Exhibit A: Signature Page State of Missouri

DEPARTMENT OF ELEMTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (DESE)

MISSOURI SCHOOLS FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED (MSSD)

Invitation for Bid (IFB) for MSSD SCHOOLS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

SOLICITATION/OPPORTUNITY (OPP) NO.:

ISSUE DATE:

CONTRACT PERIOD: AUGUST, 1, 2026 THROUGH JULY 31, 2027

REQUISITION NO.: N/A

BID DUE NO LATER THAN: OCTOBER 2, 2026 AT 3:00 PM CENTRAL TIME

Response should be submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov. Email or Hard copies by mail will not be accepted.

IFB CONTACT INFORMATION:

BUYER: David Percival

PHONE NO.: (573) 522-6545

EMAIL: David.percival@dese.mo.gov

See “IFB Questions” in Section 1 for appropriate communications during the procurement process.

Vendor’s Organization Name:

MissouriBUYS System ID:

Point of Contact:

Phone Number: Email Address:

Mailing Address:

City/State/Zip:

Vendor Tax Filing Type with IRS (check one):

☐ Corporation ☐ Individual ☐ State/Local Government ☐ Partnership ☐ Sole Proprietor ☐IRS Tax-Exempt

I am authorized to submit a bid to the State of Missouri in response to the IFB on behalf of my organization, to provide the products and/or services at the prices submitted. The information provided as my organization’s response is true and accurate. The vendor agrees that when a Notice of Award is signed and issued by an authorized official of the State of Missouri, a binding contract shall exist between the vendor and the State of Missouri, as defined in section 4.1. By signing below, the vendor hereby declares understanding, agreement and certification of compliance to provide the items and/or services, at the prices quoted, in accordance with all terms and conditions, requirements, and specifications of the original IFB and any previously issued IFB addendums.

Authorized Signature Date

Printed Name Title

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

DESE SEV DISABLED 0000000043SL

https://missouribuys.mo.gov/

DELIVER SUPPLIES/SERVICES FREE ON BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION TO THE

FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

The vendor hereby declares understanding, agreement and certification of compliance to provide the items and/or services, at the prices quoted, in accordance with all requirements and specifications contained herein and the Terms and Conditions Invitation for Bid. The vendor further agrees that the language of this IFB shall govern in the event of a conflict with his/her bid. The vendor further agrees that upon receipt of an authorized purchase order from the DESE or when a Notice of Award is signed and issued by an authorized official of the State of Missouri, a binding contract shall exist between the vendor and the State of Missouri. The vendor shall understand and agree that in order for their bid to be considered for evaluation, they must be registered in MissouriBUYS by MOVERS. If not registered at time of bid opening, the vendor must register in MissouriBUYS upon request by the state immediately after bid opening.

ATTENTION:

1. After reviewing the Invitation for Bid (IFB), the vendor must complete and return Exhibit A, Bid Signature

Page and all other necessary exhibits.

2. Due to lead times for obtaining the information needed to complete the various Business Compliance

Exhibits herein as explained in the IFB’s Vendor Response Exhibits, vendors are encouraged to IMMEDIATELY begin securing these verifications.

3. The vendor must be registered in MissouriBUYS , powered by MOVERS in a “Prospective” or “Spend Authorized” registration status to submit a response. The vendor must achieve “Approved” registration status in MissouriBUYS (WebProcure/Proactis) and “Spend Authorized” registration status in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS to be considered for a contract award. Reference Section 5.

IFB Organization:

Ex hi bi t

A

I

FB

Se ct io ns

Exhibit A Signature Page Section 1 Introduction and Background Information Section Section 2 Scope of Work Section Section 3 Terms and Conditions Section Section 4 General Contractual Requirements Section Section 5 Vendor Submission, Evaluation, and Award Information Section

IF

B

V en do r R es po ns e

Ex hi bi ts

(R et ur n ex hi bi ts w ith th e bi d)

Exhibit B Bid Submittal Checklist Exhibit C Pricing Page Exhibit D Participation Commitment for SDVE Exhibit E Documentation of Intent to Participate

BUSINESS COMPLIANCE EXHIBITS:

Exhibit F State of Missouri Tax Compliance Exhibit G Registration of Business Name with the Missouri Secretary of State Exhibit H Business Entity Certification, Enrollment Documentation, and

Affidavit of Work Authorization (E-Verify) Exhibit I Employee/Conflict of Interest Exhibit J Federal Funding Unique Identity ID Exhibit K Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA)

IF

B

A tta ch m en ts

Attachment 1 Business Associate Agreement Attachment 2 Federal Funds Language

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION

This section of the IFB includes a brief introduction and background information about the intended services for which the requirements herein are written. The contents of this section are intended for informational purposes and do not require a response.

