SOW - Program Facilitator_1.pdf

LCP – PROGRAM FACILITATOR

STATEMENT OF WORK

Background

In September 2000, the Executive Staff of the Federal Bureau of Prisons approved a multi-faith, Residential Life Connections Pre-release Program. This is a voluntary program located in five institutions in various regions of the country. The program is available to men and women inmates.

The program provides inmates with intensive opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening their religious roots by sharing common space and programs for the purpose of personal transformation and reducing recidivism. Inmates will participate in religion specific and inter-faith program components designed to bring restoration with God, family, community, and self. The program's design will increase religious tolerance and respect among inmates of various faiths; will connect each inmate with a spiritual mentor; and will link participants with a faith community at their release destination in order to enhance community reintegration. Another component of the program will initiate specific Victim Impact programs to assist inmates in claiming responsibility for their actions and making amends with victims, family, and community.

The program will enlist partnerships with individuals and organizations in its efforts to lower recidivism and facilitate spiritual growth and personal change. Volunteers, contractors, mentors, sponsoring religious congregations and organizations are all essential partners in the program.

The goal of the Bureau of Prisons Residential Life Connections Pre-release Program is to provide inmates living in a shared living space with intensive opportunities for holistic life restoration for the purpose of reducing recidivism and enhancing prison management.

Subject

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, Field Acquisition Office in Grand Prairie, Texas intends to make a single award of an indefinite delivery/requirements type contract with firm fixed pricing for the provision of a Program Facilitator at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) located in Milan, Michigan. The proposed contract resulting from this solicitation is for a base year, and includes the possibility of four (4) unilaterally exercised option years, for a possible five (5) year contract. The Government is not obligated to exercise any of the option years. The Program Facilitator will be an integral part of FCI Milan’s Life Connections Program (LCP) and will provide onsite facilitation while working daily with a broad variety of faith communities in the Life Connections Program Unit.

Place of Performance

The service to be provided under the contract shall be accomplished at:

Federal Correctional Institution 4000 East Arkona Rd Milan, MI 48160

Schedule

A session is defined as one hour. The contractor will normally provide 6 sessions per day up to 30 sessions each week of program facilitation and development of other program needs which coincide with the core curriculum topics of the Residential Life Connections Program. Work hours will normally be between the hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday excluding Federal Holidays. The schedule may include evening hours based on program needs. The breakdown of hours will be determined locally.

Due to the nature of the correctional setting, delays in performance of work may be experienced. Such delays may include but are not limited to inclement weather, electrical or mechanical problems, or other security matters. When contract employees report to the institution but are unable to perform services due to such delays, the contractor will be paid for one session. Normally, any remaining sessions for that day will be suspended and the contractor will be free to leave and the contractor will not be paid for the remaining unperformed sessions. However, if the institution requests that the contractor remain at the institution for eventual performance, the contractor shall be paid for such sessions. In the event of any absence, the contractor may make up his/her time if approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). If the contractor fails to provide coverage, the Government may seek contractual remedy. In the event of an emergency, such as a National Pandemic, the contractor may be authorized to perform work from home if approved by the COR.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

The contractor must possess an ordination certificate or like document showing they are a recognized clergy or spiritual leader in good standing with their faith community.

The contractor shall possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Quoters responding to this solicitation shall complete and submit with their quote the attached form, “Credentials of Religious Services Contractor.”

Quoters shall submit one letter of endorsement from their local religious organization.

Quoters shall submit two letters of personal reference from individuals familiar with the quoter’s work as a clergy leader.

The contractor shall have a minimum of three years of documented and continuous experience as a clergy leader. Five years of experience is preferred. Additionally, contractors with at least three years of experience working in a faith-based correctional setting are preferred. The contractor should be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

Quoters must specifically identify the individual that will be performing these services under any subsequent contract award. The quoter must provide proof that their candidate meets all qualifications. The candidate’s name and qualifications must be submitted at the time the quote is submitted.

All contractors must submit with their quote a resume, and photocopies of documents evidencing education, training, and experience.

After review of these documents by Bureau of Prisons staff, vendors may be requested to submit additional documents for review. Vendors failing to submit any of the required documents will be removed from further consideration for award.

Supplies and Equipment

All supplies that the contractor may need will be provided by the Federal Correctional Institution at Milan, MI. The contractor performing these services shall wear professional clothing in accordance with the dress policy of the institution.

Description of Duties

The service will be provided in the method considered normal in the local community.

The contractor will be responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Life Connections Program Curriculum. The Program Facilitator will be responsible for overseeing all program participants’ completion of all aspects of the LCP, i.e. journaling, religious tolerance, electives, essays, book reports, discussion/accountability groups, service projects, attendance, and victim impact. The contractor will also be responsible for providing guidance to inmates of all faith traditions and therefore should have experience in settings where practitioners of diverse religious faiths are understood and respected.

Facilitator will be knowledgeable of program goals, scheduling, and will work with the Life Connections Program Chaplain and the Transition Coach to coordinate all program components. Additionally, the LCP Facilitator will facilitate guest speakers, workshops, seminars, etc., and will coordinate the LCP schedule and calendar. The individual will coordinate with the Spiritual Guides and other contractors to ensure compliance with LCP policies and procedures. High levels of team building and inter-personal communication skills are essential. Also, counseling with individuals regarding their participation in the program requires application of pastoral skills by an experienced clergy person comfortable working with people of various religious preferences.

The contractor will work closely with the Life Connections Program Chaplain and other program staff to ensure that volunteers and mentors from a broad spectrum of religious faith communities are available to meet the needs of this multi-faith program.

Inmate Management

Provision of services will require frequent and unsupervised contact with inmates. The contract employee shall not be responsible for the management of any inmates, other than to ensure inmates involved within the contract’s scope of work abide by all rules to ensure their safety and well-being. The contractor may, at any time, be removed from the institution at the discretion of the CEO. The contractor is to constantly be aware of security and maintain a professional relationship with inmates at all times. Any violation of the institution rules and regulations are to be brought immediately to the attention of any Government employee employed at the institution. The contractor will be required to provide documentation to the COR, or designee, of any infractions of institutional rules and regulations by inmates for proper action.

Institution Security

The contractor/contract employees shall agree to all regulations prescribed by the institution for the safety, custody, and conduct of inmates. The contractor shall attend the Institution Familiarization Orientation program prior to assuming institution involvement. Reimbursement to the contractor for the time spent in the institution orientation or other specific security related training will be at the contract rate, prorated hourly. The contract employee will be required to sign in and out of the institution for accountability purposes. A badge will be issued and worn at all times for proper identification.