MN DOC Facilty Writing Workshops

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking qualified vendors to create and implement writing workshops at seven correctional facilities across the state, including locations in Faribault, Lino Lakes, Oak Park Heights, Rush City, St. Cloud, Shakopee, Stillwater, and Moose Lake. The Request for Proposals (RFP) targets adult male and female incarcerated persons with at least a tenth-grade reading level who demonstrate an interest in improving their creative writing skills. Workshops will be 30 hours long, with no more than one class per week at each facility, aimed at using creative writing as a catalyst for personal transformation and community reintegration. The evaluation process will allocate 1,000 possible points, with 350 points for work plan, 350 points for qualifications and experience, and 300 points for cost details. Proposals are due by April 9, 2025, at 4:30 PM Central Time, with the state expecting to complete evaluation and selection by June 1, 2025. The contract term is anticipated to run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a potential extension of up to three additional years.

The DOC encourages responses from small businesses, with a particular focus on diverse and disadvantaged enterprises. The solicitation includes 120 additional preference points for veteran-owned businesses, targeted group businesses, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Specifically, the state seeks proposals from businesses majority-owned or operated by racial minorities, women, persons with substantial physical disabilities, veterans, or service-disabled veterans. Respondents must be registered as either a bidder or supplier in the SWIFT Supplier portal and will be responsible for all costs associated with preparing and submitting their proposal. While the exact budget range is not explicitly stated, the RFP suggests the potential for multiple contract awards to different vendors. Interested vendors can contact Blair Bjerkeset at 651/539-6301 or blair.bjerkeset@state.mn.us for additional information about the solicitation.