ESBD_497430_1777036061894_701-26-017 Addendum 2.pdf

This is Addendum 2 to RFP 701-26-017 issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for Special Education Hearing Officers services, dated April 24, 2026. The addendum addresses three key questions submitted by prospective bidders regarding case assignments, hearing formats, and compensation. TEA seeks to procure multiple contracts with qualified hearing officers to preside over special education due process hearings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The solicitation requires hearing officers to be licensed to practice law in Texas with a minimum of five years of active legal practice, including three years of experience in special education, school law, disability, administrative, or related legal matters. Prospective contractors must submit proposals by May 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time via the Euna Procurement (Bonfire) platform, with proposal evaluations and oral presentations scheduled for May 2026, contract negotiations anticipated in June 2026, and a contract start date projected for September 2026. The contract term is four state fiscal years commencing from the agreed-upon start date, with mandatory training sessions including orientation on September 28, 2026, and a mandatory session on October 20, 2026.

The current hourly rate of pay is $180.00 per hour for hearing officer services; however, prospective contractors may propose an hourly rate capped at a maximum of $280.00 per hour, with proposers submitting rates below the cap receiving additional evaluation points. There is no guarantee of a set number of annual case assignments, as the number of filings and case assignments fluctuate based on demand and the number of hearing officers available; historically, contract hearing officers have been assigned an average of 20-25 cases annually, with approximately 10 percent of cases proceeding to hearing while the majority settle or are dismissed. A majority of hearings are conducted virtually using the Zoom platform, though in-person hearings may be required at locations reasonably convenient for the parties, with travel expenses reimbursed. Reimbursable expenses include up to three hours for case file organization, travel to hearings, TEA-sponsored training attendance, copying costs at ten cents per page, telephone and long-distance charges at actual cost, facsimile costs at ten cents per page, translation and interpretation services at reasonable rates, and tuition up to $1,800.00 annually for approved continuing legal education seminars.