RFI 1438 - IDOC Community Reentry Centers.pdf

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 1 of 7

IDOC Data Sensitivity Classification - L3 Restricted

State of Idaho | Division of Purchasing

Request For Information RFI 1438 For

Community Reentry Centers

S e c t i o n 1 : O v e r v i e w a n d I n s t r u c t i o n s

1 . 1 P u r p o s e

The State of Idaho Division of Purchasing (State) and the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) is seeking to schedule online/virtual strategy discussions with interested, qualified organizations capable of providing Community Reentry Center (CRCs) services for individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community. Responses will assist IDOC in assessing industry capabilities and identifying best practices used when CRC services are outsourced.

This is not a solicitation for quotations, bids or proposals. No contract award will result from this RFI. Should the State determine that outsourcing is desired, it firmly believes this process will help it to develop a solicitation that is clear and can be administered more efficiently and effectively; however, participation in these discussions is completely optional (they are not mandatory in order to participate in the future solicitation).

1 . 2 F o r m a t o f V i r t u a l D i s c u s s i o n The format of these informal discussions will be performed virtually online via video conferencing tools (i.e., Zoom, Teams, Webex, etc.). The content and topics of the strategy discussions are shown in Section 3. The State is not requesting a formal written response to these questions or topics (as is common in most traditional RFIs). All information will be collected via the conference call/video call, which will be performed on a “1-on-1” basis between each Supplier and the State (not as a group meeting). The State anticipates spending about 1-hour on each call.

The State intends to use information gathered from these discussions to help ensure that any future solicitation is fair and open and provides the information necessary for suppliers to be able to provide accurate proposals. The State plans to schedule discussions with the first three (3) Suppliers to submit a request but reserves the right to hold additional discussions in order to capture diverse Supplier perspectives. The State shall not reimburse the Supplier for any expenses incurred responding to this RFI.

The State does not have any requirements of who can attend the meeting, or their role/position.

The Supplier can select the best person(s) to attend. The meetings will be led by the Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. Suppliers will be permitted 5-10 minutes to introduce their company for context. The remainder of the time will be spent discussing the Supplier’s answers to the questions provided in Section 3. Other than general procurement questions, the state will not answer any questions about the project or any upcoming solicitation; however, the state will be taking note of questions to ensure that they are answered proactively in any possible solicitation document.

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 2 of 7

1 . 3 K e y D a t e s

The RFI timetable is shown below, but the State may adjust/modify this schedule as needed.

Issue Date of RFI: Monday, September 14, 2026 RSVP Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026

Anticipated Video Discussions: Monday & Tuesday, October 5-6, 2026

1 . 4 P o i n t o f C o n t a c t

All questions, inquires, or communications regarding this RFI or the IDOC Community Reentry Centers must be directed to the Point of Contact listed below (via email). Suppliers shall not contact any other State employee.

Mack DeYoung Procurement Supervisor State of Idaho – Division of Purchasing Email: Mack.DeYoung@adm.Idaho.gov

S e c t i o n 2 : B a c k g r o u n d I n f o r m a t i o n

2 . 1 B a c k g r o u n d I n f o r m a t i o n

IDOC currently consists of 10 prisons, 5 CRCs (soon to be 6) and has contracts with Arizona’s Florence and Saguaro CCs.

IDOC’s Mission is to promote a safer Idaho by reducing recidivism. IDOC strongly believes that its Mission is furthered when people who have had justice involvement are able to live crime free in the community. This includes facilitating a person’s successful return to the community through the CRCs while receiving all the tools, resources and opportunities to make that successful transition.

IDOC is seeking information regarding community reentry housing and services for CRCs with approximately 750 Residents that promotes successful community reintegration while ensuring public safety and accountability. IDOC is requesting information about services including how and where these residents could be housed with twenty-four hours a day/7 days per week (24/7) coverage by security staff, meals, case management, medical care, employment assistance, life-skills training, transportation to and from employment, and collaboration with community partners. IDOC’s current CRC locations are in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Boise (two facilities), and Nampa, with the addition of a Pocatello facility scheduled for December 2026.

2 . 2 U n i q u e / C h a l l e n g i n g C o n d i t i o n s The subjects below represent both required areas of policy and required processes for which IDOC is requesting industry insight to better understand common practices, potential challenges, and factors that may inform a future solicitation or program design. Suppliers are encouraged to share suggestions, recommendations, and perspectives based on their experience with similar environments.

mailto:Mack.DeYoung@adm.Idaho.gov

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 3 of 7

2.2.1 Staffing & Supervision

Insights into staffing models and approaches that support safe, effective resident supervision, including security, administrative, and support roles.

2.2.2 Employee Training

Recommendations regarding training practices that help prepare CRC personnel for safety, security, role-specific duties, and ongoing professional development.

2.2.3 Resident Intake & Orientation

Perspectives on processes that support initial intake, orientation, and clear communication of programs, expectations, and available services.

2.2.4 Operational Security & Control

Suggested approaches for maintaining safe and secure CRC operations for residents, staff, visitors, and nearby communities.

2.2.5 Facility Capabilities & Physical Environment

Input on the types of facility features, layouts, and amenities that enable CRCs to function effectively and support anticipated resident populations.

