RFP DOC 2026-02.pdf

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

NH DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) AUDIT

SERVICES

RFP NHDOC 2026-02

ISSUE DATE: September 5, 2025

CLOSING DATE: October 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM

State of NH, Department of Corrections

PREA Audit Services

Table of Contents

SECTION A: OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE

1. Executive Summary:

2. Schedule of Events (Timetable):

SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF AGENCY/DIVISION/PROGRAM

SECTION C: SCOPE OF SERVICES

1. PREA Auditing Services:

2. Correctional Facility Audit Schedule:

3. Specific Requirements:

4. Certified PREA Auditor Qualifications:

5. General Scope of Work:

6. Specific Activities/Tasks:

7. Deliverables:

8. NH Department of Corrections Responsibilities:

9. General Service Provisions:

10. Administrative Rules, Policies, Regulations and Policy and Procedure Directives:

11. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003:

12. Protected Health Information (PHI):

SECTION D: PROCESS FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

1. Proposal Submission Deadline, Labeling, Addressing Instructions:

2. Submission Criteria:

3. Contact Information – Sole Point of Contact:

4. Proposal Inquiries:

5. Addendums(s) or Withdrawal of RFP:

6. Restriction of Contact with Agency Employees:

7. Validity of Proposal:

9. Subcontractors:

10. Rejection of Proposals:

11. Remedies for “Minor Irregularities” of a Proposal:

SECTION E: CONTENT AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROPOSAL

1. Proposal Organization:

SECTION F: EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

1. Evaluation Criteria and Scoring:

2. Proposal Review:

3. Planned Evaluations:

4. Initial/Procedural Screening of Technical Proposals:

5. Preliminary Technical Scoring of Proposals:

6. Final Technical Scoring of Proposals:

7. Cost Proposal Review:

8. Best and Final Offer (BAFO): If applicable

9. Final Selections:

10. Rights of the NH Department of Corrections:

SECTION G: TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE RFP PROCESS

1. RFP Addendum:

2. Non-Collusion:

3. Property of the State:

4. Confidentiality of a Proposal:

5. Public Disclosure:

6. Non-Commitment:

7. Proposal Preparation Cost:

8. Ethical Requirements:

9. Challenges on Form or Process of the RFP:

SECTION H: AGREEMENT TERMS AND AWARD

1. Non-Exclusive Contract:

2. Award:

3. Standard Agreement Terms:

4. Special Terms (Not Applicable):

SECTION I: APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A – PROPOSAL TRANSMITTAL LETTER

APPENDIX B – EXCEPTION TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

APPENDIX C – STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

FORM NUMBER P-37 (version 2/23/2023)

EXHIBIT A - SPECIAL PROVISIONS

EXHIBIT B - SCOPE OF WORK

1. Purpose:

2. Performance Period:

3. Service Locations:

4. PREA Auditing Services:

5. Correctional Facility Audit Schedule:

6. Specific Requirements:

7. Certified PREA Auditor Qualifications:

8. General Scope of Work:

9. Specific Activities/Tasks:

10. Deliverables:

11. NH Department of Corrections Responsibilities:

12. General Service Provisions:

13. Administrative Rules, Policies, Regulations and Policy and Procedure Directives:

14. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003:

15. Protected Health Information (PHI):

16. Change of Ownership:

17. Contractor Designated Liaison:

18. Contractor Liaison’s Responsibilities:

19. NH Department of Corrections Contract Liaison Responsibilities:

20. Reporting Requirements:

21. Performance Evaluation:

22. Performance Measures:

23. Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceeding Notifications:

24. Embodiment of the Contract:

25. Cancellation of Contract:

26. Contractor Transition:

27. Audit Requirement:

28. Additional Reporting Requirements:

29. Notification to the Contractor:

30. Other Contractual Documents Required by the NH Department of Corrections:

31. Rejection of Proposals:

32. Remedies for “Minor Irregularities” of a Proposal:

33. Estimated Budget/Method of Payment, Exhibit C

1. PREA Auditing Cost Proposal:

2. Method of Payment:

34. Proposal Check Sheet

35. Glossary of Terms:

Promoting Public Safety with Respect, Professionalism, Dedication and Courage as One Team

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

Initials: __________

Date: __________

SECTION A: Overview and Schedule

1. Executive Summary:

1.1. Purpose: The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to seek PREA Auditing Services required under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) for the NH Department of Corrections

(NHDOC) pursuant to the PREA National Standard 115.401 through 115.405 by a United States

Department of Justice (USDOJ) certified PREA Auditor.

1.2. Performance Period: Contract(s) awarded by the Governor and Executive Council (G&C) on behalf of the NH Department of Corrections as a result of this RFP is anticipated to be effective for the period beginning April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029. The Department may extend contracted services for one (1) additional period of up to three (3) years, contingent upon satisfactory Vendor performance, continued appropriation and G&C approval.

1.3. Service Locations: PREA Audit Service shall be performed at the following NHDOC locations.

*SPU includes non-adjudicated civil committed patients in SPU.

1.4. Locations may be added and/or deleted after the awarding of an Agreement at the discretion of

NHDOC and upon mutual agreement of the Commissioner of NHDOC and Vendor.

1.5. In the event that NHDOC wishes to add or remove facilities at which Contractor is to provide services, it shall:

1.5.1. Give Vendor fourteen (14) days written notice of the proposed change; and

1.5.2. Secure Vendor’s written agreement to the proposed changes.

1.6. Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall changes to facilities be allowed that modify the “Completion Date” or “Price Limitation” of the Agreement.