1.1.0 Purpose: The Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) within the State of Missouri, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is seeking bids for therapy or nursing services as described herein.

1.1.1 Minimum Experience Qualifications: There are minimum experience qualifications in the IFB (See Minimum Experience Requirements in Section 2: Scope of Work).

1.1.2 Titles: Titles of paragraphs used herein are for the purpose of facilitating reference only and shall not be construed to infer a contractual construction of language.

1.2 Background and Historical Usage Information:

1.2.1 MSSD Schools: MSSD is a state operated program that serves Missouri's students with severe disabilities, between the ages of 5 and 21. MSSD is administered by the State Board of Education through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Special Education. MSSD has a central office with a Superintendent headquartered in Jefferson City, along with three area regional offices in Sedalia, St. Louis and Springfield, and 22 schools around the state. Area directors work with the Building Administrators in each of the schools located in their regional area to provide educational services. A listing and map of the MSSD schools may be located at: https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled.

1.2.2 MSSD Students: There are approximately 625 students served by the MSSD. Students are referred to the MSSD when a local school district is unable to meet a student's educational needs. Generally, students enrolled in the MSSD are students who according to an appropriate measurement of intelligence fall four or more standard deviations below the mean and/or have adaptive behavior rating indicating the need for pervasive supports. Educationally, students at the MSSD function in the range of a severe to profound intellectual disability, and many of the students have multiple disabilities. The MSSD students are transported by bus to and from school each day. More information on eligibility criteria may be located at: https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled/eligibility.

1.2.3 MSSD Staff: The MSSD employs approximately 120 classroom teachers throughout the state. All teachers are certificated to teach severely disabled or developmentally delayed students. Teachers normally work with six to nine students in a classroom.

All classrooms in the schools have at least one full-time paraprofessional assigned to assist the teachers and students. The MSSD provides a six-hour instructional program each day per the yearly school calendar located at: https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled/parents.

1.2.4 Curriculum and Therapy Services:

a. MSSD provides a full range of instructional services designated to promote essential life skills and functioning of each student. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is prepared for each child in accordance with the Individuals with https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled/eligibility https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled/eligibility https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled/parents https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/missouri-schools-severely-disabled/parents

Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As much as possible, therapies are integrated into the classroom IEP related instructional activities to allow all staff to exchange information and monitor progress daily.

b. Therapists deliver both consultation and direct therapy services to MSSD students per the student’s IEP. Consultation services consist of collaborating with classroom staff and other MSSD personnel on supporting the student in the achievement of IEP goals and may also include demonstrating techniques with the student to the classroom teacher. Direct therapy services consist of providing therapy to the student in an integrated approach to support the student in achieving IEP goals and benchmarks.

1.3 Current and/or Previous Contract Information:

1.3.1 To inquire if a current contract(s) exist(s) OR A previous contract(s) exist(s) for the services being obtained via this IFB, email David Percival at David.percival@dese.mo.gov.

1.3.2 State Expenditures: The Missouri Accountability Portal (MAP) located on the Internet at:

http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Expenditures/ provides financial data related to the purchase of the services under the contract.

Be sure to read the information provided in the site information and disclaimer links:

https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm and https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm#disclaimer. Then search by the contract numbers shown above when searching for the financial information.

1.4 IFB Questions:

1.4.1 The Buyer is the Single Point of Contact for Solicitation: Vendors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the IFB, the evaluation, etc., to the buyer indicated on the first page of this IFB. It is preferred that questions be emailed to the buyer.

a. Except as noted herein, vendors and their agents are instructed not to contact any other state employee regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Vendors can be sanctioned for unauthorized contact with any evaluator under 1 Code of State Regulation (CSR) 40-1.060(8)(G) and (H) available at http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/csr.asp.

1.4.2 Vendor is Responsible for Asking Questions About the IFB: It is the vendor’s responsibility to ask questions, request changes or clarifications, or otherwise advise the department if the vendor believes that any language, specifications, or requirements are: (1) ambiguous, (2) contradictory or arbitrary, (3) violate any state or federal law or regulation, (4) restrict or limit the requirements to a single source, or (5) restrict or limit the vendor’s ability to submit a response.

1.4.3 Vendor Question Deadline: Every attempt shall be made to ensure that the vendor receives an adequate and prompt response. However, in order to maintain a fair and equitable procurement process, all vendors will be advised, via the issuance of an addendum to the IFB, of any relevant or pertinent information related to the procurement. All questions and issues should be submitted no later than three (3) calendar days prior to the bid end date and time of the bid. If not received prior to three (3) calendar days before the bid end date and time, the department may not be able to fully research and consider the respective questions or issues.

1.4.4 State’s Response to Vendor Questions: Upon the department’s consideration of questions and issues, if the department determines that changes are necessary, the resulting changes will be included in a subsequently issued IFB addendum(s); absence of such response indicates that the questions and issues were considered but deemed unnecessary for a IFB addendum. All vendors will be advised of any change to the IFB’s language, specifications, or requirements by a formal addendum to the IFB. There will be no posted written records of the questions/communications (i.e., formal question/answer document).

1.4.5 IFB is State’s Only Official Position: The only official position of the State of Missouri shall be that which is contained in the IFB and any addendums thereto.

1.5 Addendums:

mailto:David.percival@dese.mo.gov https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm#disclaimer http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/csr.asp

1.5.1 If the department determines that changes to the IFB are necessary, the resulting changes will be included in a subsequently issued IFB addendum(s) prior to the bid end date and time. If time does not permit for an addendum the solicitation will be canceled and reissued.

1.6 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms:

1.6.1 Whenever the following terms and acronyms appear in the IFB document or any addendum thereto, the definitions or meanings described below shall apply.

1.6.2 General Glossary, Acronyms, and Abbreviations:

a. Agency and/or State Agency means the statutory unit of state government in the State of Missouri for which the equipment, supplies, and/or services are being purchased by the department. The agency is also responsible for payment, unless otherwise specified herein.

b. Addendum means a written, official modification to an IFB.

c. Amendment means a written, official modification to a contract.

d. Attachment applies to all documents which are included with an IFB to incorporate any informational data or requirements related to the performance requirements and/or specifications.

e. Bid End Date and Time and similar expressions mean the exact deadline required by the IFB for the receipt of sealed bids.

f. Buyer means the procurement staff member of the department.

g. Code of State Regulation (CSR) contains the current administrative rules of executive agencies of Missouri government.

The regulations are arranged by agency rather than by subject.

h. Contract means a legal and binding agreement between two or more competent parties, for a consideration for the procurement of equipment, supplies, and/or services.

i. Contractor means a supplier, bidder, person, or organization who is a successful vendor as a result of an IFB and who enters into a contract.

j. DESE means Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

k. Exhibit applies to forms which are included with an IFB for the vendor to complete and submit with their response prior to the specified end date and time.

l. IEP means Individual Education Plan.

m. Invitation for Bid (IFB) means the solicitation document issued by the department to potential vendors for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and/or services as described in the document. The definition includes the following sections:

Introduction and Background Information; Scope of Work; Terms and Conditions (“terms and conditions” and “Terms and Conditions” are used interchangeably throughout the IFB); General Contractual Requirements; and Vendor Submission, Evaluation, and Award Information; and the IFB Vendor Response Exhibits, Attachments, and Addendums of the IFB.

n. May means that a certain feature, component, or action is permissible, but not required.

o. MSSD means Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled.

p. Must means that a certain feature, component, or action is a mandatory condition.

q. Party refers to either the State of Missouri or the contractor as an entity that may enter into a contract pursuant to the terms herein.

r. Pricing Page(s) applies to the form(s) on which the vendor must state the price(s) applicable for the equipment, supplies, and/or services required in the IFB. The pricing pages must be completed and submitted by the vendor with the response prior to the specified bid end date and time.

s. Purchase Order means the authorized document issued by the state agency to the contractor indicating descriptions, quantities, and agreed prices for products and/or services.

t. Reasonable, Necessary or Proper as used herein shall be interpreted solely by the State of Missouri.

u. RSMo (Revised Statutes of Missouri) refers to the body of laws enacted by the Legislature which govern the operations of all agencies of the State of Missouri. Chapter 34 of the statutes is the primary chapter governing the operations of the department.

v. Shall has the same meaning as the word must.

w. Should means that a certain feature, component and/or action is desirable but not mandatory.

x. State collectively referring to the state government and/or the agencies thereof.

y. Vendor means the supplier, bidder, person, or organization that responds to an IFB by submitting a bid with prices to provide the equipment, supplies, and/or services as required in the IFB document.

1.6.3 Accuracy of Background Information: Although an attempt has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the State of Missouri does not warrant or represent that the background information provided herein reflects all relationships or existing conditions related to this IFB.

****END OF INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION****

2. SCOPE OF WORK SECTION

2.1 General Requirements:

2.1.1 The contractor shall provide Occupational Therapy services and qualified Occupational Therapists (herein referred to as therapist) for the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled in accordance with the provisions and requirements stated herein and to the sole satisfaction of the state agency.

2.1.2 MSSD estimates, but in no way guarantees, the number of therapy units on the pricing page. The units quoted represent those units of direct and consultation service included in students’ IEPs at the time of the bid process. The contractor shall only bid the required number of therapy units stated on the pricing page.

