Inmate Communication Services

The County of Orange, New York is requesting proposals for a vendor to install, maintain, host, and operate a web-based inmate communication system at the Orange County Correctional Facility, with proposals due August 13, 2026 and questions due July 30, 2026. This is a revenue-sharing contract with no cost to the County; the vendor retains all system ownership and operational responsibility while paying the County a percentage of system revenue as proposed.

The scope encompasses telephone kiosks, inmate and officer tablets, and money kiosks for lobby and booking areas, integrated into a hosted, internet-based platform accessible to OCCF administration via mobile and desktop devices from any location. The facility currently houses an average daily population of 467 inmates across 19 housing units with a maximum capacity of 802. The system must include call monitoring and recording capabilities with 18-month minimum storage, digital mail processing services, and multiple payment options (online accounts, prepaid services, direct billing, money kiosk deposits). Service charges to called parties must comply with applicable tariffs and Public Utilities Commission rules. The vendor must provide 24/7/365 live domestic customer service support, respond to major system outages within two hours, and offer technology upgrades throughout the contract term. All hardware, software, installation, maintenance, and disconnection costs are the vendor's responsibility. Vendors must comply with Federal Communications Commission regulations and New York State Commission of Correction guidelines and provide comprehensive tablet security features.

Vendors must demonstrate at least five years of experience providing web-based inmate communication systems in municipalities of similar or larger size, with five customer references (three demonstrating tablet implementation within the past 12 months). Evaluation criteria include qualifications and experience, references, technical proposal, timeline and availability, cost to called parties, and revenue to County.

The contract term is five years with options for up to three additional one-year renewal periods, plus potential extension for up to two additional months at the County's discretion. The incumbent vendor is Global Tel*Link Corp./ViaPath. A pre-proposal conference and site visit are applicable; details are to be provided via addendum.