NH Department of Corrections Correctional Facilities

Northern NH Correctional Facility (NNHCF) 138 East Milan Road Berlin, NH 03750

NH State Prison-Men (NHSP-M)

281 North State Street Concord, NH 03301

Secure Psychiatric Unit (SPU)/Residential

Treatment Unit (RTU)

NH Correctional Facility for Women (NHCF-W) 42 Perimeter Road Concord, NH 03301

NH Department of Corrections Transitional Housing Units

North End Transitional Housing Unit (NEH) 1 Perimeter Road Concord, NH 03301

Concord Transitional Work Center (TWC) 275 North State Street Concord, NH 03301

Shea Farm, Transitional Housing Unit (THU) 60 Iron Works Road Concord, NH 03301

Calumet House, Transitional Housing Unit

(THU) 126 Lowell Street Manchester, NH 03104

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

2. Schedule of Events (Timetable):

The following table, below, provides a Schedule of Events for this RFP through contract finalization and approval by the G&C. NHDOC reserves the right to amend this schedule at its sole discretion and at any time through a published Addendum.

Event # Description of Event Date of Event

1 RFP Issued September 5, 2025

2 Vendor Conference TBD, if required

3 Vendor Written Inquiries Due September 17, 2025 at 2:00PM

4 NHDOC Posts Answers to Inquiries September 24, 2025

5 Proposals Due October 3, 2025 at 2:00PM

6 Evaluation of Proposals November 2025

7 Best & Final Offer TBD, if applicable

8 Contract Finalization December 2026

Anticipated Approval by the Governor and Executive

Council January 2026

10 Expected Services Start Date April 1, 2026

Note: NHDOC, with the exception of Event # 5: “Proposals Due”, may alter the above Schedule of Events (Timetable) at any time. The Vendor’s “Proposals Due” date cannot be changed in order to maintain the integrity of the public contract procurement process of the State of New Hampshire except for the reasons as stated in Section D: Process for Submitting a

Proposal, Subpart 5.3., Addendums(s) or Withdrawal to/or this RFP and Section G: Terms and Conditions Related to the RFP

Process. Notice of any such changes will be posted on NHDOC website and will be entitled Addendum and will serve as a Public Notice.

SECTION B: Description of Agency/Division/Program

NHDOC is an executive agency of the State of New Hampshire charged with overseeing the State’s correctional facilities supervising inmates, patients and probation and parolees by providing a safe, secure and humane correctional system through a continuum of services that promotes successful re-entry into society for the safety of our citizens and in support of crime victims.

SECTION C: Scope of Services

1. PREA Auditing Services:

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law enacted in 2003 and was created to eliminate sexual abuse while in confinement. Federal funds were provided for research, programs, training and technical assistance to address sexual abuse.

In addition, the legislation mandated the development of national standards. The National Prison Rape

Elimination Commission (NPREC) developed recommended national standards for reducing prison rape. The final standards became effective on June 20, 2012, when they were published by the US

Department of Justice (USDOJ). PREA standards were developed to help confinement facilities prevent, detect and respond to sexual abuse and harassment of inmates and are intended to:

• Assist agencies in establishing a zero-tolerance policy of inmate sexual abuse or harassment;

• Increase accountability for sexual safety of those in contact with inmates; and

• Afford agencies discretion and flexibility, to the extent feasible, in a way that meets the standards.

The final PREA Standards include provisions that are specific to Audit and State Compliance: (1)

Prison Rape Elimination Act National Standard 115.93 indicates that the agency shall conduct audits pursuant to Standard 115.401 (2) Standard 115.401 indicates that the frequency and scope of audits are as follows:

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

• During the three-year period starting August 20, 2013, and during each three-year period thereafter, the agency shall ensure that each facility operated by the agency is audited at least once; and

• During each one-year period starting on August 20, 2013, the agency shall ensure that at least one third of each facility type operated by the agency is audited.

2. Correctional Facility Audit Schedule:

Pursuant to the standards, the three (3) facilities are to be audited prior to August 20, 2026 during year-one of the initial original contract period to consist of NNHCF, Berlin, NH; TWC, Concord, NH and

Calumet House, located in Manchester, NH.

• NNHCF is a medium custody men’s facility housing approximately 559 inmates (August 28, 2025).

• TWC is a men’s minimum custody facility housing approximately 54 inmates (August 28, 2025) who are assigned work duties at NHSP-M.

• The Calumet House is a supervised community residence for men where the inmates are expected to obtain employment in the community housing approximately 44 inmates (August 28, 2025).

Year two (2) of the original contract period, the two (2) facilities to be audited prior to August 20, 2027 consist of NHSP-M, SPU & RTU and NEH.

• NHSP-M is a multi-security level men’s facility from general to maximum security population housing approximately 1071 (August 28, 2025) inmates.

• NEH a is supervised community residence for men where the inmates prepare to transition back into the community, housing approximately 47 inmates (August 28, 2025).

Year three (3) of the original contract period, the two (2) facilities to be audited prior to

August 20, 2028 consist of NHCF-W and Shea Farm.

• NHCF-W is a multi-security level women’s facility from minimum to medium and closed custody population housing approximately 98 inmates (August 28, 2025).

• Shea Farm Transitional Housing Unit is a minimum-security facility housing approximately 21 inmates (August 28, 2025).

