Electronic Funds Transfer

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) has issued Request for Proposals #15-IGWF-94 for a comprehensive Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) services contract targeting inmate financial transactions. The procurement seeks a proven vendor to provide an integrated system encompassing electronic funds transmittal, money order lockbox services, and an inmate release card program. Key deliverables include establishing a platform allowing inmates to receive electronic funds from family and friends, processing money orders through a dedicated lockbox for expedited account posting, and implementing a release card program to replace traditional check disbursements upon inmate release. Required vendor qualifications include a minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in these service areas and compliance with specific technical, security, and operational standards. The solicitation requires vendors to submit detailed cost proposals outlining transaction fees, commission rates, and operational capabilities. Critical dates include the original proposal due date of May 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM, with the anticipated contract term spanning five years and offering five optional one-year extensions. Evaluation will focus on the proposed fees charged to senders, commission rates refunded to PADOC, and comprehensive service capabilities.

The procurement encourages participation from Small Diverse Businesses (SDBs), mandating that offerors include a numerical percentage representing their commitment to SDB subcontractor engagement. Vendors must maintain their small diverse business commitments throughout the contract term, with Addendum 1 specifically requiring vendors to detail their SDB subcontractor percentages in the cost submittal. While no incumbent vendor is explicitly identified, the solicitation suggests PADOC seeks to continue and enhance its existing electronic funds transmission infrastructure. The contract will be structured such that the selected contractor receives all sender funds and is responsible for daily transmission to inmate accounts, with the contractor paying a commission to PADOC based on total fee generation. Although specific budget ranges are not detailed, Appendix F documents show historical EFT transaction volumes totaling $71,022,074.86 across various jurisdictions from July 2013 through December 2014, indicating potential significant transaction volumes. The solicitation stipulates that all necessary equipment, cards, and supplies for the inmate release card program must be provided at no cost to PADOC, with final fee structures to be negotiated upon contract award.