Inmate Legal Assistance Program

The Connecticut Department of Correction issued a Request for Proposals (RFP #35290) on March 5, 2026, seeking qualified organizations to provide legal assistance services through the Inmate Legal Assistance Program (ILAP) for incarcerated individuals housed in the department's thirteen correctional facilities, which collectively hold approximately 11,049 inmates. The primary objective is to ensure meaningful access to courts for indigent inmates as mandated by state statute and federal law. Required services include pre-packaged legal form packages, paralegal support under attorney supervision, family law seminars at each correctional facility at least annually, federal habeas corpus assistance under 28 U.S.C. § 2254, and limited services for Connecticut inmates housed in other states; notably, the program does not require actual legal representation or court appearances. Key deadlines include a Letter of Intent due March 20, 2026, a vendor question and answer period from March 26 through April 3, 2026, and proposals due April 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT. Eligible proposers must demonstrate the ability to employ at least one full-time Connecticut-licensed attorney and one attorney admitted to the United States District Court, provide audited financial statements or financial documentation demonstrating solvency, and submit detailed budgets with all startup costs clearly identified and staffing plans demonstrating efficient personnel utilization. Evaluation criteria include organizational profile (10%), scope of services (20%), staffing plan (10%), data and technology capabilities (10%), work plan (15%), financial profile (10%), budget and narrative (15%), and compliance with required appendices (10%).

The RFP is open to private nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and state agencies, with preference given to those with a proven history of providing similar services and demonstrated financial stability. No set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or specific restrictions limiting eligible respondents have been identified in the solicitation documentation. The program may not assess fees to inmates, and services must exclude assistance to inmates already represented by public defenders or assigned counsel. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information has been disclosed in the available documentation. The anticipated contract start date is July 1, 2026, with a two-year initial term and three optional one-year renewals at the Department's discretion. The total funding available and specific contract cost have not been determined and will depend on state budget appropriations, meaning the award value remains contingent upon legislative budget actions. Inquiries regarding this opportunity should be directed to Maria Antoniou at the Connecticut Department of Correction, 24 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109, telephone 860-692-7837, or email Maria.Antoniou@ct.gov.