Addressing Institutional Child Abuse

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks a sole‑source, firm‑fixed‑price contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive, multi‑year study of youth residential programs (e.g., therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs, boot camps, group homes). The study will assess prevalence, causes, and scope of child abuse, neglect, and deaths; identify oversight gaps; map federal and state funding streams; evaluate barriers to integrating funding for community‑based alternatives; and review standards of care and regulatory practices. An initial baseline report is due within three years, followed by biennial updates over a ten‑year horizon. The total period of performance, including optional follow‑on tasks, is 108 months (9 years). The government will award a firm‑fixed‑price purchase order based on capability statements submitted by September 3, 2026. • Scope: Comprehensive research, data collection, policy analysis, and recommendations for youth residential care. • Deliverables: Baseline report (36 months) plus up to three optional 24‑month study phases; recurring reports every 2 years for 10 years. • Funding: Firm‑fixed‑price; no amount disclosed. • Contractor: Must be capable of large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary research (National Academies selected). • Timeline: Capability statements due 12:00 PM Sept 3 2026; performance begins after award (date TBD).