2.1.3 The contractor shall either provide the services directly or shall provide person(s) who must comply with the requirements stated herein. Therefore, references to “the contractor” throughout this document shall also be deemed to include the person(s) provided by the contractor.

2.1.4 Contractor’s Obligation: Unless otherwise specified herein, the contractor shall furnish all material, labor, facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the services required herein.

2.2 Personnel Qualifications:

2.2.1 The contractor shall include the following personnel to administer and perform the contract requirements:

a. Contact Person: The contractor shall designate a contact person who shall serve as the contractor’s contact and shall be the liaison between the contractor and the state agency. By no later than five (5) state business days after authorization by the state agency to proceed with services, the contractor shall provide the state agency with the name, address, email address, and telephone number of the contractor’s contact person. The contractor’s contact person shall (1) oversee all services being provided, (2) assume responsibility and liability for services performed per the contract, and (3) serve as the primary point of contact with the state agency.

b. Therapist(s): The contractor shall provide qualified therapist(s) for the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled to provide IEP services in accordance with each student’s IEP, with the provisions and requirements stated herein and to the sole satisfaction of the state agency.

2.3 Therapist Requirements:

2.3.1 Licensure:

a. The contractor shall provide a Missouri licensed occupational therapist as required by Chapter 324 Revised Missouri Statutes (RSMo) in good standing throughout the contract period to provide occupational therapy services. The contractor may not use a certified occupational therapist assistant (COTA), an individual with provisional licensure, or an individual working on his or her clinical Fellowship year without prior approval from the MSSD Superintendent.

b. The contractor shall notify the MSSD business manager whenever a therapist providing services under the contract has a license or certification revoked or any disciplinary action is taken against the therapist by the relevant board or licensing authority.

2.3.2 Background Check:

a. The contractor and/or any therapist who has actual or potential direct physical contact with students under this contract shall register online with the Family Care Safety Registry. The Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) helps protect seniors, children and the disabled by conducting background screenings on long term care workers, childcare workers and personal care workers. Registering with the FCSR means you will provide personal information and agree to background screenings.

The contractor and/or therapist shall be responsible for any fees related to the Family Care Safety Registry. Any negative findings from the screening or background check shall be cause for the MSSD to reject the contractor and/or therapist from having any student contact under this contract.

b. The contractor and/or any therapists shall forward the Family Care Safety Registry screening results to the MSSD central office within 10 business days of the contract award date. In the event of a staffing change during the contract period, the FCSR screening results shall be forwarded to the MSSD Central Office within 10 business days after notification from the contractor. The contractor may not begin providing services under this contract prior to approval notification from MSSD Central Office.

2.3.3 Fingerprint Background Check:

a. The contractor and/or any therapist who has actual or potential direct physical contact with students shall undergo a fingerprint check through the FBI prior to providing services unless the contractor and/or therapist has worked in the MSSD in the past school year. Any negative findings from the fingerprint check shall be cause for the MSSD to reject the contractor and/or therapists from having any student contact under this contract.

b. The fingerprint check registration and actual fingerprint must be completed. The contractor and/or therapist may not begin providing services under this contract prior to approval notification from the MSSD Central Office. The contractor shall be responsible for any fees related to the fingerprint check.

2.3.4 Experience Requirements:

a. Therapists provided by the contractor should have experience providing therapy services to individuals aged 5-21 with severe disabilities. In addition, it is preferred that any therapists be familiar with the integrated therapy approach, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and the other regulations under the IDEA.

2.4 Therapy Service Requirements:

2.4.1 Location of Therapy Services:

a. The contractor shall provide services at the assigned MSSD school located on the pricing page of the IFB. Program requirements do not allow for Homebound services or Teletherapy. Services shall be provided with an integrated approach in conjunction with the teacher in the classroom or most appropriate educational space.

2.4.2 Therapy Implementation:

a. The contractor shall coordinate and supervise all aspects of the requirements stated herein in accordance with the MSSD guidelines.

b. Students are available at school Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In-school services must be provided within the school calendar and these timeframes. Services should not begin before 9:15 a.m. and should end by 2:45 unless the therapy is specifically related to the students The contractor shall agree and understand that the times and days on which the contractor and/or therapists provides services shall be mutually agreed upon by the contractor and MSSD. The contractor shall provide schedules to MSSD teachers for all therapists in order to coordinate therapy during instructional times.

c. The therapist shall meet with the Building Administrator before service begins for orientation and student assignment. The therapist shall work directly with the Building Administrator at the school.

d. The therapist shall review the student’s current IEP with the classroom teacher to ensure educational therapy services are provided in the classroom through the integrated therapy approach.

e. The therapist shall review records to ensure knowledge of the student's past and present program(s). The therapist shall become knowledgeable about the physical condition of the student including but not limited to: history of medical background, surgeries, dislocated joints, shunts, etc. Review of this information will not be in lieu of consultation or direct services to the student. The contractor understands that this review is part of the professional duties necessary to provide quality services and time spent reviewing these records is not billable.

