According to the RFI, the department aims “to improve inmate monitoring, staff safety, perimeter security, and overall operational efficiency.”
The department is the state’s largest agency and the third-largest state prison system in the United States. With approximately 24,000 full-time employees, it incarcerates around 85,000 inmates and supervises nearly 145,000 offenders in the community.
FDC is particularly interested in receiving information from vendors on the following innovative solution categories:
- Biometrics identification and verification. According to the RFI, the department relies on technologies that use unique physical characteristics of individuals, such as fingerprints, iris patterns or facial features, to ensure secure access and accurate identification within correctional institutions.
- Video analytics and surveillance. The department is interested in expanding the use of advanced software algorithms and technologies to analyze real-time video streams from surveillance cameras to detect suspicious activities, monitor inmate behavior and enhance overall security by automating surveillance and alerting security personnel.
- Contraband detection and technologies. The FDC aims to use technologies such as body scanners, millimeter wave scanners and advanced metal detectors to detect prohibited items such as weapons, drugs or unauthorized objects within correctional institutions.
- Mobile device detection and management. According to the RFI, this form of detection is “crucial for preventing unauthorized communication among inmates and maintaining security.”
- Secure communications platforms. Lastly, the FDC is interested in using communication channels to monitor and manage inmate communications within correctional institutions. These platforms typically include encrypted messaging systems, monitored phone calls or other secure communication methods.
More information about RFI-24-167 can be found online. Vendors must submit responses to FDC by 2 p.m. on Sept. 2.
