Executive Summary:
A well‑designed and well‑managed security audit program systematically reviews prison operations, policies, procedures, staff performance, physical security systems, and emergency preparedness to identify vulnerabilities and risks. Because prisons inherently involve high‑risk factors—such as escapes, violence, contraband, disturbances, and other safety threats—structured, policy‑driven audits conducted by knowledgeable staff are essential for identifying and preventing problems before they occur.
NIC’s 36‑hour security training program supports this goal by providing a comprehensive, hands‑on auditing experience. The program includes an in‑brief with agency and facility leadership, one full day of in‑person classroom instruction, three and a half days of prison‑based audit work, and a half‑day executive close‑out. Participants have a unique, nonjudgmental opportunity to apply auditing skills in real operational settings as teams are deployed to designated prisons. Upon completion, a full report of findings is prepared, enabling agencies to develop effective remediation strategies.
Over the past several decades, prison systems have experienced rapid population growth alongside increasing scrutiny of security practices. In response, agencies have invested heavily in perimeter barriers, locking systems, video technology, drone detection, communication tools, and alert systems. These advancements have contributed to more efficient and effective operations, enhancing safety for staff, individuals in confinement, and the broader community. They also offer cost‑effective solutions that are easier to maintain and support more efficient use of staff resources, representing significant improvements over earlier facility designs.
As important as these advancements are, they alone cannot ensure a safe, secure, and humane environment. Technology and physical design are only components of a comprehensive security strategy. Even the most innovative systems cannot replace the need for well‑trained staff and strong security practices rooted in clear, standardized, and consistently implemented policies, procedures, regulations, and rules. Moreover, without a well‑planned and ongoing monitoring program, even effective security practices cannot be sustained over time.
Goals
The goals of these security audit programs are to build and strengthen the capacity of state and federal corrections agencies to conduct effective risk assessments of the safety and security of their prison facilities. Through the coordinated management of this award, NIC will deliver critical learning to the field and support the creation of safe, secure, and humane environments for staff, individuals in custody, and the broader community.
Deadline
July 20, 2026
Objectives and Deliverables
The successful applicant must complete the following deliverables during the project period. Applicants must address in the Program Narrative how each requirement will be met. All deliverables produced under this award must comply with Plain Language requirements and Section 508 accessibility standards, and applicants must reflect these expectations in both the Program Narrative and Budget Narrative.
Required Deliverables
- Curriculum Review and Updates
Review and, with NIC approval, revise the lesson plan, slide deck, and facilitator manual. Updates must include sections on restrictive housing and administrative accountability, as necessary. - Readiness Protocol Enhancement
Review the current Readiness Protocol template and provide written recommendations for improvement. - Completion of the Readiness Protocol
Collaborate with the agency to complete the Readiness Protocol in advance of program delivery. - Pre-Program Administrative and Logistical Support
The awardee must coordinate all preprogram logistics, to include:- Online registration for 24 participants
- Development of a welcome letter
- Distribution of the NIC Security Audit Program Guide and Model Instruments
- Classroom setup, AV resources, laptop and USB loaded slide deck, name tags, and table tents
- Program Delivery
Deliver the Conducting Security Audits training program for up to two events, utilizing the NIC approved lesson plan, slide deck, and model instrument (NIC Accession No. 027588). - Faculty Development
Establish, within the period of performance, a cadre of six qualified faculty/auditors to ensure continuity of trainer availability. - Audit Reporting
Requirements Using the NIC reporting template and team lead documentation, prepare and submit audit reports to facility heads, the agency Chief Executive Officer, and NIC within 30 days of each onsite audit. - Post-Audit Support
Provide up to eight (8) hours per facility of post-audit virtual coaching and technical assistance to support the development and/or implementation of corrective action plans. - Audit Team Guidance and Oversight
Ensure audit teams are facilitated for three and one-half days by no fewer than three NIC-approved faculty/trainers. Daily schedules will typically run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including daily close-outs. - Travel and Lodging Costs
All faculty travel, lodging, and associated costs required for delivery of the program are the responsibility of the awardee and must be incorporated into the proposed budget. - Pre-Training Site Visits
Prior to the first day of training, conduct onsite visits to the three designated facilities, complete a program review with assigned faculty, and coordinate final executive briefings. - Faculty Qualifications
Proposed faculty/trainers must meet the following minimum qualifications (résumés or bios must be submitted):- Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a correctional professional at the Deputy Warden of Prison Operations level or above
- Ability to support 9–10 hour workdays and sustain the physical demands of facility audits (significant walking and movement)
- Demonstrated effective communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
- Minimum of three (3) years of instructional or training delivery experience outside their duty station
- Documented experience conducting prison security audits and direct knowledge of related policy development or implementation
- National Conference Presentation
With NIC approval, plan, prepare, and submit a proposal to present a workshop on the significance of security audits at a national conference. - Kickoff Meeting
Within 30 days of award, participate in a kickoff meeting with the NIC program manager to establish project expectations, roles and responsibilities, timelines, and technical requirements. - Work with NIC Social Science Research Analysts to develop, implement, and analyze evaluations for each program.
Please see the Cooperative Agreement PDF for additional information.
Agency Contact Information:
Mark Wyche
771-241-0452
Mwyche@bop.gov