2.4.3 IEP Therapy Services:

a. The contractor shall provide services for MSSD students as required by the student's IEP and ensuring all IEP minutes are implemented as written. Direct therapy services to students shall be provided through the integrated therapy approach. All direct services shall be provided on an individual basis unless the IEP specifies or the Building Administrator requests group services for the student. The contractor is responsible for providing services to only those students assigned by the Building Administrator and approved for such services on the IEP.

b. The therapist shall provide direct occupational therapy to support the student in achieving IEP goals and benchmarks. The therapy provided shall be limited to the amount of time required under the IEP. The student’s progress must be shared when requested by the classroom teacher or other MSSD staff.

c. The therapist shall provide consultation with classroom staff and other MSSD personnel to collaborate on supporting the student in achievement of IEP goals. These consultations shall be required under the student’s IEP and are limited to the IEP time specified. The therapist may demonstrate techniques with the student to the classroom teacher during consultation.

d. Therapists shall assist in the development of a student’s Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) as part of the IEP process. This time may include reviewing relevant evaluation data, therapy notes, progress monitoring information, and collaborating with the IEP team to accurately document the student’s current functional performance, strengths, and needs related to therapy services. The contractor shall bill only for the actual time spent in assisting with the development of the PLAAFP with the maximum of 1 hour per student.

e. The contractor and designated therapists shall attend periodic training at the request of MSSD. The contractor shall be reimbursed up to 2 hours (4 units) per training.

f. The contractor shall have an email address for notices and messages sent on behalf of the MSSD. Each therapist may also have an email address on file with MSSD in order to obtain individual user ids and passwords for the MO HealthNet billing system.

g. The contractor may provide other additional services when requested in writing by the MSSD Building Administrator, teacher-in-charge, classroom teacher, area director or MSSD central office staff. All requests for additional services must be emailed to DESE.MSSDRelatedServices@dese.mo.gov for approval at least 3 business days prior to the service being provided. The therapist shall not provide additional services without MSSD Central Office approval. The contractor shall be reimbursed up to 8 hours (16 units) for these additional services per student, per contract year. These services shall include, but are not limited to:

• Consultations between the therapist and other therapists, consultants, and other MSSD staff. Such consultations are additional to any required consultations required by the student’s IEP.

• The preparation and provision of trainings for MSSD staff, including the creation of PowerPoints and any training materials.

• The development of adapted items to be used by the student or the provision of materials to assist the classroom staff in supporting the student during the therapist’s absence.

• Attendance at staffing and/or IEP meetings at the request of the Building Administrator.

h. The contractor shall submit a written request to the Building Administrator prior to any student therapists accompanying the contractor to provide therapy services. The request should include a copy of the affiliation agreement with the student’s school, the student’s name, the dates for the activity and full acknowledgement of insurance coverage of the student therapist by the sending school and the agency. A student therapist shall not accompany the contractor until approved by the MSSD Superintendent. A student therapist shall not interfere with the provision of services under the contract.

2.4.4 Abuse and Misconduct:

a. The contractor and/or therapist shall ensure appropriate conduct as described below.

b. Abuse of any kind as defined under Missouri statue RSMo Section 568.060 is not permitted within the MSSD schools and grounds, or during MSSD activities. By policy and practice MSSD does not tolerate physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse or misconduct from contractors at any time in any location when services are provided under the contract.

c. A contractor shall not use mechanical restraints, physical restraints or seclusion as defined under Missouri statute RSMo Section 160.263.

d. Physical or sexual abuse shall be strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: striking, hitting, kicking, biting, indecent or wanton gesturing, lewd remarks, indecent exposure, and unwanted physical contact, any form of sexual contact, inappropriate touching, or inappropriate use of technology.

mailto:DESE.MSSDRelatedServices@dese.mo.gov

e. Emotional abuse or verbal abuse shall be prohibited. This includes but is not limited to such forms of abuse as: yelling, insulting, threatening, mocking, demeaning behavior, or making abusive statements in regard to a person’s race, gender, religion, nationality/ethnicity, sex, age, or disability.

f. The contractor and/or therapist shall be responsible for reporting to the Building Administrator any case of abuse or suspected abuse toward our students by any staff member, contractor, volunteer, parent, or other student. This information shall be communicated, under the legal requirement of mandated reporting if appropriate, to the authorities for investigation and shall be reviewed by the administrative staff. The alleged offender will be notified of such allegations promptly.

g. The contractor and/or therapist shall never be alone with a student in any circumstances during school hours or school sponsored activities.

h. The contract may be terminated immediately by the MSSD for any reports of sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional abuse against the contractor and/or therapist.

