RFI-24-167 Innovative Security Solutions.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

Innovative Security Solutions

FDC RFI-24-167

Sharita Newman, Procurement Officer Florida Department of Corrections 501 South Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32399

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: Introduction

1.1 Overview

1.2 RFI Timeline

SECTION 2: Key Information

2.1 Background

2.2 Purpose

2.3 Requested Information

2.4 Public Records

SECTION 3: Vendor Submissions

3.1 Electronic Submission of Vendor Responses

Attachment I – Vendor's Contact Information and Certification

[Remainder of Page Left Blank Intentionally]

SECTION 1: Introduction

1.1 Overview

The Florida Department of Corrections (Department) requests information from vendors relevant to technological innovations designed to increase correctional institutions' safety, security, and efficiency.

As a department dedicated to ensuring safety and security, we are seeking cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance our security measures against diverse threats. The primary objective of this RFI is to explore advanced security solutions that can effectively prevent and respond to security breaches and threats to safety within our correctional environment. We aim to improve inmate monitoring, staff safety, perimeter security, and overall operational efficiency. This RFI will not result in a procurement decision related to any commodities or services.

1.2 RFI Timeline

The Department has established the following Timeline for this RFI. Each Vendor must adhere to this Timeline and any Timeline revision(s). The Department will post any revision as an addendum to the RFI advertisement. All references to the “Timeline” herein refer to the Timeline in this Section. All times below are Eastern Time (E.T.).

Event Occurrence Location (if applicable)

RFI Advertised July 22, 2024 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

RFI Response Deadline September 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Florida Department of Corrections Attn: Sharita Newman

RFI-24-167 Innovative Security Solutions 501 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

SECTION 2: Key Information

2.1 Background

As Florida’s largest agency and the third-largest state prison system in the United States, the Department has approximately 24,000 full-time employees, incarcerates approximately 85,000 inmates, and supervises nearly 145,000 offenders in the community. The Department’s Office of Institutions manages 143 facilities statewide, including major institutions, annexes, work camps, road prisons, forestry camps, re-entry centers, and community release centers. The Department’s Office of Community Corrections monitors and supervises adult offenders out of 130 offices within 20 judicial circuits. The Department divides its operations geographically into four (4) regions: Region I (the Panhandle), Region II (North Florida), Region III (Central Florida), and Region IV (South Florida). Each region has a Regional Director of Institutions who supervises all Wardens and a Regional Director of Community Corrections who supervises all Circuit Administrators in that region.

2.2 Purpose

The Department hereby issues this RFI as defined in section 287.012(22), Florida Statutes. The Department is seeking information relevant to innovative security solutions. We are particularly interested in the following Innovative Solution Categories:

1. Biometrics Identification and Verification: Refers to technologies that utilize unique physical characteristics of individuals (such as fingerprints, iris patterns, or facial features) for identification and verification purposes. These biometric traits are used to ensure secure access and accurate identification within correctional institutions.

2. Video Analytics and Surveillance: Involves the use of advanced software algorithms and technologies to analyze video streams from surveillance cameras in real time. Video analytics can detect suspicious activities, monitor inmate behavior, and enhance overall security by automating surveillance and alerting security personnel.

3. Contraband Detection and Technologies: Includes various technologies and systems designed to detect prohibited items (such as weapons, drugs, or unauthorized objects) within correctional institutions. This may involve the use of body scanners, millimeter-wave scanners, advanced metal detectors, or other specialized equipment during intake procedures or routine inspections.

4. Mobile Device Detection and Management: Involves technologies that detect and manage mobile devices within correctional institutions. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized communication among inmates and maintaining security. Mobile device detection systems identify unauthorized devices, while management solutions control approved devices used by staff and inmates, ensuring compliance with regulations.

5. Secure Communications Platforms: Refers to secure communication channels implemented within correctional institutions to monitor and manage inmate communications. These platforms typically include encrypted messaging systems, monitored phone calls, or other secure communication methods. They ensure inmate communications are monitored for security threats while respecting privacy regulations.

6. Behavioral Analytics and Predictive Intelligence: This type of intelligence utilizes data analytics and machine learning techniques to analyze inmate behavior patterns and predict potential security threats or incidents. By analyzing historical and real-time data, behavioral analytics systems can identify abnormal behaviors or trends, enabling proactive intervention by security personnel to mitigate risks.

7. Robotic Technology: Involves the use of robots within correctional institutions for various tasks such as patrolling, surveillance, and routine inspections. Robotic technology enhances operational efficiency, reduces risks associated with human intervention in certain situations, and supports security measures through autonomous or remotely operated robotic systems.

8. Other Innovative Solutions: This category encompasses a wide range of additional technologies and solutions provided by vendors that are tailored to the specific needs of correctional institutions.

These may include advanced sensor technologies, AI-driven predictive models, integrated management systems, or other innovative tools aimed at enhancing security, efficiency, and inmate management within correctional settings.

Department institutions operate under stringent regulatory guidelines. The solution must be capable of withstanding the demanding operational environment of a correctional institution, ensuring reliability and minimal downtime. These innovative solutions enhance security within correctional environments and contribute to better resource management, improved safety protocols, and a more effective rehabilitation environment for inmates. Integrating these technologies requires careful planning, consideration of regulatory requirements, and training for staff to maximize their effectiveness.

This RFI will not result in the Department purchasing any commodity or service, and the Department will not provide feedback, opinions, or advice for improving or developing the Vendor’s offering. The Department will conduct any purchase of commodities or services described in this RFI in accordance with Chapter 287, F. S. The Department may use non-confidential / non-trade secret information learned from Vendor responses, presentations, or demonstrations to determine the appropriate procurement method and prepare general, technical, and special specifications.

