IDEA Mediator

The Kentucky Department of Education is requesting proposals for IDEA Mediator services under RFP 540 2700000021, with proposals due September 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. and written questions due August 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The Commonwealth intends to award multiple contracts with qualified individuals and organizations to provide dispute-resolution mediation between local education agencies and parents of students with disabilities, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Offerors must meet one of three mandatory qualifications: licensure as an attorney in good standing with the Kentucky Bar Association, certification as a Kentucky teacher with special education certification from the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, or completion of 40 hours of mediation training as required by the Supreme Court of Kentucky. Mediators will provide services throughout the Commonwealth and must confirm willingness to travel statewide, including overnight stays.

The technical proposal (1,000 points maximum) is scored on mediation experience (375 points), qualifications and expertise (375 points), and availability (250 points). Availability is evaluated comparatively: the vendor offering the most hours per week receives maximum points; other vendors receive proportional points based on their availability ratio relative to the highest bidder. Proposals scoring below 500 points will not advance. The Commonwealth reserves the right to require oral presentations for the top three vendors (200 additional points possible). No cost proposal points are assigned.

Compensation is a flat rate of $75.00 per hour, with reimbursement for authorized training, travel, and other approved costs per state policy (200:KAR 2:006). There is no minimum work guarantee. The initial contract term runs from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, with Commonwealth options to renew for up to two additional two-year periods subject to Secretary of Finance and Administration Cabinet and Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee approval. Written question responses are anticipated September 8, 2026. No offeror's conference is scheduled.