2.4.5 Termination/Resignation/Extended Leave/Absences

a. MSSD reserves the right to terminate the contract at any time, for the convenience of the state of Missouri, without penalty or recourse, by giving written notice to the contractor at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. The contractor shall be entitled to receive compensation for services and/or supplies delivered to and accepted by the state of Missouri pursuant to the contract prior to the effective date of termination.

b. In the event of an extended leave of more than 10 business days, the contractor shall ensure all therapy services are provided without interruption or are provided with consideration of compensatory services. The contractor shall notify the Building Administrator and the MSSD Business Director of any planned extended leave and how services will be provided during the extended leave.

c. In the event of a therapist termination/resignation, the contractor shall ensure all therapy services are provided without interruption or are provided with consideration of compensatory services. The contractor shall notify the Building Administrator and the MSSD Business Director of any terminations/resignations. If the contractor can’t provide services for more than 10 business days without interruption or with consideration of compensatory services, the MSSD reserves the right to cancel the contract.

d. In the event of student absences, the therapist shall work with the Building Administrator to reschedule the therapy.

Cancellation fees may apply due to student absences.

e. In the event of the therapist absence, the contractor shall ensure services are made up within a week unless approved by the Building Administrator. Cancellation fees shall not apply in the event of a therapist absence.

f. In the event of a school day cancellation, the contractor shall ensure services are made up within a week unless approved by the Building Administrator. The contractor is responsible for obtaining information related to school closures and for ensuring that therapists are notified of school cancellations. School closures are broadcast on local news stations and may be posted at: https://oa.mo.gov/facilities/building-closures. However, the contractor should always call in advance during inclement weather. Cancellation fees do not apply to school cancellations for inclement weather.

2.5 Liability Insurance Requirements:

2.5.1 The contractor shall understand and agree that the State of Missouri cannot save and hold harmless and/or indemnify the contractor or employees against any liability incurred or arising as a result of any activity of the contractor or any activity of the contractor's employees related to the contractor's performance under the contract. Therefore, the contractor must acquire and maintain adequate liability insurance in the form(s) and amount(s) sufficient to protect the State of Missouri, its agencies, its employees, its clients, and the general public against any such loss, damage and/or expense related to his/her performance under the contract. The insurance coverage shall include but not necessarily be limited to general liability and appropriate professional liability. The general and other non-professional liability insurance shall include an endorsement that adds the State of Missouri as an additional insured.

a. Written evidence of the insurance shall be provided by the contractor to the DESE prior to performance under the contract.

The evidence of insurance shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to: effective dates of coverage, limits of liability, insurer's name, policy number, endorsement for the non-professional liability insurance naming the State of Missouri as an additional insured, endorsement by representatives of the insurance company, etc. The contract number must be identified on the evidence of insurance coverage. Evidence of self-insurance coverage or of another alternative risk financing mechanism https://oa.mo.gov/facilities/building-closures may be utilized provided that such coverage is verifiable and irrevocably reliable and the State of Missouri is protected as an additional insured.

b. In the event the insurance coverage is canceled, the DESE must be notified immediately.

2.6 Documentation Requirements:

2.6.1 The contractor shall provide copies of licenses for all therapists. The contractor shall submit a renewal license certificate within 10 business days of the expiration date.

2.6.2 The contractor shall complete data entry of therapy services into the designated web-based system, including the date of service, procedure code, duration/time, diagnostic code, and delivery status within 5 business days of the date of service.

2.6.3 The contractor shall notify the MSSD business office in the event of a change in address, telephone number, email address or change in the organization of the contractor’s business that impacts the requirements under this contract.

2.7 MO Healthnet Requirements:

2.7.1 All licensed therapists employed by the contractor to provide services in the MSSD may enroll with MO HealthNet Division as performing providers if not already enrolled to assist the MSSD in generating Medicaid revenue.

2.7.2 The contractor agrees that any reimbursements from MO HealthNet for services provided and paid under this contract are the property of the MSSD. In addition, the contractor agrees to accept payment from the MSSD as full payment for services rendered and agrees not to seek reimbursement from MO HealthNet, private insurance companies, or any other healthcare agents for services provided under this contract.

2.7.3 The contractor shall ensure all School District Administrative Claiming (SDAC) random moment sampling surveys are completed by the required due date. The surveys shall be completed in the format required by MSSD.

