

All staff, if hired at the same time, would attend the same class.

09/21/2026

Q74 Question: RFP 16.A.i: is Department scheduling delay Contractor caused

Section 16.A.i requires the Contractor to initiate and complete the CDOC Enhanced Criminal

Background Investigation within thirty days of award or full contract execution, and provides that

Contractor responsible delays may trigger a demand to cure or termination. Defensive Tactics is scheduled and delivered by the Department.

Will the Department confirm that delay attributable to the availability of a Department scheduled class, or to Department processing of background investigations, is not a Contractor responsible delay under

Section 16.A.i?

Answer: Any delay attributable to the availability of a Department scheduled class, or to Department processing of background investigations, is not a Contractor responsible delay.

09/21/2026

Q75 Question: RFP 16.A.ii: who pays for background, fingerprint, drug testing

Will the Department state whether the costs of the Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation, fingerprinting and drug testing under Section 16.A.ii are borne by the Department or by the Contractor?

Answer: By Department

09/21/2026

Q76 Question: RFP 16.A: categories of candidate ineligible for placement

Will the Department state whether any category of candidate is ineligible for placement under this contract, specifically:

a. A current employee of the Colorado Department of Corrections or another State of Colorado agency;

b. A former CDOC employee, and if so whether a waiting period applies;

c. A candidate with a familial or personal relationship to a person in CDOC custody, or to CDOC staff?

Answer: A current CDOC employee cannot apply as Statute requires a 6-month break in employment before agency work. Former CDOC employees who were terminated would not be eligible regardless of time. Backgrounds would decide whether there was any conflict of interest if they know someone in custody. Family members as CDOC staff are not an issue.

Q77 Question: RFP 16.C and Exhibit A 1.G.iv.a: timekeeping and record access

Section 16.C restricts cell phones, cameras, tablets and laptops on all CDOC property, and provides that East Canon Correctional Prison Complex does not allow them past checkpoint without prior authorization. Exhibit A, Section 1.G.iv.a, requires an electronic personnel time sheet signed by the facility HAS or designee.

Will the Department state the method by which Contractor staff will record time, contact the Contractor's on call supervisor in an emergency, and access the electronic health record while on the units, and whether the Department provides the necessary equipment and system access?

Answer: Contractor’s staff will be required to sign in and out of their reporting facility, however their time worked will be clocked in the manner in which Contractor requires. All necessary equipment and system access will be supplied. In cases of emergency Contractor’s will be notified by phone as soon as is safely possible.

09/21/2026

Q78 Question: Exhibit G: completing the template and attaching credentials

Exhibit G, the Resume Summary Template, requests five years of experience managing projects of similar size and scope, five years facilitating meetings with clients and stakeholders, a bachelor's degree, and a Project Management certification. It does not request nursing licensure, psychiatric nursing experience, or substance use disorder experience, which Exhibit A, Section 1.A.iii, makes mandatory.

Will the Department confirm that Exhibit G is to be completed as written, and that the clinical credentials required by Section 1.A.iii may be provided as an attachment to each Exhibit G within the four page limit?

Answer: Confirmed.

09/21/2026

Q79 Question: Exhibit G: scope of the Letter of Commitment requirement

Exhibit G requires a signed Letter of Commitment from each identified key person, and a release letter from the State Program Manager if a person is assigned to another State project. For a temporary staffing contract, will the Department confirm whether a Letter of Commitment is required for every nurse proposed, or only for a designated clinical lead or program manager?

Answer: Please refer to #13

Q80 Question: RFP 11.B and 13.B: is a separate technical narrative permitted

Section 11.B lists Exhibits A through G as the required proposal content and does not describe a separate technical narrative. Several Section 13.B evaluation criteria, including the proposed staffing plan, written employment policy, operations plan, reporting and record keeping, and invoicing policy and verification of service delivery, have no corresponding response field within Exhibit A.

Will the Department confirm:

a. Whether a separate narrative addressing the Section 13 criteria is permitted and expected in addition to the completed exhibits;

b. Where that narrative should be placed, and whether it should be tabbed to the Section 13 criteria;

and

c. Whether any page limit applies.

Answer: Yes this is permitted. Please place as you feel appropriate within your proposal. A proposal should be thorough, but not exhaustive, and it should address the requirements set forth in the solicitation and should provide sufficient details to allow the Evaluation Committee to determine whether the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the CDOC’s needs, including the experience and resources necessary to carry out the work; and costs that are reasonable and consistent with the industry.

09/21/2026

Q81 Question: Responsive Checklist: mandatory site visit and sealed bid

The Vendor Responsive and Responsible Checklist included with this solicitation lists "Vendor

Representation attending Mandatory Site Visit" and "Sealed Bid received by." The Schedule of Activities at Section 2 contains no site visit, and Section 9.A.ii permits submission only electronically through

BidNet Direct.

Will the Department confirm that no mandatory site visit is associated with this solicitation, and that no sealed hard copy submission is required or permitted?

Answer: Please disregard the Vendor Responsive and Responsible Checklist. No mandatory site visit will be required and only electronic proposal submissions through BidNet Direct will be accepted.

09/21/2026

Q82 Question: Responsive Checklist: Good Standing certificate and financials

The Vendor Responsive and Responsible Checklist included with this solicitation also lists a Colorado

Secretary of State's Certificate of Good Standing and Financials as responsiveness items. Section 11.B lists only Exhibits A through G. Exhibit A, Section 1.I.ii, contemplates financial statements being requested rather than submitted.

Will the Department confirm whether a Certificate of Good Standing and financial statements are required with the proposal, or only upon request or at award?

Answer: Please disregard the Vendor Responsive and Responsible…