Trauma-Informed and Gender Specific Staff Training and Train-the-Trainer Training

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for trauma-informed and gender-specific staff training and train-the-trainer training, focused on addressing the unique needs of female offenders within the correctional system. The procurement seeks a comprehensive training solution that will provide gender-responsive and trauma-informed education for both security and non-security staff at TDOC's training academy in Tullahoma. Specific deliverables include training approximately 150 staff members and certifying 20 staff as facilitators in the first year, with a train-the-trainer (T4T) component to ensure ongoing internal training capabilities. The RFI requires respondents to demonstrate experience in providing similar services, develop a tailored curriculum that accommodates diverse learning styles, and propose a training methodology specific to TDOC's needs. The solicitation covers detailed training curriculum development, implementation strategies, and potential consulting and technical assistance. Responses are due by April 9, 2024, with the RFI seeking comprehensive information about potential vendors' capabilities, experience with correctional entities, and approach to working with the female offender population.

While the RFI does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or specific restrictions on responding organizations, it appears to be open to qualified training providers with extensive experience in correctional staff development. The document indicates a strong preference for vendors with proven expertise in gender-responsive and trauma-informed training approaches, particularly those with demonstrated success in correctional settings. Although no specific budget range is provided in the available documents, the scope suggests a significant investment in staff training and development, with potential for multi-year engagement. The training will take place at TDOC's existing training infrastructure in Tullahoma, implying that respondents should be prepared to integrate their training methodologies with the department's current educational systems and protocols. The procurement appears designed to solicit comprehensive information that will help TDOC evaluate potential training partners capable of delivering high-quality, specialized staff development programming tailored to the unique needs of their correctional environment.