Occupational, Physical, & Speech Therapy Services

The Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services Office of State Procurement has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Services on behalf of the Arkansas School for the Blind. The procurement seeks contractors to provide comprehensive therapy services for approximately 100 Pre-K through high school students, including direct and evaluation services across three therapy groups: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Key service requirements include maintaining appropriate licensures and certifications, completing background checks, providing services within 60 days of referral, conducting evaluations within 30 days of request, and adhering to Individual Education Program (IEP) requirements. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on the Total Cost per Year submitted on the Official Bid Price Sheet. Bid responses must be submitted through ARBuy by March 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with an anticipated contract start date of July 1, 2025. The initial contract term is one year, with up to six additional one-year renewal options, creating a maximum potential contract term of seven years.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide their own supplies and equipment at no additional cost and are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest through the Contract and Grant Disclosure Form. Bidders must meet several certification requirements, including confirmation that they are not a Scrutinized Company, do not boycott Israel or energy/fossil fuel/firearms industries, and do not employ illegal immigrants. Required submissions include an Equal Opportunity Policy, current therapy certifications and licenses, certificate of insurance, National Provider Identifier (NPI), and Medicaid Provider Number. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the Official Bid Price Sheet indicates estimated service hours for each therapy type: 1,395 hours for Occupational Therapy, 953.5 hours for Physical Therapy, and 257.25 hours for Speech Therapy annually. Contractors will be expected to provide services during regular school hours and potentially outside traditional school days, including summers, holidays, and weekends.