2.3 Requested Information

A. Provide an overview of your security solutions tailored for correctional institutions.

B. Define the Innovative Solution Category under which your company falls.

C. Answer the questions below that are relevant to the selected category.

a. What specific technologies and methodologies do you employ to enhance security within a correctional environment?

b. What analytics capabilities does your solution offer to identify abnormal inmate behavior or security breaches in real-time?

c. What technologies or systems do you provide for detecting contraband, such as weapons, drugs, or unauthorized items?

d. What measures do you have in place to detect and manage unauthorized communication devices within the institution?

e. What tools or features does your solution offer for emergency response and crisis management?

f. How does your system support rapid communication and coordination among staff during security incidents?

g. What level of ongoing maintenance and support do you provide for your security solutions in correctional institutions?

h. How quickly can your team respond to issues or emergencies related to the implementation and operation of your systems?

D. Are you currently on any of the following contracts or any other governmental contract that permits cooperative purchasing? (State of Florida State Term Contract or Alternate Contract Source with the Florida Department of Management Services, OMNIA Partners, NASPO Value Point, GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) with a cooperative agreement). If so, please provide the applicable contract number.

E. Provide general pricing and pricing models.

2.4 Public Records

The Vendor understands that all records generated are public records unless exempt or confidential and agrees to: (a) keep and maintain public records required by the Department; (b) upon request from the Department’s custodian of public records, provide the Department with a copy of the related records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in Chapter 119, F.S. or as otherwise provided by law; (c) ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law.

Vendors are responsible for redacting and marking their own documents as confidential or trade secret and submitting both a redacted and unredacted copy. It is not enough for a vendor to write or type the word confidential within a company summary or at the bottom of a page. Vendors must ensure that the exempt information is redacted. Redacted or confidential records will be released in the way the Department receives them. The Department does not take on the responsibility to redact a Vendor’s documents just because a Vendor labels them as confidential. A Vendor must provide a redacted copy for release to the public and an unredacted copy for review by the Department.

2.5 Vendor Certification Requirements that could result in disqualification

While this is an RFI, any Company submitting a response to this RFI should be aware of the obligations state agencies have to verify Vendor affiliations with foreign countries of concern during a procurement process. This is not a procurement. However, Vendors should be familiar with the following:

Sections 215.4725; 215.473; and sections 287.135(2)(b)2, (3) and (5); and 286.101(3), F.S.

Further certifications are required for the following: sections 448.095(5); 448.09; 287.133; 287.134;

287.137; and 287.1351 among other certification requirements.

Any company that submits a response must certify that it is not participating in a boycott of Israel.

2.6 Additional Information

This is a Request for Information (RFI) and should not be construed as an intent, commitment or promise to acquire or the purchase of the proposed services presented by vendors. No contract will result from this RFI.

The Department will not be obligated to any vendor as a result of this RFI. The Department is not obligated for any cost incurred by vendors in the preparation of their response to this RFI. The Department will not pay for any information herein requested nor be liable for any costs incurred by the vendor. For economy of presentation, special bindings, colored displays, promotional material, and the like are not required but if they are presented, the Department will not be responsible for this cost.

This RFI is being submitted strictly for the purpose of gaining knowledge of services available on the market for the provision of these services, related services, and options available.

From the information collected through this RFI, the Department will review all information and options related to the services, related services, and desirable options.

At a later time, the Department may release its requirement(s) through the formal bidding process or through a certified alternate contract source.

All information obtained shall become the property of the Department upon receipt and will not be returned. The Department cannot guarantee that it will not be compelled to disclose all or part of any public record under the Florida Sunshine Law.

Submitting a response to this RFI does not exclude any vendor from submitting a response to a solicitation as a result of the information collected from this RFI.

SECTION 3: Vendor Submissions

3.1 Electronic Submission of Vendor Responses

All electronic submissions in response to this RFI must be received by 2:00 p.m. ET on Monday, September 2, 2024. The Department reserves the right to review responses as they are received and request additional information as needed.

Request for additional information may come in one or more of the following forms:

1. Presenting the commodity or service at the Department’s Safety & Security Review Committee Meeting;

2. Additional meetings with Department Staff as needed;

3. Demonstrating the commodity or service in a controlled correctional environment;

4. Demonstrating the commodity or service in an active correctional environment;

5. Other forms mutually agreed to by the Department and the Vendor.

All submissions should be addressed as follows:

Submit via email to:

Purchasing@fdc.myflorida.com Attn: Sharita Newman Subject: FDC RFI-24-167 – Innovative Security Solutions

The electronic submission must contain the following:

A. Attachment I – Vendor’s Contact Information and Certification B. Responses to A through E, in accordance with Section 2.3 Required Information; and C. Any additional information or material your company would like the Department to consider in connection with this RFI.

If you have questions, please submit all inquiries to:

Sharita Newman, Procurement Officer Florida Department of Corrections Bureau of Procurement 501 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Telephone (850)717-3700 mailto:Purchasing@fdc.myflorida.com

Attachment I – Vendor's Contact Information and Certification

FDC RFI-24-167

The Vendor shall identify the contact information for the RFI in the table below.

Vendor Contact Person for this RFI

Name:

Title:

Address:

(Line 1)

Address:

(Line 2)

City, State, Zip Code

Telephone:

(Office)

Telephone:

(Mobile)

Email:

Per Section 2.5, a Vendor submitting a response must certify that their company is not participating in a boycott of Israel. By signing below, the Vendor so certifies.

Authorized Vendor Signature Date

Attachment I – Vendor's Contact Information and Certification