Request for Application (RFA 4020) for Independent Hearing Officers

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) in Dane County, Wisconsin, is seeking to establish a roster of independent hearing officers for student expulsion matters through a Request for Application (RFA 4020). The procurement is specifically targeting qualified attorneys to serve as impartial hearing officers for student disciplinary proceedings, as mandated by Wisconsin Statutes section 120.13(1). Qualified candidates must be members of the Wisconsin State Bar in good standing, with recent experience in education law, particularly student discipline matters. The hearing officers will be responsible for conducting in-person hearings at the Doyle Administration Building in Madison, ensuring due process for students facing potential expulsion. Evaluation criteria will assess applicants based on qualifications (40%), demonstrated competence and writing samples (30%), references (20%), and availability (10%). Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of July 17, 2018, at 2:00 PM CST, and a proposal submission deadline of July 25, 2018, at 2:00 PM CST. The district anticipates interviewing candidates on August 6, 2018, with Board approval on August 27, 2018, and award notification on August 28, 2018.

The RFA does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Currently, MMSD contracts with two private attorneys as hearing officers, with approximately 96 students recommended for expulsion in the most recent academic year and about 12 participating in expulsion hearings. Compensation for selected hearing officers will be $115 per hour, with detailed invoices required in one-tenth hour increments within 30 days of hearing conclusion. The district requires contractors to maintain commercial liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage and meet motor vehicle insurance requirements. Contracts will be issued annually for the period of July 1 through June 30, with potential renewal subject to mutual agreement and Board approval. Additional required qualifications include strong analytical and interpersonal skills, excellent communication abilities, willingness to attend MMSD training, proficiency with Microsoft Word, availability throughout the academic year, and ability to maintain confidentiality.