2.8 Other Requirements/Reporting Requirements/Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements:

2.8.1 Contract Monitoring: DESE has the right to monitor the contract throughout the effective period of the contract to ensure compliance with contractual requirements. Additionally, DESE reserves the right to request all records related to the contractor’s performance under this contract for a period of five (5) years from the expiration date of the contract for purposes of auditing the contractor’s compliance. The contractor shall cooperate with any DESE review of records or other documentation related to the contractor’s performance under the contract. The contractor shall also cooperate with any audits or investigations conducted by DESE, its agents, or the state related to the contractor’s performance under the contract.

2.8.1.1 DESE, at its sole discretion, may:

a. Audit all invoices, in a manner determined by DESE;

b. Reject any invoices for good cause;

c. Make invoice corrections and/or changes with appropriate notification to the contractor;

d. Deduct from an invoice any overpayment made by DESE; and

e. Recover from the contractor any funds for which adequate verification and documentation of expenditures, if required, is not maintained.

2.8.1.2 In the event DESE determines the contractor to be non-compliant, or at risk for noncompliance with contractual requirements, DESE shall have the right to impose special conditions or restrictions on the contractor to bring the contractor into compliance or to mitigate the risk of non-compliance. DESE shall provide written notification to the contractor of the determination of non-compliance or the risk of non-compliance, identifying any special conditions or restrictions to be imposed by DESE. Special conditions or restrictions may include, but are not limited to:

a. Requiring the contractor to obtain additional technical assistance;

b. Requiring additional levels of prior approval from DESE for contract activities;

c. Requiring additional or more detailed financial reports and/or other documentation;

d. Requiring the submission and implementation of a corrective action plan.

2.8.1.3 In the event DESE requires the contractor to submit and implement a corrective action plan, DESE shall provide written notification to the contractor, identifying the specific performance or other contractual requirements that are not being met and the expected corrective resolution. The contractor shall submit a written corrective action plan to DESE within the timeframes specified in DESE’s notification. The corrective action plan must include the actions the contractor proposes to take to remedy concerns, timeframes for achieving such, the person(s) responsible for the necessary action, the improvement that is expected, a description of how progress will be measured, and a description of the actions to be taken to prevent the situation from recurring. DESE will notify the contractor in writing if the corrective action plan is approved or if modifications are required. In the event DESE requires changes to the corrective action plan, the contractor shall submit a revised corrective action plan within five (5) calendar days of receipt of DESE’s notification that changes are required. Failure of the contractor to improve performance within the timeframes required in the approved corrective action plan may result in termination of the contract and/or other remedies available to DESE.

2.8.1.4 The contractor shall repay to DESE payment received from this contract if:

a. The contractor cannot document and support allowable expenditures under the requirements of the contract; or

b. There is not adequate verification and full documentation for the purchase or expenditure by the contractor’s records.

2.8.1.5 In the event DESE terminates the contract because the contractor has failed to improve performance within the timeframes required in the corrective action plan, DESE shall provide compensation for services and/or supplies delivered to and accepted by the state of Missouri pursuant to the contract prior to the effective date of termination.

2.8.2 Retention of Records and Documents: Unless specified in writing as a shorter period of time, the contractor shall preserve and make available with no limitation all books, documents, papers, and records involving transactions related to the contract for a period of ten years from the date of the cancellation, expiration, or termination of the contract. Records and supporting documentation under audit or involved in litigation shall be kept for two years following the conclusion of the litigation or audit. During the contract period, access to these items shall be provided through a vehicle specified by the state agency. During the post contract period delivery and access to these items shall be at no cost to the state agency.

2.8.3 Records: The contractor must maintain financial and accounting records and evidence pertaining to the contract in accordance with accepted standard accounting principles or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

a. Once annually, or otherwise as reasonably required by the state, the contractor shall make all such records, books, and other documents relevant to the contract available to the state, its designees, and the Missouri State Auditor in a commercially reasonable format acceptable to the state at all reasonable times during the term of the contract and for three (3) years after the cancellation, expiration, or termination of the contract or for any longer period of time required by law. The state will provide a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days’ notice and will coordinate with the contractor regarding the scope of the audit.

b. The contractor shall permit the Missouri State Auditor’s Office, federal auditors and authorized representatives of the State of Missouri to perform an independent audit or examine, copy, or investigate any of the contractor’s records, procedures, books, documents, papers, and records recording receipts and disbursements of any of the funds paid to the contractor only for services performed under the contract. Failure to retain adequate documentation for any service billed may result in recovery of payments for services not adequately documented. Any audit exception noted by auditors shall not be paid by the state and shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor. However, the contractor may contest any such exception by any legal procedure.

c. The state shall not designate any individual, entity, or firm to conduct the audit that is a competitor of the contractor. Any audit conducted or records reviewed under this provision shall be limited to services provided to State of Missouri and shall not require the contractor to disclose information pertaining to any other customer or client of the contractor.

d. The services required herein are not intended to be an audit, examination, attestation, special report or agreed-upon procedures engagements as those services are defined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) literature applicable to such engagements conducted by independent auditors. Accordingly, these services shall not result in the issuance of a written communication to third parties by the contractor directly reporting on financial data or internal control or expressing a conclusion or any other form of assurance. The contractor shall maintain a copy of the work products for documentation purposes for the AICPA.

