Correctional Education Technology Systems

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM BACKGROUND AND SCOPE The Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) is an agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ). It consists of 122 institutions throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico; 6 regional offices, a Central Office (headquarters), 2 staff training centers, and 26 Residential Reentry Management offices. The Bureau is responsible for the custody and care of approximately 195,000 adult Federal offenders. Approximately 81 percent of these inmates are confined in Bureau-operated facilities, while the balance is confined in secure privately-managed or community-based facilities and local jails. Bureau institutions offer literacy classes (e.g. GED prep), English-as-a-Second Language, parenting classes, wellness education, adult continuing education, employment readiness skills, library services, and instruction in leisure-time activities. In most cases, inmates who do not have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate must participate in the literacy program for a minimum of 240 hours or until they obtain the GED. Non-English-speaking inmates can take English-as-a-Second Language. Vocational and occupational training programs are based on the needs of the inmates, general labor market conditions, and institution labor force needs. Another important component is on-the-job training, which inmates receive through institution job assignments, apprenticeship programs, and work in Federal Prison Industries. The Bureau also facilitates post-secondary education in vocational and occupationally-oriented areas. Some traditional college courses are available, but inmates are responsible for funding this coursework. PURPOSE The Bureau is seeking detailed information about correctional education technology systems to deliver educational content to inmates. Delivery models may be mobile devices (such as tablets) and desktop clients. Information provided by the vendors will be used to further refine the Bureau's specifications for a potential solicitation/acquisition of a pilot program for two institutions, possibly including options to expand the system agency-wide. The specific questions outlined in this Request for Information should be answered by vendors in as much detail as possible, including describing actual hardware, any necessary software, any peripherals required, and any configuration required to support the solution. Vendors should propose a solution which addresses the program and security requirements identified in the RFI. Vendors should also take care to recognize the secure environment in which the solution will be deployed. The solution should emphasize both security capabilities integrated in the solution to secure the device, data, network, transmission and access management. The solution should also address the educational content available via the solution, including educational or industry standards with which it complies. Any proposed solution should also include a detailed discussion of any mobile capabilities or limitations to ensure that the system can be accessed throughout various locations within the facility. Vendors should be cognizant that construction materials (such as concrete and rebar) may limit deployment options. The vendor's ability to comply with specific DOJ IT security requirements is also a key consideration and those requirements are described in various sections below. DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Bureau is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it may be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offeror to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement.