NoticeofMeetingUPDATE_7.13.26.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by the Hillsborough County Public Schools Procurement Services Department regarding the Phase I Evaluation for Request for Proposals No. 24127A-RFP-DST for Speech and Language Services. The solicitation seeks qualified vendors to provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) for short and long-term assignments on an as-needed basis to address staffing shortages and fulfill mandated services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The district anticipates approximately 100 SLP vacancies and 2 SLPA vacancies for the 2024-2025 school year, with services delivered throughout Hillsborough County at designated school sites. The Phase I Evaluation public meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST, accessible via Microsoft Teams and dial-in options. An addendum issued February 26, 2026, extended the proposal deadline to March 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM via electronic submission through the HCPS Vendor Portal. The contract term is approximately one year with automatic renewal for up to four additional years contingent upon appropriations, continued need, and mutual agreement.

The evaluation criteria awards 35 points for specifications and scope of work, 25 points for qualifications and experience, and 40 points for cost and value. Vendors must provide proof of Florida licensure, maintain E-Verify compliance, and obtain workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 general aggregate and $500,000 per occurrence. Payment follows the Florida Prompt Payment Act with invoices due net 45 days from delivery or receipt of satisfactory invoice. The annual budget is estimated at approximately $11,641,950, with IDEA Grant funding totaling up to $3,000,000 per year and approximately 26% funded from other sources. The solicitation contains no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises; however, HCPS encourages voluntary registration and certification as Small Business Enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Vendors must comply with mandatory requirements including the Jessica Lunsford Act background screening, Fair Labor Standards Act compliance, FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality requirements, non-discrimination laws, and prohibitions on contracting with entities owned or controlled by designated foreign countries of concern.