3. Specific Requirements:

PREA standard 115.402 specifies that audits shall be conducted by a member of a correctional monitoring body that is not part of or under the authority of the agency; a member of an auditing entity such as an inspector general or ombudsman office that is external to the agency; or other outside individuals with relevant experience. Specific requirements shall include:

3.1. Vendor to be a Certified PREA Auditor, by demonstrating that they were accepted and enrolled in the PREA Certified Auditor Training;

3.2. Completed the forty (40) hour training session; and

3.3. Vendor shall show proof of passing an examination at the end of the forty (40) hour training session.

4. Certified PREA Auditor Qualifications:

Preference will be to those Certified PREA Auditors who have completed training specific to Prisons, Jails and Community Confinement Facilities. Beyond these requirements, qualifications in terms of preference include:

4.1. At least three (3) years of auditing, monitoring, quality assurance, investigations, or subsequent similar experience with the facility type or set of standards in which certification is sought;

4.2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and equivalent career related experience defined as five (5) years of contemporary full-time public safety experience;

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

4.3. At least two (2) references from professionals in the field; and

4.4. Passing a criminal background record check.

5. General Scope of Work:

The federal standard requires the PREA Audit to be completed by August 20, 2026, August 20, 2027 and August 20, 2028. NHDOC seeks PREA Auditing services to be performed no later than June 1, 2026, June 1, 2027 and June 1, 2028 with the final audit report completed by June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028. The facilities to be audited during the original contract period will be the

NNHCF, TWC and Calumet House Facilities.

6. Specific Activities/Tasks:

The Prison Rape Elimination Act Audit process consists of three (3) phases: Pre Audit, Audit and Post

Audit.

6.1. Pre-Audit:

6.1.1. Initial audit review of NHDOC Pre Audit Questionnaire: Adult Prisons and Jails. The

Pre Audit Questionnaire will be forwarded by the NHDOC PREA Coordinator no less than six (6) weeks prior to the first facility audit. The Auditor will review NHDOC responses to the Pre Audit Questionnaire and conduct follow-up calls with the PREA

Coordinator as well as the designated PREA Compliance Managers to gain clarification and explain the audit process.

6.1.2. Auditor shall review the submitted NHDOC Questionnaire, Facility Specific

Questionnaire and relevant policies and procedures specific to the Audit.

6.1.3. Based on the review of the Pre Audit Questionnaire, the Auditor shall begin the Auditor

Compliance Tool.

6.2. Audit:

6.2.1. Auditor shall conduct facility tours, specific to a PREA Audit. Each area of the facility should be observed as the PREA standards require. The Auditor shall pay attention to:

• How well the inmates are supervised;

• How cameras and/or other monitoring technologies are used;

• Blind spots and other indicators that an area of the facility is not monitored in a way that keeps inmates safe from sexual abuse; and

• It may be necessary to go back and look at areas of the facility after the tour if a review of investigative files, other documentation and/or interviews lead the

Auditor to have questions about safety and/or supervision.

6.2.2. Auditor shall review additional documents as necessary.

6.2.3. Auditor shall conduct staff interviews utilizing PREA Interview Questions specific to the following positions:

• Commissioner;

• PREA Coordinator;

• PREA Compliance Manager;

• Warden;

• Random selection of Staff; and

• Specialized Staff (example: Investigators, Medical/Mental Health, and Training).

6.2.4. Auditor shall interview a minimum of ten (10) inmates during the audit visit. The inmates will be randomly chosen by the Auditor from a list of all inmates in the facility.

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

6.3. Post Audit:

6.3.1. Auditor will complete and submit the Auditor Compliance Tool. Response for each measure shall be based upon:

• Review of policy and procedure;

• Review of documentation;

• Review of data;

• Interviews with staff and inmates; and

• Tour facility.

6.3.2. Auditor will upload additional documentation gathered from the outside.

6.3.3. Auditor shall determine the level of compliance for each standard and provide commentary with justification for decisions.

6.3.4. Auditor shall complete the PREA Audit Report and shall submit the report to NHDOC within thirty (30) days of the completion of the audit. If NHDOC is found to have not met one or more PREA standards, a one hundred-eighty (180) day Corrective Action

Period (CAP) begins. Auditor and NHDOC will work together to develop a plan to achieve compliance with those standards that were not met. Auditor is responsible for verifying the implementation of the CAP, such as reviewing updated policies and procedures and/or re-inspecting portions of the facility. After the one hundred-eighty

(180) day period, the Auditor will issue a final determination as to whether the facility has achieved compliance.

7. Deliverables:

Auditor shall complete the PREA Audit: Audit’s Summary Report Adult Prisons and Jails.

8. NH Department of Corrections Responsibilities:

8.1. NHDOC PREA Coordinator shall forward the PREA Pre Audit Questionnaire Adult Prisons and

Jails to the PREA Auditor no less than six (6) weeks prior to the first audit;

8.2. NHDOC PREA Coordinator and PREA Compliance Managers shall be available for any follow up calls during the pre-audit phase to provide clarification and explanation of the audit process by the PREA Auditor;

8.3. NHDOC PREA Coordinator shall provide any additional documents relevant to the audit process;

8.4. NHDOC PREA Coordinator and PREA Compliance Managers will coordinate with the PREA

Auditor the NHDOC site visit and facility tour; and

8.5. NHDOC PREA Coordinator will provide a list of inmates so that the PREA Auditor may randomly select inmates to be interviewed.

