Surge in Corrections, Prisons, and Jails RFP and Bid Requests, Including Inmate Video Visitation Systems

While the hotly contested debate continues on in regards to the judicial and corrections systems in the United States, the fact remains that corrections facilities, prisons, and jails continue to expand at a high rate.

More facilities are being added and existing facilities are being upgraded. The implementation of inmate visitation systems is but one solution that has come under intense scrutiny as more and more corrections facilities put the technology to use.

In conjunction, we have noted a corresponding increase in the number of RFP and bid requests submitted by applicable federal, state, county, city, and municipal entities.

In the past twelve months alone, we have tracked 420 requests for inmate visitation, phone, video, and other technical-type systems/solutions. In addition, there is an equally robust number of requests for other corrections-related services, solutions, items as well.

Sample Active Bids/RFPs

Corrections, Prisons, and Jails

Of course, the inmate population totals fluctuate literally on a by the minute basis. There are a myriad of sources and databases reporting the number of adults currently incarcerated in the United States. It is a conservative estimate that there are well over two million adults in federal, state, and/or county prisons and jails. Of these, there are approximately 200,000 federal inmates. Research shows that these numbers are a 400-500% increase from three decades ago.

For an eye opening comparison, in the census performed in 2013, Chicago, Illinois reported a population estimate of 2,718,782 and Houston, Texas an estimate of 2,195,914 people.

With these increases in facilities, expansion of facilities, and numbers of inmates, there is a clear, corresponding growth in corrections expenditures. Again, there are an overwhelming number of sources documenting the approximated and projected funds in support of these facilities. Really, a prodigious number of sources and groups compiling and reporting statistics, analysis, opinions, etc…

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, Dr. Tracy Kyckelhahn, published a report on Dec 5th, 2013, Local Government Corrections Expenditures, FY 2005-2011, which documented the dollars spent during the mentioned seven year period. Included therein, “In fiscal year 2011, local government spent $26.4 billion on corrections. Between 2005 and 2011, the annual expenditures by local government varied between $25.8 billion and $28.4 billion.” Dr. Kyckelhahn’s data can be found here.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like additional details about these, or other, RFP and bid requests, call us at 888.808.5356 or visit BidPrime.