Accept the Highest Ranked Proposals Submitted by Beth Ingram, ABC Speech, Educational Based Services and Progressus Therapy - Request For Proposal #11052-EST Speech and Language Therapy and Diagnostic Services (Business Division)

Speech and language therapy services for students with disabilities (SWD) are required by federal laws, including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Currently, the district serves approximately 8,000 Pre-K to 22 years old SWD requiring speech and language services. Nationally, there is a critical shortage of speech and language pathologists.

We continue to recruit by attending job fairs on college campuses, advertising in professional periodicals, and maintaining a partnership with the University of South Florida. Speech and language pathologists provide a wide range of services to SWD in the district including screenings, initial evaluations, re-evaluations, direct, indirect, and support services to teachers, parents, and students.  In order to meet the needs of our SWD, we need to hire contracted speech and language pathologists.

Executive Summary continued on attachment.

Funds of approximately $2,900,000 will be available in the Exceptional Student Education Department budget for speech and language therapy and diagnostic services. 

Contract administration or evaluation is performed by the Project Manager (end user) and the Procurement Officer, who function as a team.  Reviews are conducted face to face, typically quarterly, or by utilizing an online vendor performance report.  Prior to soliciting a new contract, the Contract Administration team must first give consideration to the specifications and supporting data of the expiring contract.