9. General Service Provisions:

9.1. Rules and Regulations: Vendor agrees to comply with all Policies, Procedure and Directives

(PPD’s) of NHDOC. Vendor shall adhere to the Department’s Administrative Rules, Conduct and

Confidentiality of Information policies.

9.2. Additional Facilities: Upon agreement of both parties, additional facilities belonging to or associated to NHDOC may be added to the contract.

9.3. Vendor Employee Information: Vendor shall be responsible for obtaining a criminal background check from NHDOC to include fingerprinting on all potential employees assigned by Vendor and/or sub-vendors to provide services to NHDOC. Upon award of a Contract, NHDOC Director of Professional Standards, or designee, will notify selected Vendor the procedures to obtain background checks and fingerprinting. Vendor and/or sub-vendor’s employee hiring status shall

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02 be contingent upon receipt of a criminal background check and fingerprinting report(s), from the

NH Department of Safety, and procedural review of said reports by the NH Department of

Corrections.

9.3.1. NHDOC reserves the right to conduct a procedural review of all criminal background checks and fingerprinting reports of all potential Vendor and/or sub-vendors employees to determine eligibility status.

9.3.2. NHDOC will notify Vendor of any potential Vendor and/or sub-vendors employee who does not comply with the criteria identified in 9.3.3., below.

9.3.3. In addition, Vendor and/or sub-vendors shall not be able to hire employees meeting the following criteria:

a. Individuals convicted of a felony shall not be permitted to provided services;

b. Individuals with confirmed outstanding arrest warrants shall not be permitted to provide services;

c. Individuals with a record of a misdemeanor offense(s) may be permitted to provide services pending determination of the severity of the misdemeanor offense(s) and review of the criminal record history by Commissioner, and/or designee of

NHDOC;

d. Individuals with restrictions on out-of-state and/or State of NH professional licenses and or certifications;

e. Individuals whose professional licenses and/or certification have been revoked and reinstated from other States and/or the State of New Hampshire;

f. Individuals with a history of drug diversion;

g. Individual staff on the National Offender Database

h. Individuals who were a former State of NH employee and/or former contracted employees that were dismissed for cause or resigned or retired pending results of investigation;

i. Individuals previously employed with NHDOC without prior approval of

NHDOC; and

j. NHDOC may not permit relatives of currently incarcerated felons to provide services without prior approval.

k. NHDOC reserves the right to conduct further review of any candidate and decline clearance.

9.4. Licenses, Credentials and Certificates: Vendor shall ensure that the PREA Auditor selected to perform the required services under the Contract shall be certified to perform certified audits for

Prisons, Jails and Community Confinement Facilities. Vendor and its staff shall possess the credentials, licenses and/or certificates required by law and regulations to provide such services.

9.5. Admittance: NHDOC may, at its sole discretion, remove from or refuse admittance to any

Department facility any person providing services under a Contract without incurring penalty or cost for exercising this right. Vendor shall be responsible for assuring that the services that the person(s) so removed or denied access are delivered.

9.6. Tool Inventory: Any tools to include equipment that Vendor/sub-contractor needs to perform the required services shall be inspected and inventoried before entering and leaving the facility.

10. Administrative Rules, Policies, Regulations and Policy and Procedure Directives:

Vendor shall comply with any applicable NH Department of Corrections Administrative Rules, Policies, Regulations and Policy and Procedure Directives (PPD’s) to include but not limited to PPD

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

5.08: Staff Personal Property Permitted In and Restricted from Prison Facilities. Additional information can be located as a separate link: https://www.corrections.nh.gov/resources/bids-contracts.

11. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003:

Vendor shall comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 (Federal Law 42 U.S.C

15601 et. seq.), with all applicable Federal PREA standards, and with all State policies and standards related to PREA for preventing, detecting, monitoring, investigating, and eradicating any form of sexual abuse within facilities/programs/offices owned, operated, or contracted. Vendor acknowledges that, in addition to self-monitoring requirements, the State will conduct compliance monitoring of PREA standards, which may require an outside independent audit. Additional information can be located as a separate link: https://www.corrections.nh.gov/resources/bids-contracts.

12. Protected Health Information (PHI):

Vendor shall safeguard any and all PHI according to the terms of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law 104-191 and the Standards for Privacy and

Security of Individually Identifiable Health Information, 45 CFR Parts 160, 162 and 164 and amendments.

SECTION D: Process for Submitting a Proposal

1. Proposal Submission Deadline, Labeling, Addressing Instructions:

1.1. Submission Deadline and Labeling Proposal(s): Sealed Proposals submitted in response to this

RFP must be received by NHDOC, no later than 2:00 PM on October 3, 2025 as specified in the

Schedule section, herein. Proposal envelopes, boxes and/or containers must be clearly marked as follows:

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

RESPONSE TO:

PREA AUDITING SERVICES

1.2. Addressing Proposal(s): Proposals may be submitted via: Overnight Delivery Service, In-Person or U.S. Mail with proposals addressed as such:

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS ARE PREFERRED

doc.contracts@doc.nh.gov

Overnight Delivery Service or In-Person U.S. Mail

State of New Hampshire

NH Department of Corrections

Attn: Contract Administrator

64 South Street

Concord, NH 03301

State of New Hampshire

Attn: Contract Administrator

P.O. Box 1806

Concord, NH 03302 https://www.corrections.nh.gov/resources/bids-contracts https://www.corrections.nh.gov/resources/bids-contracts mailto:doc.contracts@doc.nh.gov

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

NHDOC located at 64 South Street, Concord, NH is a secure facility. Please allow sufficient time for shipping. Vendors shall assume all risk for overnight delivery services and U.S. Mail not meeting the RFP deadline and date.

