RFP for Shorthand Reporter and Court Reporter Examinations

The Texas Office of Court Administration and the Judicial Branch Certification Commission are requesting proposals for development and administration of shorthand reporter and court reporter certification examinations under RFP 212-26-0731, with proposals due July 31, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and potential oral presentations August 6–7, 2026. Respondents may propose to develop and administer both examination parts or either part individually; no pre-proposal conference will be held.

The examination comprises a dictation component with three legs at varying words-per-minute speeds (225, 200, and 180 WPM) and a written objective component covering shorthand reporting, spelling, grammar, and Texas rules and procedures. Examinations must be administered at least quarterly in geographically diverse locations throughout Texas, in person, online, or both. The contractor must submit an Examination Development Plan with projected timelines for finalized content within thirty days of contract commencement and establish an examination administration schedule upon service start.

The contract term runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2028, with OCA retaining the option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms. Compensation derives exclusively from examination fees paid directly by examinees to the contractor; as of April 2026, OCA and JBCC set fees at $175 for Part A and $100 for Part B. Respondents must propose estimated development and administration costs equal to or less than $275 per examination (combined parts). The contractor recoup fee waivers for qualified applicants under Texas Occupations Code 55.009 by invoicing JBCC.

Evaluation criteria are approach to exam development (20%), proposer experience and qualifications (20%), proposed exam process including registration, administration, security, grading, and technology (25%), exam schedule and locations (25%), and references (10%). The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance including workers' compensation, commercial general liability ($500,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate), professional liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), cybersecurity insurance ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), and umbrella coverage ($5,000,000). Questions are due July 13, 2026.