A validation study of the New York State Brief Screening Tool (BST) was proposed but not conducted in New York State Department of Corrections (DOCS) because of regulatory and bureaucratic factors, including the inability to secure support by the collaborating New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). This case study elucidates challenges of conducting mental health research in prisons through an analysis of evidence from the initial stage of the validation study proposal to the final abandonment of the research proposal by state agencies and Columbia University. The data from this three year period is presented in a chronological, narrative, explanatory format. The evidence is analyzed using The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) conceptual framework. The findings suggest that evidence alone is not sufficient to justify and complete a research project. Key facilitators and a supportive context are also required for prison-based research proposals to be implemented into successful research projects. This case study is intended to assist prison-based researchers and doctoral students overcome research obstacles in an effort to maximize the potential to successfully implement research proposals.