IDEA Dispute Resolution State Mediation and FaciliBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Education is requesting quotations for IDEA Dispute Resolution State Mediation and Facilitation Services, seeking to contract with up to ten qualified dispute resolution neutrals under RFQ 007000000088362, with bids due October 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Staff must hold active Indiana Bar licensure and registration as a civil or domestic mediator with the Indiana Supreme Court Commission for Continuing Legal Education; knowledge of IDEA (34 CFR Part 300) and Indiana Administrative Code 511 IAC 7-45-2 is required, along with the ability to draft mediation agreements.

Contractors will serve on two separate rosters: a Standard Mediation Roster and a Specialized Due Process Hearing Mediation Roster for those with demonstrated expertise in due process matters. The IDOE receives eight to ten mediation requests monthly through rotational assignment. The scope spans mediation services for parents and public agencies resolving special education disputes, IEP facilitation, and annual training participation. Facilitators must not be employed by public agencies involved in education and should preferably hold mediator qualifications or provide documentation of relevant professional certifications. All contractors must be Indiana residents with statewide travel capability and secure access to technology for document management and electronic signatures; FERPA and confidentiality compliance is mandatory.

Compensation is structured per-unit with maximum caps: mediators may bill up to $20,000 for mediation services alone or up to $26,000 combined if providing IEP facilitation; facilitators providing facilitation only may bill up to $6,000. Sample historical rates are $500 per completed standard mediation, $750 per specialized due process hearing mediation, and $1,500 annually for individualized training. Travel, lodging, meal per diems, and mileage are reimbursed at State of Indiana rates; IDOE covers interpreter and translator costs separately. Services run from November 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. A mandatory project kickoff meeting is anticipated October 1, 2026, with annual training in November 2026. Questions are due September 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. Award notification is expected in October 2026.