25CRF009 - Temporary/Relief Speech Language Pathology Services

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 25CRF009 seeking Temporary/Relief Speech Language Pathology Services for the Veterans Home of California located in Fresno. The procurement aims to secure qualified speech language pathologists to provide temporary staffing services, including filling vacancies, substituting for full-time employees on extended leave, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels when civil service staff cannot be sufficiently deployed. Providers must possess specific qualifications, including educational credentials from an accredited speech-language pathology program and clinical competence certification. Successful providers will be required to maintain current professional licenses, complete annual health screenings, undergo fingerprinting, and comply with CalVet's infection control policies. The mandatory walkthrough is scheduled for May 8, 2025, with bid submissions due by May 20, 2025, and a bid opening on May 21, 2025. CalVet plans to award the contract on June 1, 2025, with a contract term running through June 30, 2028, and reserves the right to award up to three agreements to responsive and responsible bidders.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference opportunities for diverse businesses, particularly emphasizing support for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs) and small businesses. While no mandatory DVBE participation goal is specified, the state will apply a DVBE incentive program and offers a small business preference of five percent for qualified small or micro businesses. Bidders must complete various certifications, including the Commercially Useful Function Certification, Bidder Declaration, and California Civil Rights Laws Certification. The procurement requires compliance with multiple state regulations, such as the Darfur Contracting Act and provisions related to artificial intelligence disclosure. The contract will involve two service categories: Speech Language Pathologist I (estimated 3,125 hours) and Speech Language Pathologist II (estimated 6,275 hours), with hourly rates to be specified by bidders on the mandatory Bid Rate Sheet. While specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the hourly rate structure and estimated hours suggest a potentially significant financial opportunity for qualified providers.