Writing and Communication Program

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is soliciting documented quotes under DQ 2027000158 for offender writing development services, with quotes due November 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM Mountain Standard Time through bidnetdirect.com/cdoc. No set-asides are identified in this solicitation. Bidders must indicate whether they are Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, must hold Colorado Secretary of State good standing, and must register in CDOC's CORE system through Vendor Self Service.

The scope includes up to two monthly in-person writing labs across multiple facilities, four annual cohort-based courses on communication, writing, storytelling, narrative development, digital literacy, and emerging technologies, four quarterly issues of a statewide newspaper, four quarterly issues of a creative arts magazine, and an annual anthology published in May/June. Bidders must demonstrate prior experience with writing labs and offender newspaper development. CDOC's Prison Programs office reviews content before publication, and CDOC retains final content approval. Contractors submit quarterly reports on lab locations, dates, participant numbers, and publication progress. All contractor personnel must pass criminal history checks, background screening, fingerprinting, and drug testing, and bidders must complete an Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation within thirty days of award notification.

Exhibit D prices writing labs per session, with a maximum of 12 sessions per month, communication courses per course across four courses, and publication support and program coordination and reporting quarterly. Pricing must be all-inclusive and firm during the initial term. CDOC may allow annual increases not exceeding 2.5% per fiscal year, which Exhibit A conditions on mutual agreement. The source does not state a dollar value. The term runs December 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with up to four additional one-year renewals and a five-year maximum, contingent on appropriation and budget. Service location is statewide throughout Colorado.

Award goes to the responsible bidder whose acceptable quote is most advantageous to CDOC. Price and cost are the primary considerations, with sample quality and lead time as additional factors. CDOC will hold a virtual public opening after the deadline and anticipates issuing a Notice of Intent to Award on November 12, 2026, with a targeted start of December 1, 2026 or upon contract execution.

Monthly service invoices are due by the 15th of each month, and final invoices and closeout documentation are due June 15. CDOC pays within 45 days of invoice receipt for accepted work. Certificates of insurance, including commercial general liability at $1,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate, go to doc_contracts@state.co.us within seven business days of the effective date and must be in place before contract issuance. Bidders must return Exhibits A through F with their quote, including the Exhibit B vendor information form.