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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, May 3, 2011
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Accept and Contract with Stiles, Taylor & Grace, P.A. - Request for Proposal (RFP) #11031-DST, Legal Services - Change of Placement Hearing Support Services (Business Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Change of placement has been defined by special education law specifically to mean actions taken by a school district that must be accompanied by certain due process protections. Parents have the right to procedural safeguards when placement decisions are made and can request a due process hearing when they disagree with a decision made by the district. Therefore, the support services awarded in this RFP ensure compliance and adherence to all pertinent Individuals with Disabilities Education Act law(s) and district policies.

On February 21, 2011, the Procurement Department, in conjunction with the Administration Division, issued an RFP for legal services-change of placement hearing support services. The district's online vendor registration system was used to notify proposers of this opportunity.  Three firms responded and their proposals were evaluated by a committee of district personnel.  The committee recommended awarding Stiles, Taylor & Grace, as the highest rated firm.

The initial term of this contract will be for one year beginning May 4, 2011, with four one-year renewals.  The Superintendent is authorized to approve any extension agreements, 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)
General funds will be utilized as needed for these services. Approximately $55,000 was spent over the previous twelve-month period.
EVALUATION

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.

SUBMITTED BY:  Jean Bowman, General Manager, Procurement Department
Lewis A. Brinson   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Administration
(813) 272-4071
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.13
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110503_458 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.13