Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit Function

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) titled Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit Function to assess industry capabilities in supporting the national PREA auditing program. This effort is not a solicitation for proposals or a commitment to award a contract but is intended solely to inform future planning and acquisition strategies. The RFI seeks input on industry expertise in training, certifying, and recertifying auditors who evaluate compliance with PREA Standards across federal, state, and local confinement facilities, including prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, community confinement settings, and police lockups. Respondents are encouraged to provide insights on delivery approaches, cost structures, and organizational capacity, with specific attention to personnel qualifications, including federal security clearances and subject matter expertise in auditor training, oversight, audit instrument management, system administration, and technical assistance. The draft Statement of Work outlines intended deliverables, including the certification of 150 auditor candidates with the first 75 to be certified within 18 months of any potential future award, along with implementation of a recertification process involving online exams and fingerprint-based background checks. The contractor would be responsible for managing a comprehensive suite of over 100 audit-related documents such as the Pre-Audit Questionnaire, Auditor Compliance Tool, Audit Report Template, Post-Audit Reporting Form, Interview Protocols, and Documentation Checklist, as well as operating an audit assignment system and migrating resources to the Bureau of Justice Assistance website. Performance requires strict adherence to PREA Statute, its amendments, the PREA Standards, and the PREA Auditor Handbook, with requirements to ensure privacy and confidentiality of sensitive data gathered during facility interviews and to maintain safety during onsite activities. Contractors must also conduct a minimum of 12 documentation reviews annually to ensure compliance with auditing practices. The effort is classified under NAICS code 541611 for administrative management and general management consulting services with no set-aside, and responses are due by June 10, 2026, with point of contact information provided for inquiries. Pricing submitted in response to this RFI is strictly informational and will not be used for award purposes.