The Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a qualified contractor to evaluate the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) requirements we have on specific, female only prison custody positions.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is initiating this Request for Quotes and Qualifications (RFQQ) to solicit proposals from qualified Contractors to evaluate the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) requirement DOC has on specific, female only prison custody positions, and verify if the rationale still exists to maintain their BFOQ status. Ideal contractors should be able to provide resource(s) with the following qualifications:

a.     Approximately ten (10) years’ experience at the executive level in the corrections field.

b.     Expertise in consulting and/or compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

c.      Expertise in consulting and/or compliance on the privacy requirements of female inmates.

d.     Ideally, these individuals should be credentialed subject matter experts, with examples of similar projects shown in their work history.

e.     Expertise in issues related to non-binary, gender nonconforming, and transgender incarcerated individuals and staff.

The goal of the solicitation is to create a thorough, scholarly, and stakeholder inclusive report suitable to advise DOC leadership on the best path forward with regard to BFOQ status on various DOC positions, as well as policy and legal advice in better serving the individuals under DOC care.