2026-27 mssd schools occupational therapy

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for occupational therapy services to support the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) for the 2026-2027 contract period. The procurement seeks occupational therapy services delivered across 22-24 MSSD school locations throughout Missouri, serving approximately 625 students with severe disabilities ages 5-21. Services include both direct therapy and consultation utilizing an integrated approach within classroom settings during regular school hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), with service units defined as 30-minute increments billed in five-minute increments on a prorated basis. Qualified bidders must be Missouri-licensed occupational therapists in good standing and comply with background screening requirements, including Family Care Safety Registry registration and fingerprint background checks. The bid submission deadline is April 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time through the MissouriBUYS/MOVERS platform, with the contract period running from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, followed by two optional one-year renewal periods at DESE's discretion. Pricing must be submitted as firm, fixed per-unit rates for each school location with separate pricing for the original contract period and renewal periods, with reduced rates of 20 percent applicable for services provided by supervised occupational therapy assistants or individuals with provisional licensure. Award will be made to the lowest and best bid based on cost evaluation (200 points maximum) and a three-point Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise preference bonus.

The solicitation includes a Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise preference designation offering a three-point award advantage. Contractors must maintain general liability and professional liability insurance naming the State of Missouri as additional insured, provide copies of all therapist licenses, and enroll therapists with MO HealthNet Division where applicable. All reimbursements from MO HealthNet are property of MSSD, and contractors must accept state payment as full compensation while foregoing reimbursement from private insurance or other sources. The procurement involves federal funds and requires compliance with federal debarment, anti-lobbying, drug-free workplace, and civil rights requirements. No specific budget allocation or award value range is detailed in the solicitation documents. Inquiries should be directed to DESE.MSSDbusinessservices@dese.mo.gov or David.Percival@DESE.MO.GOV.