2.9 Electronic Funds Transfer, Invoicing, and Payment Requirements:

2.8.4 Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): The State of Missouri will submit contract payments to the contractor at the remittance address listed in the contractor’s MissouriBUYS vendor registration. However, the contractor understands and agrees the state reserves the right to make contract payments to the contractor through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Therefore, prior to any payments becoming due under the contract, the contractor must verify and update, if applicable, their vendor registration with their current remittance address and ACH-EFT payment information at https://MissouriBUYS.mo.gov.

2.8.5 Invoicing:

a. The contractor shall submit invoices for services on the MSSD required invoice form. All components of the invoice form must be completed. The invoice form and any other documentation required by the MSSD must be emailed to the Business Office at DESE.MSSDRelatedServices@dese.mo.gov. The contractor shall perform the services prior to invoicing the state agency.

b. The contractor shall be reimbursed for therapy services only after the services have been provided and confirmed by the Building Administrator.

c. The contractor shall send separate invoices for each school with the therapy type, the description for in- school or homebound services, the number of units, and the rates. If an invoice includes the services of more than one therapist, the number of units and costs for each therapist should be indicated on the invoice. Each invoice must have a unique identifying number to distinguish an invoice from a previously submitted invoice and shall include on the invoice the remittance address listed in the contractor’s MissouriBUYS vendor registration.

d. A unit of service shall be defined as thirty minutes of service. The contractor may bill for 5-minute increments of time for a prorated payment amount.

e. MSSD shall pay a reduced rate per unit when contract services are provided by an approved SLP-A, an individual with provisional licensure, or an individual working on his or her clinical Fellowship year. The rate per unit shall be reduced by 20 percent.

f. The contractor may invoice for up to 2 hours (4 units) training when requested by the MSSD as described in 2.4.3. The invoice must be on the MSSD required invoice form. These trainings shall be identified separately on the invoice, with the name of the therapist, description of the training, and the duration of the training. The contractor must attach the written request for the training. There shall be no reimbursement for travel or other expenses involved in accessing the training.

g. The contractor may invoice for the actual time spent up to 1 hour (2 units) for assisting the MSSD staff in writing present level information for the student’s IEP, progress notes and/or suggestions on future IEP goals/benchmarks when requested by the MSSD as described in 2.4.3. The invoice must be on the MSSD required invoice form. This activity shall be identified separately on the invoice, with the name of the therapist and the description of the activity. The contractor must attach the written request for the assistance in writing this information. There shall be no reimbursement for travel or other expenses involved in assisting with this activity.

h. The contractor may invoice for up to 8 hours (16 units) for additional services per student, per contract year when requested by the MSSD as described in 2.4.3. The invoice must be on the MSSD required invoice form. These activities shall be identified separately on the invoice, with the name of the therapist, initials of the student(s), description of the activities, and the time taken on the activities. The contractor must attach the written request from the MSSD staff for the additional activity.

There shall be no reimbursement for travel or other expenses involved in performing the additional activities.

i. The contractor may invoice for up to 1 hour (2 units) for a cancellation with less than 1 hour of prior notice. A cancellation constitutes as the contractor arriving at the MSSD school and the student is absent and the contractor was not notified at least 1 hour in advance.

j. The contractor shall not be reimbursed for the following activities as they are considered incidental to contracting with MSSD and should be taken into account when determining the per unit bid submitted.

• Travel time and mileage.

• Completion of MSSD required record forms and entry of data into any MSSD designated tracking program.

• Review of student’s file, including ongoing review of IEP requirements.

• Completion of invoices and supporting documents.

• Completion of SDAC random moment sampling surveys, including any required corrections to the survey forms.

• Review of training materials or additional one-on-one training for topics already covered in a required training.

• Creation of minor materials or adaptations commonly provided in the course of business of providing direct services to students.

• Completion of forms and/or reports necessary in the normal course of business at MSSD locations when requested by the MSSD Building Administrator or by MSSD central office, such as witness statements, and property loss or damage statements.

• Shipping charges, insurance, interest, penalties, termination payments, attorney fees, or…