Inmate Psychosocial Assessment to RI Parole Board

The Rhode Island Parole Board is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to conduct psychosocial interviews and written assessments of incarcerated individuals to inform parole hearing determinations, with proposals due November 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST and vendor questions due October 22, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Vendors must submit proposed participation rates for minority-owned, women-owned, and disability business enterprises (ISBE), with up to 6 bonus points available for ISBE participation in evaluation scoring.

Vendors must hold a Master's degree in a mental health-related field (Doctorate preferred) from an accredited institution, minimum two years' experience conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, valid Rhode Island licensure in mental health or social work, and a valid Rhode Island driver's license. Experience in forensic, clinical, or correctional behavioral health settings is required. The Board historically requests approximately 5 to 8 interviews and written evaluations per month on an as-needed basis with no guaranteed minimum volume, ordinarily requiring no more than three billable hours per evaluation.

The scope requires vendors to review case materials, conduct in-person clinical interviews, and deliver comprehensive written psychosocial reports containing criminal history analysis, institutional adjustment evaluation, substance use history, risk and protective factor identification, and reentry readiness assessment within four weeks prior to scheduled parole hearings. Special population requirements apply to individuals under age 18 at offense. Vendors must obtain Rhode Island Department of Corrections security clearance and comply with all facility security procedures.

The initial contract term is approximately three years beginning January 1, 2027, with the option for up to two additional 12-month renewal periods based on vendor performance and fund availability. Pricing must follow a hybrid structure with an hourly rate for clinical services and a not-to-exceed cap per evaluation, fully inclusive of travel, interview time, records review, report preparation, and administrative costs. A 0.33% contract administrative fee applies to total annual contract value. Technical proposals (maximum 6 pages) are evaluated on 70 points; a minimum score of 55 points is required to advance to cost evaluation. Cost proposals are evaluated on up to 30 points, bringing the total possible score to 100 points. All proposals must be submitted electronically through Ocean State Procures in separate files: Technical Proposal, Cost Proposal, Attestation Form, and ISBE Participation Plan. MBE/WBE subcontractors must be certified by the Rhode Island Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion MBE Compliance Office at bid submission; Disability Business Enterprises must be certified by the Governor's Commission on Disabilities. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 combined general liability, $100,000 workers compensation, $1,000,000 automobile liability, $2,000,000 professional liability, and $5,000,000 information technology cyber/privacy coverage.