Operating Secure Female Residential Programs

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is conducting an RFI for operating secure residential programs serving female youth, with a vendor conference on August 6, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. This is not a procurement resulting in a contract; responses are not offers. However, the Department explicitly states that information gathered may be used to develop specifications for competitive procurements.

The RFI addresses a critical capacity gap: the Department currently lacks sufficient secure residential bed availability for committed female youth, resulting in extended detention-center stays while awaiting placement. The Department seeks vendor input on resource requirements, appropriate staff-to-youth ratios, staffing needs, workforce challenges, approaches for serving females with intensive mental health needs, location-specific operational barriers, community resource utilization, and innovative program enhancements.

Two facilities are under consideration: the former Redwood Youth Academy in Raiford, Florida and the Orange Annex at the Orange Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Orlando, Florida (2800 S Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806). Optional site visits are scheduled for July 31, 2026 at Orange Annex and August 4, 2026 at Redwood Youth Academy. The RFI Vendor's Conference on August 6 will be held at 1:30 p.m. EDT via Microsoft Teams or in-person at Department of Juvenile Justice Headquarters in Tallahassee.

Vendors should address per diem costs, obstacles to program operation, provider reservations, and policy or funding changes needed to expand capacity. All responses to the RFI are public records unless exempt by law. The Department reserves the right to request additional information or oral presentations from selected vendors.