2. Submission Criteria:

2.1. All hard copy proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall consist of:

2.1.1. Technical Proposal: One (1) original clearly identified, including all required attachments and three (3) copies.

2.1.2 Terms and Conditions/Cost Proposal: One (1) original clearly identified, including all required attachments and three (3) copies.

2.1.3. One (1) clearly identified electronic copy of the proposal in MS Word, including all required attachments contained in email to address noted on 1.2. or on a thumb drive.

2.1.4. If applicable, one (1) copy with any information redacted/proprietary, clearly identified including all required attachments of both Technical and Cost Proposal.

2.2. NHDOC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received and to accept any portion of a proposal or all items of the proposal if deemed in the best interest of the State.

2.3. Vendors who are ineligible to bid on proposals, bids or quotes issued by the NH Department of

Administrative Services (DAS), Division of Procurement and Support Services, pursuant to the provisions of RSA 21-I:11-c shall not be considered eligible for an award under this proposal.

In accordance with RSA 21-I:11-c, the undersigned Vendor certifies that neither the Vendor nor any of its subsidiaries, affiliates or principal officers (principal officers refers to individuals with management responsibility for the entity or association):

• Has, within the past 2 years, been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, a violation of RSA 356:2, RSA 356:4, or any state or federal law or county or municipal ordinance prohibiting specified bidding practices, or involving antitrust violations, which has not been annulled;

• Has been prohibited, either permanently or temporarily, from participating in any public works project pursuant to RSA 638:20;

• Has previously provided false, deceptive, or fraudulent information on a vendor code number application form, or any other document submitted to the state of New Hampshire, which information was not corrected as of the time of the filing a bid, proposal, or quotation;

• Is currently debarred from performing work on any project of the federal government or the government of any state;

• Has, within the past 2 years, failed to cure a default on any contract with the federal government or the government of any state;

• Is presently subject to any order of the department of labor, the department of employment security, or any other state department, agency, board, or commission, finding that the applicant is not in compliance with the requirements of the laws or rules that the department, agency, board, or commission is charged with implementing;

• Is presently subject to any sanction or penalty finally issued by the department of labor, the department of employment security, or any other state department, agency, board, or commission, which sanction or penalty has not been fully discharged or fulfilled;

• Is currently serving a sentence or is subject to a continuing or unfulfilled penalty for any crime or violation noted in this section;

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/I/21-I/21-I-11-c.htm http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/I/21-I/21-I-11-c.htm https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LXII/638/638-20.htm

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

• Has failed or neglected to advise the division of any conviction, plea of guilty, or finding relative to any crime or violation noted in this section, or of any debarment, within 30 days of such conviction, plea, finding, or debarment; or

• Has been placed on the debarred parties list described in RSA 21-I:11-c within the past year.

2.4. Unless waived as a non-material deviation in accordance with SECTION F: EVALUATION OF

PROPOSALS, late submissions shall not be accepted and may be returned to Vendor unopened.

2.5. Delivery of the proposals shall be at Vendor’s expense. Any damage that may occur due to shipping shall be Vendor’s responsibility.

2.6. For overnight delivery service, the time of receipt shall be when a proposal is received at the location designated above. For in-person delivery, the time of receipt shall be when the proposal is delivered to the Contracts Administrator, or designee.

2.7. NHDOC accepts no responsibility for mislabeled mail or mail that is not delivered or undelivered for whatever reason.

2.8. Partial proposals shall not be accepted. All proposals shall be submitted for the full Scope of

Services being requested within the RFP.

2.9. If an unsigned proposal is received in response to the RFP, Vendor may be notified by NHDOC and shall be considered “technically non-compliant”.

2.10. A Vendor who has failed to sign a proposal may file a signed version of the RFP response within three (3) business days of the day the notice was issued.

2.11. NHDOC shall not consider a proposal which remains unsigned on the fourth (4th) business day after issuing notification of the unsigned proposal.

2.12. Vendors are permitted to submit one (1) proposal in response to this RFP.

3. Contact Information – Sole Point of Contact:

The sole point of contact, the Contract Administrator, relative to the bid or bidding process for this

RFP, from the RFP issue date until the selection of a Vendor, and approval of the resulting contract by

G&C is:

Other personnel are not authorized to discuss this RFP with Bidders before the proposal submission deadline. Contact regarding this RFP with any other State personnel could result in disqualification.

The State will not be held responsible for oral responses to Bidders regardless of the source.

4. Proposal Inquiries:

All inquiries concerning this RFP including, but not limited to, requests for clarifications, questions and any changes to this RFP or standard contract terms, shall be submitted via email to the Sole Point of Contact (SPC), identified in SECTION D: Process for Submitting a Proposal SECTION D:

Process for Submitting a Proposal Paragraph 3, Contact Information – SPC, above, citing the RFP

Title, RFP Number, RFP Section/Paragraph and RFP page number.

Contract Administrator P.O. Box 1806

Concord, NH 03302

Tel: (603) 271-7602

E-Mail: doc.contracts@doc.nh.gov http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/I/21-I/21-I-11-c.htm

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

4.1. Inquiries must be received by NHDOC RFP Point of Contact, no later than the conclusion of

Vendor’s written inquiry period as specified in, SECTION A: Overview and Schedule, Paragraph 2: Schedule of Events (Timetable), herein. Inquiries received later than the conclusion of Vendor’s Written Inquiry Period shall not be considered properly submitted and may not be considered.

