BPA for Domestic Violence Intervention Training (DVIT) Guest Speaker Services

The Domestic Violence Intervention Training (DVIT) Course is a one-week course which focuses on effective intervention and investigation of family dysfunctional incidents utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, with emphasis on protection of the victim, de-escalation, and intervention at the earliest stage, thus allowing potential for return of the family to a healthy state. Subjects include multidisciplinary aspects of intervention, dynamics and psychological aspects of domestic violence, legal aspects of domestic violence, an overview of neurobiology of trauma and different interview techniques, effects of domestic violence on children, first responder protocol and response techniques, de-escalation techniques, domestic violence practical exercises, and officer self-care. Individuals authorized to attend are all DoD police officers, investigators and special agents, Family Advocacy FA/VA and Behavioral health personnel, as well as clergy personnel who routinely deal with victims of domestic violence. This course is taught at both Ft. Leonard Wood, MO as a resident course six (6) times per year, as well as a host installation/on-site mobile training team (MTT) course on average seven (7) times per year.

Individuals authorized to attend are all DoD police officers, investigators and special agents, Family Advocacy FA/VA and Behavioral health personnel, as well as clergy personnel who routinely deal with victims of domestic violence. This course is taught at both Ft. Leonard Wood, MO as a resident course, as well as a host installation/on-site mobile training team (MTT) course.

DVIT provides critical skills to enable military law enforcement personnel in proper intervention and investigation of domestic violence incidents. Failure to properly identify and document criminal offenders substantially increases the "at risk" window for victims. Due to the frequency of military PCS moves, military offenders are capable of offending for many years prior to being discovered. The Army Fatality Review Board has identified the lack of proper law enforcement intervention and response as a significant finding in substantially increasing the risk of death of Soldiers and Family members. DVIT is the only accredited diploma producing course that DOD authorizes for Law Enforcement 1st responders by regulation (AR 608-18).

Performance Requirements: This contract will provide guest speaker services regarding lived experience of domestic violence and sexual assault within the Military. The proposed contractor shall provide services from a firsthand perspective, highlighting both positive and negative interactions with military and civilian agencies, including barriers to seeking help (e.g., power and control dynamics, lack of knowledge about military programs). Challenges with evidence handling, chain of custody, and law enforcement practices. Emotional responses to investigative processes (e.g., feelings of intrusion when homes become crime scenes). Issues with command responses and counseling support. Reasons why male survivors may not report violence, especially as servicemembers. Guest speakers encourage students to ask better, more informed questions to effectively assist victims, empowering students to become more compassionate and effective in their roles.

Contractor instructor must be:

a. A victim of some form of domestic violence within the DoD umbrella.

b. The violence must have been reported to law enforcement.

c. Prosecution of the offender must have resulted in a conviction of a domestic violence charge.

d. All criminal appeals of the prosecution must have been exhausted.

e. The victim must have sought psychological treatment for trauma and be in a stable emotional/mental/environmental state.

f. The victim must be able to share enough of their experience with the students to allow understanding of the impact of the violence upon them.

g. Contractor will enter into a blanket purchase agreement at a fixed rate, for instruction up to 12 times per year. The contractor will provide a 1hr block of material, and the contractor is responsible for their own travel arrangements to Fort Leonard Wood, and other agreed upon CONUS locations.

See attached PWS for additional details of this requirement.