Electronic Monitoring RFP Checklist: 15 Must-Ask Questions

Introduction

Procurement for electronic monitoring systems is high-stakes. The wrong vendor choice locks your agency into multi-year contracts, equipment that underperforms in the field, and support that falls short when it matters. RFPs that omit critical questions leave evaluators comparing vendors on incomplete information. This electronic monitoring RFP checklist gives you 15 must-ask questions organized by category—device specifications, anti-tamper, battery, cellular, software, support, pricing, compliance, and data security. Use it alongside our free RFP template to structure a thorough procurement process.

Device Specifications (Questions 1–3)

1. Is the device one-piece or two-piece architecture? One-piece consolidates GPS, cellular, battery, and tamper detection in a single unit. Two-piece requires a body-worn transmitter plus a separate host unit. One-piece reduces failure points, defendant compliance burden, and logistics. See our one-piece vs two-piece comparison.

2. What is the device weight and form factor? Heavier devices increase defendant discomfort and non-compliance. Leading one-piece devices are ~108g. Specify acceptable weight range and request dimensions.

3. What is the installation time and method? Tool-free snap-on designs can achieve under 3 seconds. Devices requiring tools or multiple steps increase booking time and training requirements. Request documented installation time in seconds.

Anti-Tamper (Questions 4–5)

4. What tamper detection technology does the device use? Optical fiber achieves zero false positives and zero false negatives. Heart-rate and capacitive sensing can produce 30–50% false positive rates. Request the technology type and documented field false positive rate. Our false tamper alerts guide explains the cost impact.

5. Is tamper evidence retained on the device? Physical evidence of tamper attempts (e.g., fiber strand condition) supports court proceedings. Ask whether evidence is preserved after an alert.

Battery (Questions 6–7)

6. What is the real-world battery life at 5-minute reporting intervals? Lab conditions differ from field performance. Request documented battery life in typical conditions (indoor/outdoor mix, varying signal). Seven-day battery life aligns with weekly check-ins; daily charging creates operational friction.

7. Does the device support BLE-connected or low-power modes? Some devices (e.g., CO-EYE ONE-AC) offer Bluetooth-connected mode with 6-month battery life for lower-risk or home curfew cases. Ask about tiered battery modes.

Cellular Connectivity (Questions 8–9)

8. What cellular technology does the device use? LTE-M and NB-IoT offer better building penetration, longer battery life, and 5G forward-compatibility. Avoid 3G-only devices—carriers are sunsetting 3G. Request specific technology and carrier compatibility.

9. Does the device support eSIM? eSIM enables remote provisioning, reduces SIM logistics, and simplifies multi-carrier flexibility. Specify if eSIM is required.

Software & Platform (Questions 10–11)

10. What monitoring platform is included? Request demo access, role-based permissions, reporting capabilities, and mobile responsiveness. Ask about geo-fence configuration, exclusion zones, and alert customization.

11. Is there API access or integration with case management systems? Agencies that use dedicated case management software need integration options. Ask about APIs, export formats, and existing integrations.

Support (Question 12)

12. What is the SLA for critical alert response and general support? Request documented response times for critical alerts (e.g., tamper, zone violation), availability (24/7 vs business hours), and escalation procedures. Ask for reference contacts who can attest to support quality.

Pricing (Question 13)

13. What is the total cost per defendant per month? Request a complete breakdown: equipment (purchase or rental), platform fee, cellular/data, installation training, support tiers, and any minimum commitments. Ask about termination fees and early-exit costs. Our cost analysis guide provides a comparison framework.

Compliance & Certifications (Question 14)

14. What certifications does the device hold? Request CE, FCC, IP rating (waterproof), battery safety (IEC62133, UN38.3), and any criminal justice–specific certifications. Specify state or federal requirements if applicable. Our state regulations guide may help.

Data Security (Question 15)

15. How is location and compliance data protected? Request encryption (HTTPS/SSL, AES), data retention policies, access controls, and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., CJIS if applicable). Ask about data ownership and portability if you change providers.

Summary: Your RFP Checklist

Use these 15 questions in every electronic monitoring RFP. Combine them with our RFP template and vendor comparison for a comprehensive evaluation. Agencies that ask the right questions upfront avoid costly surprises—and select vendors that deliver on specs, support, and total cost of ownership. Ready to see devices that meet these requirements? Request a demo.