25-64035: Temp/Relief Speech Pathologist Services

The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) #25-64035 for Temporary/Relief Speech Pathologist Services at DSH-Coalinga. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide on-as-needed speech pathology services to assist medical staff in delivering quality patient care consistent with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, Joint Commission standards, and Department of Justice requirements. Specific services include language rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, consultation, and treatment addressing communication disorders, dysphagia, learning disabilities, and augmentative communication systems. The bid is due on February 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM, with a public bid opening on February 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and the anticipated contract term is June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029 (36 months). Key qualifications include current speech pathologist licensure from the California Department of Consumer Affairs, three reference letters from customers (including at least one governmental entity), proof of legal business operation in California, and current provider resumes. Contractors must propose hourly rates for a full-time equivalent speech pathologist position, with a civil service maximum rate of $91.83 per hour and an administrative fee capped at 25%. DSH reserves the right to award agreements to multiple providers, up to three per location, and will rank awarded contractors by lowest responsive and responsible bid.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference opportunities for small businesses and disabled veteran-owned businesses (DVBE). Bidders claiming small business preference will receive a five percent adjustment to their bid for evaluation purposes, and confirmed DVBE participation qualifies for incentive adjustments ranging from one to five percent depending on participation level. Contractors must maintain professional liability insurance with $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate limits, as well as commercial general liability insurance. The contract does not guarantee minimum hours or business volume, and DSH will canvass ranked awardees sequentially when services are needed, with contractors expected to respond within 72 hours. The estimated total contract encumbrance is calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by one full-time equivalent position, 176 monthly hours, and 36 months. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the contract is subject to all state standard terms and conditions, suggesting a competitive and structured procurement process designed to ensure high-quality, responsive speech pathology services across DSH facilities.