4.2. Inquiries received shall be addressed only if they are deemed by NHDOC to be critical to the bid process. NHDOC at its discretion may request clarification of an inquiry submitted by a

Vendor. Inquiries and/or questions that are not understood will not be answered. Statements that are not questions will not receive a response.

4.3. NHDOC intends to issue official responses to properly submitted inquiries on or before the date specified in the Schedule of Events (Timetable), herein; however, this date is subject to change at NHDOC’s discretion.

4.4. NHDOC may consolidate and/or paraphrase questions for sufficiency and clarity.

4.5. NHDOC may, at its discretion, amend this RFP on its own initiative or in response to issues raised by inquiries, as it deems appropriate.

4.6. Oral/verbal statements, representations, agreements, instructions, clarifications, or modifications concerning the RFP shall not be binding upon NHDOC.

4.7. Vendors shall be responsible for reviewing the most updated information related to this RFP before submitting a proposal by self-monitoring NHDOC’s website:

NHDOC, Resources, Bids and Contracts, that will serve as a Public Notice.

5. Addendums(s) or Withdrawal of RFP:

5.1. If the NH Department of Corrections decides to amend or clarify any part of this RFP, a written addendum shall be provided to all Vendors on the Department’s website an shall service as Public

Notice: https://WWW.corrections.nh.gov/resources/bids-contracts/rfp-resources

5.2. The NH Department of Corrections, at its discretion, may amend the RFP at any time prior to the closing of the RFP and/or terminate this procurement in whole or in part at any time.

5.3. Whereas the Department may modify the RFP and as a result of the modification determine that

Vendors will not have enough time to effect changes to their Proposals, the Department may postpone the Proposal Due Date for a period of up to thirty (30) days in the best interest of the

State to allow fairness in the competitive bidding process. Notice of this postponement shall be posted on the NH Department of Corrections website prior to the Proposal Due Date list in the

Schedule of Events, herein.

6. Restriction of Contact with Agency Employees:

From the date of release of the RFP until an award is made and announced regarding the selection of a

Vendor, all communication with personnel employed by or under contract with the NH Department of

Corrections regarding the RFP is forbidden unless first approved by the RFP Point(s) of Contact listed in the Proposal Inquiries section, herein.

NH Department of Corrections

Contract Administrator P.O. Box 1806

Concord, NH 03302

Tel: (603) 271-7602

E-Mail: doc.contracts@doc.nh.gov https://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/business/rfp.html https://www.corrections.nh.gov/resources/bids-contracts/rfp-resources

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

6.1. NH Department of Correction’s employees have been directed not to hold conferences and/or discussions concerning the RFP with any potential Vendor during the selection process, unless otherwise authorized by the Point(s) of Contact.

6.2. Vendors may be disqualified for violating this restriction on communications.

7. Validity of Proposal:

Proposals must be valid for one hundred and eighty (180) days following the deadline for submission of proposals in the Schedule of Events or until the Effective Date of any resulting Agreement, whichever is later.

8. Alterations/Changes to RFP and Associated Documents:

Any alternation to the text or format of this RFP, or the text or format of any addendum or any file associated with this RFP is prohibited. Any such alterations shall result in the Proposal being rejected.

9. Subcontractors:

Proposals utilizing sub-contractors for any portion of the services identified in this RFP shall require subcontractors to meet all requirements described in this RFP, the Proposal, any resulting contract and any renewal thereof. Subcontractors shall commit to the entire contract period stated within the RFP, unless the NH Department Corrections specifically agrees upon the change of such subcontractors.

Subcontracting of services shall require prior approval by the NH Department of Corrections. NHDOC reserves the right to reject subcontractors identified in this RFP and to require the Vendor to replace such subcontractors deemed unacceptable.

10. Rejection of Proposals:

Proposals may be rejected at any time at the discretion of the Director of Professional Standards or designee if the Contractor:

a. Has any interest that shall, in the sole discretion of the NHDOC, conflict with performance of services for the State.

b. If a non-profit/not-for-profit fails to furnish NHDOC with the names and addresses of the organization’s Board of Directors/Members, List of Key Personnel and Salaries, Resumes of Key

Personnel (redact all personal information pertaining to these requirements) and/or Mission

Statement.

c. Fails to make an oral presentation, if requested by NHDOC, at a time, place and in a manner satisfactory to the Department.

d. Fails to reach an agreement with NHDOC on any and all Contract terms.

11. Remedies for “Minor Irregularities” of a Proposal

NHDOC, in its sole discretion, may determine that “Minor Irregularities” of a Proposal may be insubstantial. In such cases, NHDOC may:

a. Seek clarification;

b. Allow the Contractor to make corrections; or

c. Apply a combination of the two (2) remedies.

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

SECTION E: Content and Requirements for a Proposal

1. Proposal Organization:

1.1. Overview:

1.1.1. Vendors are expected to examine all documentation and requirements of the RFP. Failure to observe the terms and conditions in completion of the proposal are at Vendor’s risk and may, at the discretion of NHDOC, result in disqualification.

1.1.2. Proposal must conform to all instructions, conditions and requirements included in the

RFP.

1.1.3. Partial proposals shall not be accepted. All proposals shall be submitted for the full Scope of Services being requested within the RFP.

1.1.4. Proposals should be received by the deadline set forth in the Schedule of Events

(Timetable),.

