Evidence-Based Training For Women’s Services

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP #32901-31362) seeking a vendor to design and deliver comprehensive, evidence-based, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed training for correctional staff across Bradley, Davidson, Knox, and Loudon Counties. The procurement aims to develop and facilitate assessments and training for approximately 165 correctional, clinical, and community supervision staff members over a 10-12 month period at the state's correctional training academy. Key deliverables include staff interviews and assessments for 42-52 staff members, curriculum development, and train-the-trainer (T4T) sessions conducted at multiple facility sites including the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center, and Women's Therapeutic Residential Center. The evaluation criteria will allocate 20 points for general qualifications and experience, 50 points for technical qualifications and approach, and 30 points for cost proposal. Critical procurement dates include a pre-response conference on December 20, 2024, written questions deadline of January 10, 2025, proposal responses due February 7, 2025, and a planned contract start date of April 1, 2025, with a 12-month initial term and potential 180-day extension.

The RFP promotes diversity by encouraging participation from minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, persons with disabilities-owned, and small business enterprises. Respondents must have a minimum of three years of experience providing evidence-based curriculum development and training for an adult correctional population. The maximum contract liability is set at $250,000, with pricing structured around hourly rates for consultation, trainer fees, and assessment services. Contractors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1 million in commercial general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability, and professional liability insurance. The contractor will be required to comply with TDOC policies, including the Drug-Free Workplace and Women's Services administrative policies, and adhere to PREA standards. While no incumbent vendor is specified, the state will utilize its existing learning management platform for participant tracking. Potential respondents should note the contract requires physical proposal submission, with no electronic submission options available, and must be prepared to integrate with TDOC's existing training infrastructure and policy frameworks.