Early childhood special education services

The Gila River Indian Community's Tribal Education Department has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQL) for Early Childhood Special Education Services, seeking qualified vendors to provide comprehensive therapy and educational services for children aged birth to five years across the Community's seven districts. The procurement targets multiple service types including speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education teacher services, and school psychologist services. Vendors must submit Statements of Qualifications through the Bonfire online platform by 11:00 AM on September 26, 2025, with the contract period anticipated to run from November 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and potential renewal options for two additional one-year periods. Key evaluation criteria will include compensation rates (speech pathologists at $95/hour, occupational therapists at $90/hour, and psychologist assessments at $900 per evaluation), vendor qualifications, and the ability to deliver comprehensive, high-quality early childhood special education services. Vendors must demonstrate expertise in working with young children requiring specialized educational and therapeutic interventions.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside and preference provisions favoring Native American and minority-owned businesses, with up to 15 points awarded for Gila River Indian Community-owned enterprises and 10 points for GRIC member-owned businesses. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, professional liability, and worker's compensation, and comply with federal grant requirements, equal employment opportunity guidelines, and Indian preference provisions. While a specific total contract value is not guaranteed, the Community reserves the right to adjust service levels and funding based on ongoing needs. Prospective vendors should be prepared to integrate with existing community infrastructure and demonstrate cultural competency in serving the Gila River Indian Community's early childhood population. The competitive procurement allows for potential multi-year engagement, with the Community maintaining flexibility in service delivery and vendor selection.