HCPS FL Logo Business
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, June 28, 2016
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Accept the Highest-Ranked Proposals Submitted by Various Vendors - Request For Proposal (RFP) #16001-EST Speech and Languages Therapy and Diagnostic Services (Business Services)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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 13,000 Pre-K to 22 year old SWD requiring speech and language services.  Nationally, there is a critical shortage of speech-language pathologists. Due to that shortage and the need to provide services to our students with disabilities, the district must contract with outside agencies. We continue to work to recruit and retain district-hire speech-language pathologists in order to minimize the need for contracted personnel.

To meet these needs, Procurement Services, in conjunction with the Exceptional Student Education Department, issued an RFP on May 3, 2016, to establish a partnership with qualified contractors to provide Speech and Language Therapy Services.  Twenty-two proposals were received and evaluated by a committee of district personnel. The committee determined that two firms should be recommended for award. The highest-ranked firm will have the first right of refusal to provide the requested therapists. If the highest-ranked firm cannot provide the therapists, the next highest-ranked firm will be contacted until staffing is completed. The initial term of this contract will be for one year, beginning July 1, 2016, with 1-year renewals for 4 years. All prices shall be firm against any increase for at least one year from effective date of this contract. The Superintendent is authorized to approve any renewals, per the terms of the specifications.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Align financial resources to support the district's strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 5323.  Funds for the project are budgeted in fiscal year 2016/2017.  Year-to-date expenditures are $2,385,000.50 and $2,971,212.50 for 2014/2015.
EVALUATION
Contract administration or evaluation is performed by the Project Manager (end user) and Procurement Officer, who function as a team. Reviews are performed annually 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.
SUBMITTED BY:  Corey A. Murphy, General Manager, Procurement Services
Wynne A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Division
(813) 273-7033
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    C 6.17
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20160628_763 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.17