1.1.5. Vendors shall submit a Technical Proposal and Standard Terms and Conditions Proposal and other supporting documents as outlined in the RFP.

1.2. Proposal Format:

1.2.1 Proposals should follow the following format:

Font Style 12 Point, Times New Roman

Line Spacing One and a half

Text Justification Flush left

Margins One inch all around

Tabs Do not include section tabs

Binding Do not bind, staple or 3-hole punch

Separation of Sections Use binder clips

Header/Footer Do not alter current headers and footers

Signatures/Initials ORIGINAL (handwritten) and in BLUE ink; No computer-generated initials

Executed forms by Vendor ORIGINAL Forms (no photocopies) executed in BLUE ink

Single Sided Do not double side pages

Vendor Text Do not alter the format of the RFP, Form Number P-37 and Appendixes to add Vendor specific information

Black Ink/Graphics Responses shall use BLACK ink ONLY; NO COLOR graphics

Sealed Bids Bids shall be sealed

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

1.3 RFP Presentation Response:

1.3.1 RFP Response shall consist of a sealed Technical Proposal and a sealed Standard Terms and Conditions Proposal.

1.3.2 Presentation of sealed Technical Proposal

1.3.2.1 Technical Proposal Cover Sheet, labeled :

a) “Technical Proposal”;

b) Name of Organization;

c) RFP Title and Number, Date of Submission; and

d) Marked as “Original”.

1.3.2.2 Table of Contents

1.3.2.3 Transmittal Letter, SECTION I: APENDIXES, (Appendix A).

1.3.2.4. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions Letter, SECTION I: APENDIXES, (Appendix B)

1.3.2.5. Non-Disclosure of Right to Know of Information Letter to State Agency, SECTION G: TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE RFP

PROCESS, (Paragraph 5. Public Disclosure, herein).

1.3.2.6. Executive Summary – Not to exceed eight (8) pages; briefly summarize an overview of the organization (including any networks or sub-contractors to be involved).

Overall Experience of Company/Staff to Include::

• Number of years the business has been in operation;

• Educational background and relevant experience;

• Demonstrated results; and

• Organizational chart of key personnel.

1.3.2.7. Organizational Capability – Unlimited pages: describe the overall mission and services of the organization and how it relates to the objectives of the

SECTION C: GENERAL SCOPE OF SERVICES AND EXHIBIT B of this

RFP through the following:

• Organization’s capability and immediate availability to effectively manage the requirements of the RFP and Scope of Services; and

• Demonstrated correctional experience.

1.3.2.8. Organizational Approach –Unlimited pages; describe the organization’s approach to provide the required services and EXHIBIT B of this RFP through the following:

• Description of plan of operation and resources;

• Credentialed and experienced personnel; and

• Organizational Chart (Staffing Pattern).

1.3.2.9. Personnel – Complements the organizational chart to include persons currently on staff that will provide direct programmatic services. For staff to be hired, Vendor shall describe the hiring process, qualifications for the position(s) and provide job description(s). NHDOC reserves the right to accept or reject dedicated staff personnel. Title all resumes and job descriptions within header of document as:

• Name of personnel/title of position.

• Vendor’s business address and business telephone number.

1.3.2.10. Financial Statements – Provide, preferably audited, two (2) consecutive years and copies of any quarterly financial statements prepared since the end of the

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02 period reported by your most recent annual report. Acceptable financial verification shall include one (1) of the following checking off one (1) of the boxes on the following chart:

Check Description

Option 1

A copy of the organization’s most recent full set of financial statements

Option 2

A copy of the organization’s audited set of financial statements from an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm

Option 3

A copy of the sole proprietorship’s most recent set of Income

Statements, Statement or Owner’s Capital and Balance Sheets or federal income tax returns

1.3.2.11. References – Minimum of three (3) references, unlimited pages of qualitative references consisting of a list of current/former clients providing similar services. Vendor shall grant NHDOC permission to contact references. State of NH personnel should not be used to meet the minimum number of references. Provide the following information to include:

• Name and address of organization;

• Name and title of contact person;

• Title, e-mail address, business telephone number of contact person;

• Website address; and

• Performance period.

1.3.2.12. Sub-contractor Letters of Commitment (if applicable) – If sub-contractor(s) are part of this proposal, signed letters of commitment from the sub-contractor are required.

1.3.2.13. Licenses/Certifications (if applicable - redact personal information).

1.3.2.14. Presentation of sealed Standard Terms and Conditions Proposal.

1.3.3. Standard Terms and Conditions Proposal Cover Sheet, labeled:

• “Standard Terms and Conditions Proposal”;

• Name of Organization;

• RFP Title and Number, Date of Submission; and

• Marked as “Original”.

1.3.3.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS, FORM NUMBER P-37 (version 2/23/2023);

1.3.3.2. SPECIAL PROVISION, EXHIBIT A;

1.3.3.3. SCOPE OF SERVICES, EXHIBIT B;

1.3.3.4. ESTIMATED BUDGET/METHOD OF PAYMENT, EXHIBIT C; and

• Estimated Budget (Cost Proposal)

• Method of Payment

1.3.3.5. Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) (see Proposal Check Sheet)

1.3.3.6. Certificate of Authority/Vote (COA/COV) (see Proposal Check Sheet)

1.3.3.7. Certificate of Insurance (COI) (see Proposal Check Sheet)

1.3.3.8. Administrative Rules, Rules of Conduct and Confidentiality of Information

Form (see Proposal Check Sheet)

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

1.3.3.9. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Form (see

Proposal Check Sheet)

1.3.3.10. PREA Acknowledgement Form (see Proposal Check Sheet)

1.3.3.11. Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy (see Proposal

Check Sheet)

1.3.3.12. Mission Statement (see Proposal Check Sheet for instructions)

1.3.3.13. List of Board of Directors/Trustees and Business Address and Telephone

Numbers (see Proposal Check Sheet for instructions)

1.3.3.14. List of Key Personnel and Annual Salaries (see Proposal Check Sheet for instructions)

1.3.3.15. Vendor Alternate W-9 Registration (see Proposal Check Sheet)

1.3.3.16. PROPOSAL CHECK SHEET

1.3.3.17. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The remainder of this page is intentionally blank.

