Procurement Explanation.docx
DOCX document 16 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Speech and Language Pathologist Services
- Solicitation number
- S-P09003-00017092
- Issued by
- Jackson County, Mcminnville City, Oregon
About this file
This is a Sole Source Justification document submitted by the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) to justify continued procurement of Speech Language Pathology (SLP) services from Full Nest Consulting for the Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program. The justification outlines HDESD's need for part-time, specialized SLP services on an as-needed basis due to a statewide and regional shortage of qualified Speech Language Pathologists. Full Nest Consulting has been identified as the only qualified provider that consistently meets program requirements while maintaining service quality and continuity of care. The provider, Jessica of Full Nest Consulting, holds both Speech Language Pathology credentials and an Oregon Department of Education Authorization as an EI/ECSE Specialist, providing critical flexibility for serving students in hard-to-fill locations including Madras and Warm Springs. No specific contract term, renewal options, response dates, or bidder meetings are mentioned in the document.
HDESD's justification emphasizes that recruitment and retention efforts, including a new Memorandum of Agreement with the Employee Association that enhances compensation for staff with specialized master's degrees, have been implemented but have not resolved the need for independent contractor services. A current hiring freeze on new positions prevents permanent staffing solutions, necessitating the continued use of an independent contractor. The document does not specify pricing terms, funding amounts, or contract values. The justification focuses on the specialized qualifications required, limited provider availability in the region, and the critical need to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to the student population served by the EI/ECSE program.
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Full Nest Consulting – Sole Source Justification for Speech Language Pathology Services To Whom It May Concern, This letter serves as justification for the continued use of Full Nest Consulting as a sole source provider for Speech Language Pathology (SLP) services supporting the Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program at High Desert Education Service District (HDESD).
Due to the ongoing statewide and regional shortage of qualified Speech Language Pathologists, HDESD has implemented multiple recruitment and retention strategies to address both immediate and long-term staffing needs for these hard-to-fill positions.
These efforts include:
• Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Employee Association HDESD established a new Memorandum of Agreement allowing employee compensation to reflect all completed graduate credits rather than degree level alone. This adjustment has resulted in more competitive salaries, particularly benefiting licensed staff with specialized master’s degrees requiring extensive coursework and clinical hours. This strategy has strengthened HDESD’s ability to recruit and retain specialists in difficult-to-fill positions.
• Proactive Recruitment and Retention Efforts HDESD actively recruits through partnerships with college programs, internships, and professional organizations connected to specialized service areas. Additionally, HDESD utilizes its Regional Educator Network to support the Grow Our Own initiative, which focuses on developing future professionals from within the community, including Speech Language Pathology Assistants.
While these efforts have helped fill existing positions, current budget constraints have resulted in a hiring freeze on any new positions. Consequently, the EI/ECSE program must continue utilizing an independent contractor capable of providing part-time specialized services on an as-needed basis.
HDESD has experienced significant difficulty identifying Speech Language Pathologists with the specific qualifications, experience, and availability necessary to effectively serve the EI/ECSE student population. Full Nest Consulting has been the only qualified provider identified that consistently meets program requirements while maintaining a high standard of service quality and continuity of care for students and families.
Additionally, Jessica of Full Nest Consulting holds an Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Authorization, allowing her to fulfill the role of an EI/ECSE Specialist and/or Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). This dual qualification provides critical flexibility in supporting student needs in historically hard-to-fill locations within our region, specifically Madras and Warm Springs, where recruitment and retention challenges remain especially significant.
Due to the specialized nature of these services, the limited availability of qualified providers, and the need to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality services for students, HDESD requests approval to continue contracting with Full Nest Consulting as a sole source provider for Speech Language Pathology services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Jennifer Faircloth Jennifer.faircloth@hdesd.org Executive Director
EI/ECSE
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .