Resource Library
March 18, 2025
Toolkit for Writing an RFP to Contract for Healthcare Services in a Correctional or Detention Institution
Providing constitutionally mandated healthcare within jails, prisons, and other detention facilities is challenging. The quality of care for this medically complex group often relies on the request for proposal (RFP) and contract language between the facility and external provider(s). The quality and accuracy of the RFP are critical to the long-term success of the healthcare program. Creating comprehensive RFPs can increase safety and continuity of care, promote accountability and cost efficiencies, and decrease the impact of incarceration, the risk of potential lawsuits, and recidivism. Policy Research Associates collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of correctional healthcare experts to develop this practical open-source resource to improve correctional facility healthcare. The RFP Toolkit is designed to help correctional facilities and local governments create more effective, outcome-focused RFPs for medical, mental health, substance use/medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and disability services. The Toolkit includes a customizable RFP Template and guides users through preparing to draft an RFP, drafting and issuing the RFP, evaluating vendor responses, and negotiating and managing the contract.