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02

SECTION F: EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

1. Evaluation Criteria and Scoring

1.1. Each responsive proposal will be evaluated and considered with regard to the following criteria:

1.1.1. Technical Proposal; and

1.1.2. Cost Proposal.

1.2. NHDOC shall use a scoring scale of one hundred (100) points, a maximum of fifty (50) points awarded based on the Technical Proposal and a maximum of fifty (50) points awarded based on the Cost Proposal.

1.3. NHDOC will select a Vendor based upon the criteria and standards contained in this RFP and from applying the weighting in this section. Reference checks, to the extent they are utilized by

NHDOC, will be used to refine, and finalize scores.

2. Proposal Review

2.1. NHDOC shall conduct an objective review of the proposal(s) received in response to this RFP.

The evaluation shall be based on the demonstrated capabilities and skill of the prospective Vendor in relation to the needs of the services to be provided as set forth in this RFP.

2.2. NHDOC shall not review proposals that reduce NHDOC current functions.

2.3. NHDOC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to waive any minor irregularities as determined by NHDOC in any proposal.

2.4. NHDOC reserves the right to cancel this RFP in whole or in part upon written or published notice of intent to do so or solicit new proposals under a new acquisition process. Financial

Category Points Per

Category

1.1.3. Technical Proposal: 50

Executive Summary: Overall Experience of Organization/Staff and Demonstrated

Results (10 Points)

History of the organization, education and experience as it relates to the requirements of the RFP and evidence of past and relevant quality performance.

Organizational Capability: (20 Points)

Organization’s capability and immediate availability to effectively manage the requirements of the RFP and Scope of Services and demonstrated correctional experience.

Organizational Approach: (20 Points)

Description of plan of operation and resources; credentialed and experienced personnel and Org Chart (Staffing Pattern).

1.1.4. References: Pass/Fail

1.1.5. Cost Proposal: 50

Total of all Categories 100

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02 responsibility for the preparation, work performed, and submission of proposals shall be the sole responsibility of Vendor and NHDOC shall not be held liable for any such costs.

2.5. If NHDOC determines to make an award based on the above criteria, NHDOC shall notify the selected Vendor(s). Should NHDOC be unable to reach an agreement with a selected Vendor(s) during contract discussions, NHDOC may then undertake contract discussions with the next preferred Vendor and so on, or NHDOC may reject all proposals, cancel this RFP, or solicit new proposals under a new acquisition process.

3. Planned Evaluations

NHDOC plans to use the following process:

3.1. Initial/Procedural Screening of Technical Proposal;

3.2. Preliminary Technical Scoring of Proposal;

3.3. Final Technical Scoring of Proposal;

3.4. Cost Proposal;

3.5. Best and Final Offer (BAFO) (if applicable); and

3.6. Final Selection.

4. Initial/Procedural Screening of Technical Proposals

NHDOC will conduct an initial/procedural screening step to verify Vendor compliance with the submission requirements set forth in this RFP and to confirm that the Technical Proposal satisfies the conditions defined in SECTION E: CONTENT AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROPOSAL.

4.1. NHDOC may waive or offer a limited opportunity to cure immaterial deviations from the RFP requirements if it is determined to be in the best interest of the State.

4.2. Cost Proposals shall remain sealed during the Initial/Procedural Screening.

5. Preliminary Technical Scoring of Proposals

NHDOC will establish an evaluation team to initially score the Technical Proposals. This evaluation team shall review the Technical Proposals and give a preliminary score to the Technical Proposals under the guidelines set forth in SECTION F: EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. Should a Vendor fail to achieve thirty (30) points in the preliminary scoring, it will receive no further consideration from the evaluation team. Cost Proposals within the Standard Terms and Conditions Proposals shall remain sealed during the Technical Scoring of Proposals.

6. Final Technical Scoring of Proposals:

Following Reference Checks and review of written clarifications of proposal(s), if applicable, the evaluation team shall determine a final score for each Technical Proposal(s).

NHDOC utilizes a consensus scoring methodology to evaluate submitted proposals. Each final proposal shall be evaluated by an open forum of discussion/debate by the evaluation committee.

Proposals will be scored comparing Vendor’s proposal to the evaluation criteria and specifications defined in this RFP. Only the consensus score sheet will be used to designate the point value assigned to each proposal.

7. Cost Proposal Review:

Cost Proposals shall be reviewed upon completion of the final technical scoring of proposals. Vendor’s

Cost Proposal will be allocated a maximum potential score of forty (50) points. Vendors are advised that this is not a low bid award and that the scoring of the Cost Proposal will be combined with the

State of NH, Department of Corrections PREA Audit Services

Division of Professional Standard RFP NHDOC 2026-02 scoring of the Technical Proposal to determine the overall highest scoring proposal.