Special Education Complaint Investigator

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is seeking consultants to conduct up to four (4) complex confidential investigations per month related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) filed against local education agencies (LEAs) through the formal special education community complaint process. The selected consultants will be required to prepare written decisions for each investigation. The contract period is tentatively scheduled for December 2, 2024 through September 30, 2025, with the option to extend for two additional contract years through 2027. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. PT on October 21, 2024, and OSPI will evaluate and select the Apparent Successful Bidder. Consultants will be compensated at a rate of $2,500 per completed investigation and $1,250 per withdrawn complaint where substantial work has been demonstrated. The project will be funded using 100% federal money from the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 84.027A.

OSPI will give preference to certified veteran-owned businesses and Washington small businesses during the evaluation process. Consultants must meet minimum qualifications related to understanding of IDEA regulations, special education laws, investigation skills, and the ability to meet IDEA timelines. Being a member of the Bar Association in good standing is a desired qualification, but investigators do not necessarily need to be licensed attorneys. The contract opportunity covers multiple counties and jurisdictions across the state of Washington, and OSPI expects the total contract value to be significant, though an exact budget range is not provided.