Family Support Advocate_Pre Identification

The Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) Purchasing Department is requesting proposals for a Family Support Advocate (Pre-Identification) contractor to provide family-to-family support services for newborns who did not initially pass newborn hearing screening, with proposals due August 31, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time.

Respondents must meet minimum qualifications: three years of professional experience providing such services, completion of at least two contracts within the last five years, good financial standing, and must be an educator of the deaf, parent/guardian, or family member of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Preferred qualifications include experience with similar projects, connection to the deaf and hard of hearing community, and advanced American Sign Language skills. All contractor personnel with direct contact to TSD students and staff must pass a background check at the contractor's expense, and the contractor must be authorized to work in the United States.

The scope involves implementing HB-2255 and supporting the TSD Statewide Outreach Center's agreement with the Department of State Health Services through the Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Center (TEHDIC). Services focus on outreach and care coordination to decrease Loss-to-Follow-Up and Loss-to-Documentation rates. Work is performed at 1102 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704.

Pricing is submitted on an hourly rate basis with an annual estimate of 600 hours; TSD reserves the right to adjust quantities to meet service needs. The initial contract term runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, with renewal options available for up to three additional one-year terms through August 31, 2030, subject to mutual written agreement and funding availability. TSD may extend the contract up to twelve months and may terminate for convenience with thirty days' written notice or for cause with fifteen days' written notice.

Proposals are evaluated on a weighted system: Compensation and Fees comprise 60 percent and Qualifications & Experience comprise 40 percent of the total score. Questions are due August 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with written answers provided August 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. Payment is made monthly under the Texas Prompt Payment Act.