2.2.6 Facility Provisioning

Considerations related to organizations supplying and operating their own facilities under an outsourced model.

2.2.7 Incident Prevention & Response

Industry practices for preventing and responding to escapes, disturbances, unauthorized absences, riots, emergencies, or other critical events.

2.2.8 Food Services

Perspectives on providing safe, nutritious meals and accommodating dietary needs, including special or religious diets.

2.2.9 Drug-Free Environment

Approaches to maintaining a drug-free setting and supporting related testing or monitoring practices.

2.2.10 Resident Mail Services

Information on how CRCs typically manage resident access to mail and correspondence.

2.2.11 Healthcare & Specialized Care

Insights into providing access to medical, diagnostic, mental health, pharmacy, dental, vision, chronic care, and behavioral health services within CRC settings.

2.2.12 Medical Records Management

Input on practices for maintaining accurate, confidential resident health records.

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 4 of 7

2.2.13 Transportation Support

Recommendations for coordinating resident transportation for employment, education, treatment, medical appointments, court appearances, and other approved activities.

2.2.14 Workforce Continuity

Considerations for sustaining adequate staffing during workforce disruptions such as sick-outs or work stoppages.

2.2.15 Emergency Preparedness

Suggested approaches for emergency response planning and coordination with external agencies.

2.2.16 Sanitation & Hygiene

Perspectives on maintaining sanitary, safe living environments in compliance with applicable standards.

2.2.17 Clothing, Bedding & Laundry Access

Industry practices for providing residents with clean clothing, bedding, linens, and laundry services.

2.2.18 Resident Banking & Financial Services

Suggestions related to offering resident account management and basic financial transaction support.

2.2.19 Telecommunications Access

Input on managing resident access to telephone and telecommunication services and communicating usage expectations.

2.2.20 Technology & Infrastructure

Perspectives on secure, reliable IT systems and network infrastructure that support CRC operations.

2.2.21 Religious Activities

Insights into facilitating resident access to religious resources and observances.

2.2.22 Insurance & Risk Management

Suggestions regarding insurance coverage and risk management practices relevant to CRC operations.

2.2.23 Education & Workforce Development

Input on educational, vocational, and workforce development programs that support successful reentry.

2.2.24 Employment Readiness & Placement

Recommendations for job-readiness training, job search support, partnerships, and employment-related services.

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 5 of 7

2.2.25 Resident Compensation

Perspectives on methods for compensating residents for work performed as part of CRC participation.

2.2.26 Eligibility Assessment

Approaches organizations use to identify and assess residents suitable for CRC placement.

2.2.27 Behavioral Health Needs

Considerations for serving individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

2.2.28 Employment Status & Documentation Challenges

Information on accommodating residents who lack employment history or identification documents upon intake.

2.2.29 Security & Supervision Levels

Insights into supervising residents who may require elevated security measures within community-based settings.

2 . 3 F u t u r e G o a l s & O u t c o m e s

IDOC’s preferred outcome of this RFI is to evaluate the most efficient and effective operation of Idaho’s Community Reentry Centers (CRC). The Department seeks industry insight regarding strategies and operational approaches that may support these desired outcomes. Information gathered through this RFI will help inform IDOC’s understanding of what goals, performance considerations, and other elements should be evaluated or incorporated into any future formal procurements.

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 6 of 7

S e c t i o n 3 : S c r i p t f o r S t r a t e g y D i s c u s s i o n s

A written response to these questions is NOT required. The State will conduct virtual discussions with interested Suppliers to address these items. The supplier can prepare a presentation to assist with the discussion if they would like (but they are not required to do so). Responses should avoid proprietary, supplier-specific solutions where possible, as the State intends to develop neutral, broadly applicable requirements.

Information provided through this response form and any associated discussions may be used by the State to inform a future solicitation and may be summarized in a manner that protects proprietary information while ensuring transparency and equal access to information for all potential respondents.

• Considering any major cost categories, staffing and operational considerations, and providing the required full range of services listed in the RFI, what would a typical budget or cost structure look like?

• What recidivism outcomes have been observed in similar provider-run community reentry programs?

• What challenges or constraints do providers most commonly encounter when delivering reentry services?

• What types of approaches, service models, or intervention strategies have proven valuable in supporting successful reentry in similar provider-run settings?

RFI 1438 -Idaho Department of CorrectionPage 7 of 7

Strategy Discussions for Community Reentry Centers

Response Form

Suppliers that would like to participate in the virtual discussions should complete this form to reserve a time slot. Please identify a point of contact that the State can contact to set up the virtual meeting.

Company Name Point of Contact name

Phone number

Email Address

Please identify 2-3 preferred dates/times for the virtual call (as shown in the table below). Please identify the date(s) and time(s) that will work for your team. Please RSVP as soon as possible, but not later than 5pm (Mountain Time) on October 2, 2026 by emailing your completed response form to the RFI Point of Contact listed in Section 1.4 of this document.

Timeslots will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your timeslot is confirmed, the State will provide a link to the conference-call or video-call.

October 5, 2026 Monday

October 6, 2026 Tuesday

8:30 – 10:00 am

10:30 – 12:00 pm

1:30 – 3:00 pm