Intro
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) acknowledges the pressing challenges facing behavioral health care within correctional settings nationwide. Correctional facilities increasingly contend with complex mental health and substance use issues among incarcerated individuals, yet existing behavioral health services are consistently limited by service gaps, inconsistent institutional policies, and insufficient staff training, as revealed through research and dialogue with NIC’s Mental Health Network. These shortcomings jeopardize the rehabilitation and well-being of those in custody, while also causing elevated staff stress, burnout, and organizational instability.
Through this cooperative agreement, NIC will launch a comprehensive initiative to address these systemic concerns. The project will encompass an in-depth gap analysis of behavioral health services, a rigorous review of institutional policies to ensure alignment with national standards, and robust stakeholder engagement to inform program development. Input from corrections professionals and behavioral health experts will play a pivotal role in shaping project strategies and solutions.
A primary outcome of these efforts will be the creation of a dynamic behavioral health training e-course designed for correctional staff. This curriculum will draw on evidence-based best practices—including trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral techniques, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and crisis intervention strategies. By equipping staff with practical, accessible tools rooted in the realities of correctional work, the initiative will enhance staff skills, foster professional development and wellness, and ultimately contribute to a safer and more stable correctional environment.
Goals
The primary goal of this project is to enhance behavioral health services in carceral environments by identifying gaps, realigning policies with national and evidence-based standards, and empowering correctional staff to implement effective, trauma-informed interventions.
Objectives
The objectives for the project include the following:
- Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis and develop a white paper assessing the delivery, availability, and quality of behavioral health services in correctional settings.
- Review policies related to behavioral health care management, including screening, assessment, treatment, and continuity of care post-release. Recommend policy development or improvements that align with evidence-based standards.
- Engage stakeholders in a collaborative focus group of 10 to 15 members, including correctional staff, community behavioral health providers, and advocacy groups, to ensure a coordinated and sustainable approach to behavioral health services. This focus group will provide valuable guidance for training and policy development and will assist in creating a comprehensive training toolkit for correctional staff.
- Develop and launch an in-depth e-course for correctional staff, covering trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, cognitive-behavioral strategies, medication-assisted treatment, and the management of co-occurring disorders.
- Establish a sustainable framework for ongoing staff education and professional development via NIC’s learning platforms.
Deliverables
- Project Initiation: Participate in a virtual kickoff meeting with the NIC program manager within fifteen (15) days of the award to clarify scope, objectives, roles, and initial deadlines. Provide meeting minutes and recommendations.
- Work Plan: Submit a detailed work plan outlining project activities, timelines, milestones, responsibilities, and methodological approaches to accomplishing all objectives.
- Methodology & Timetable: Provide a thorough description and schedule for each project activity, specifying responsible parties and alignment with program goals.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate a focus group involving a minimum of three subject matter experts (SMEs) and the NIC program manager and produce a comprehensive toolkit and report with findings and recommendations.
- Research and Literature Review: Conduct an exhaustive review of behavioral health research, best practices, and treatment modalities in correctional contexts to identify additional development needs.
- White Paper: Publish a thorough white paper summarizing key findings of the gap analysis.
- Policy Recommendations: Publish an analysis and recommendations document to guide policy refinement and alignment with national standards.
- E-Course Development: Develop and launch a comprehensive behavioral health e-course.
- Supplemental Materials: Integrate refresher content and supplemental training materials within the NIC information center to support ongoing staff development.
- Progress Reporting: Maintain regular contact with the NIC program manager and provide three quarterly progress reports and one final report, detailing programmatic and deliverable progress per NIC requirements.
- Ad Hoc Support: Address additional tasks or deliverables as needed, in coordination with NIC, with budget flexibility for emergent issues in correctional behavioral health.
- Utilize the ADDIE Instructional Design for curriculum development.
- Meet with NIC Instructional Systems Specialist Staff within 30 days to coordinate any software and product development. Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) (e-courses, videos, audio, VILTs, etc.) must comply with the federal mandate of 508 and WCAG compliance accessibility and as such in accordance with the agency agreement ensuring all visual and audio elements are accessible. In parallel with the statement of work the recipient must provide text alternatives for images, include captions for videos and transcripts for audio, allow for keyboard navigation, and use the authoring tools prescribed by NIC that supports accessibility, editing, and maintenance of the EIT. Use color contrast, clear language, and incorporate user/evaluation testing throughout process of creation where it applies. EIT created/distributed content must be usable by individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairment.
Applicants should demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in correctional behavioral health, correctional training and technical assistance, policy development, curriculum design, research and evaluation or related fields. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience working with prisons, jails, and behavioral health systems at the national, state, local, or tribal level.
Agency Contact Information:
Application Submission and Form Information:
Mark Wyche
771-241-0452
BOP-NIC-General-S@bop.gov and/or Mwyche@bop.go
Program Specific Information: Comments or questions submitted should be concise and to the point, eliminating any unnecessary verbiage. In addition, the relevant page, part and paragraph of the NOFO should be referenced. Responses to programmatic questions will be posted on NIC’s website for public review. The website will be updated regularly, and postings will remain on the website until the closing date of this solicitation. Questions submitted within 2 weeks prior to a submission deadline may not be answered, and the due date for proposal submission will not be extended.
Dena M. Owens
D41williams@bop.gov
