Special Education Hearing Officers

The State of Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is seeking to establish a Qualified Vendors List (QVL) of Impartial Hearing Officers to provide special education hearing services for Pulaski County and the City of Little Rock. The initial qualification term is for four years, with the option to renew for up to three additional one-year terms. Prospective contractors must meet minimum qualifications related to education, experience, and knowledge of federal and state regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and demonstrate the ability to render and write decisions in accordance with standard legal practice. The State will evaluate and score proposals based on criteria related to experience, proposed solution, risk, and interview performance. Ongoing eligibility for the QVL is contingent on meeting criteria related to training attendance, case declinations, timeliness, and procedural compliance. The State may suspend or terminate a Hearing Officer's contract for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance, and has included performance standards and liquidated damages provisions related to meeting timelines.

The RFQ does not mention any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. Additionally, no information is provided about incumbent vendors, current contractors, or the available budget for this contract opportunity. The compensation rate paid to Impartial Hearing Officers by ADE-DESE is specified in the RFQ, but the overall award value or budget range is not disclosed.