Request for Information - Portable Paging Assistive Device System (RFI ACTT4926)

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Division of Adult Institutions, ADA Collaboration and Training Team issued Request for Information (RFI) Number ACTT4926 on April 9, 2026, seeking qualified vendors to provide secure, facility-wide notification and alerting systems designed to support effective communication with incarcerated individuals, particularly those who are deaf and hard of hearing. The procurement seeks portable assistive devices or systems, such as wearable wristwatch paging systems, that operate within secure correctional environments and reduce reliance on staff-driven face-to-face notification processes. Vendors must submit Letters of Interest detailing solutions that address eight core operational requirements: secure closed network environment, notification functionality, ADA compliance accessibility, reduced staff dependency, ease of use, durability and security, maintenance and support, and scalability across individual housing units, entire institutions, and statewide deployment to potentially 30 sites. The pilot system will be implemented at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility in Corcoran, California, serving an anticipated population of 5 to 500 incarcerated persons per facility, with anticipated statewide deployment to approximately 10 prisons initially, with possible expansion to all 30 state prisons based on pilot results. Questions regarding the RFI were due by April 16, 2026, with final responses due by April 23, 2026. Vendors must submit five attachments including contact information, solution capabilities statements, questionnaire responses, additional information, and distributor/supplier contact information, with cost estimates optional and non-binding. Success will be measured by the system's ability to reliably meet real-time needs, including successful page transmission and receipt, adequate coverage, validated scalability, and absence of security concerns.

The RFI does not establish set-aside designations or restrictions limiting organizational eligibility; however, successful vendors must demonstrate relevant experience in correctional settings or similarly secure environments and agree to applicable state terms and conditions, including the State's IT General Provisions (DGS PD 402/403 ITGP). No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the documentation. All responses become public records under the California Public Records Act and will be subject to state IT requirements. The CDCR reserves the right to request demonstrations or confidential discussions with interested vendors regarding their proposed solutions; however, this RFI does not obligate CDCR to issue a subsequent procurement, and responses will not be considered in evaluation of subsequent procurements, though they may inform future Request for Offer, Request for Proposal, or Request for Quote solicitations. No award value or budget range is specified in this RFI. CDCR will not reimburse costs for RFI preparation or submission.