Comprehensive External Audit Services for the Divison of Specialized Support Services

Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland is soliciting proposals for comprehensive external audit services for the Division of Specialized Support Services under RFP 4603.1, with proposals due March 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The DSSS is a newly established division comprising ten interrelated departments providing academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental supports to students. The audit will assess organizational structure, operational processes, staffing and resource allocation, data sharing practices, service quality and program effectiveness, equity and access, and stakeholder engagement across these departments. The vendor must conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses including stakeholder interviews, document reviews, and data analysis, with deliverables comprising a comprehensive written audit report, executive summary, slide deck, technical appendix, data visualizations or dashboards, and communications-ready materials. Work may be conducted through virtual and in-person engagement as appropriate, with consideration given to school assessment timelines and union contract moratoriums. The audit must align to MCPS's Evidence of Equity framework and prioritize equity indicators including disproportionality in identification, placement, and discipline.

The total budget for this engagement is $200,000, representing all available funding. The initial contract term is one year, with MCPS retaining the right to extend for up to three additional one-year terms at existing prices, terms, and conditions with 90 days' notice.

Vendors must provide a minimum of five references from comparable school districts and current school district clients, with experience in complex divisions focused on student support services, special education, mental health, and compliance operations strongly encouraged. Proposals must include a firm fixed price with hourly rates as applicable; a W-9; point-by-point responses to RFP sections 1.0 through 3.4; equal opportunity certifications and minority business enterprise documentation; non-debarment acknowledgements; and signed acknowledgements of Erratum 1 and the Questions and Answers supplements (issued March 10, 2026). The vendor must maintain general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence ($3,000,000 aggregate), business automobile liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, statutory worker's compensation coverage, and professional liability insurance of at least $1,000,000, with stringent FERPA, COPPA, and Maryland Student Privacy Act compliance requirements. This is new business with no incumbent. The anticipated award date is May or June 2026. Questions were due February 25, 2026.