2026-27 MSSD Schools Speech & Language Therapy

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to procure speech and language pathology therapy services for the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) for the contract period August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, with two optional one-year renewal periods through 2029. The MSSD serves approximately 625 students aged 5-21 with severe disabilities across 22 school locations statewide. Vendors must provide Missouri-licensed speech and language pathologists to deliver direct therapy services and consultation services integrated into classroom instruction in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), with an estimated 1,352 total therapy units to be provided during school hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Pricing shall be submitted on a firm, fixed-price basis per 30-minute unit of service for each of the 22 school locations, with unit requirements ranging from 7 to 151 half-hour units per week depending on the specific school site. The bid due date is April 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with responses submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS. Contractors must be Missouri-licensed speech and language pathologists who maintain professional liability insurance naming the State of Missouri as an additional insured, comply with E-Verify work authorization requirements, pass Family Care Safety Registry and fingerprint background checks, and register with MissouriBUYS in "Approved" and "Spend Authorized" status. The evaluation will be based solely on cost, with the award made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

Services-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (SDVEs) may receive a three-point bonus preference if properly certified by the State of Missouri by the bid opening date. No incumbent contractors or set-asides for other disadvantaged enterprise categories are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract may involve federal funds and requires compliance with HIPAA and Business Associate Agreement provisions for protection of student health information. Payment terms are immediate upon service delivery. The specific budget or award value is not identified in the available solicitation documents; however, contractors will be compensated on a per-unit basis at the firm, fixed-price rates submitted in their bids. Questions regarding the procurement should be directed to David Percival at David.percival@dese.mo.gov or (573) 522-6545, or to DESE.MSSDbusinessservices@dese.mo.gov.