MDE Alternative Dispute Resolution RFP

The Minnesota Department of Education General Counsel division is soliciting proposals for special education mediators and facilitators to serve under a master contract program providing Alternative Dispute Resolution services, with proposals due September 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. Multiple master contract awards will be made to qualified responders placed on a pre-qualified roster; receipt of a master contract does not guarantee work assignments, as MDE will issue work orders based on agency needs.

Responders must hold a minimum of 200 hours of mediation experience and be listed as a qualified neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice for the District Courts. Desired qualifications include more than 200 hours of mediation experience, a bachelor's degree, an advanced degree, and special education mediation experience. Services will be delivered both virtually and in-person, with travel throughout Minnesota as needed.

The contract term extends through June 30, 2027, with options to extend up to two additional years in increments determined by MDE. Work will be distributed on a random rotational basis. Contractors awarded master contracts must accept at least 30 percent of all engagement requests per state fiscal year and respond to engagement requests within 24 hours.

Evaluation occurs in three phases: Phase 1 assesses mandatory requirements on a pass/fail basis; Phase 2 evaluates qualifications and experience (500 points), approach to work (200 points), and cost (300 points), plus up to 120 preference points for targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or veteran-owned businesses. Responders must submit technical proposals and cost proposals with separate maximum hourly rates for services and round-trip travel time; the maximum hourly rate must include all travel-related expenses such as meals and hotel. Mileage and other travel-related expenses will not be reimbursed separately; travel-related expenses for mandatory MDE training are reimbursed only if the contractor must travel more than 60 miles round trip.

All responses must be submitted through the SWIFT eSUPPLIER PORTAL. SWIFT will be unavailable August 27, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. through August 31, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. for a system-wide upgrade. Contact Jennifer A. Fleckner at 651-582-8482 or Jennifer.Fleckner@state.mn.us. Evaluation is anticipated by October 31, 2026. Subcontracting is not permitted.