Cognitive Behavioral Risk Interventionist - NSCF

The Vermont Department of Corrections, within the Agency of Human Services, is soliciting proposals to establish contracts with one or more vendors for licensed Cognitive Behavioral Risk Reduction services for incarcerated individuals assessed at moderate or high risk of reoffending at Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport, Vermont. Questions are due October 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. EST, and proposals are due November 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. EST. No bidders' conference will be held.

Bidders must provide licensed group interventions using manualized, state-approved curricula, totaling approximately 10–12 ninety-minute sessions and 40 hours of direct service per week. Vendors must complete Abuse Registry, Criminal History, and fingerprinting background checks and comply with PREA, FERPA, ADA, and HIPAA requirements. Vendors must also complete 15 hours of annual professional development and participate in Professional Development Plans with Lead Interventionists. The model integrates vocational and educational support through the Community High School of Vermont and Vermont Workforce Development where available.

The contract term is two years with an option to renew for up to three additional twelve-month periods, with an anticipated start in December 2026. Renewals are contingent on mutual agreement between the bidder and the State. Pricing must be fixed and remain firm for the initial term, presented in four cost categories (projected salary including hourly rate, fringe benefits, administrative costs including licenses and insurance, and other costs) with separate Year 1 and Year 2 line items.

Evaluation totals 50 points, with 10 points each for the vendor's ability to deliver state-provided curriculum, professional instructor experience, experience working with incarcerated populations in facilities, evidence of consistent work performance, and familiarity with manualized curriculum.

Responses must be emailed to Amy Wells-Deslaurier at Amy.Wells-Deslaurier@vermont.gov as a single searchable PDF not exceeding 40 MB, including a cover letter, technical response, references, price schedule, and signed Certificate of Compliance. Proposals exceeding $250,000 must meet worker-classification requirements under Section 32 of the 2009 Vermont act, including a list of all subcontractors and their workers' compensation insurers submitted before contract execution. Noncompliance constitutes a material breach and may result in cancellation and restriction from future state bidding.