Special Education Mediation System

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is seeking a consultant to administer a statewide Special Education Mediation System through RFP No. 2025-31. The primary objective is to establish an accessible, culturally and linguistically responsive mediation system that complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Washington Administrative Code Chapter 392-172A. The contractor will be responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive mediation system, including request and intake processes, interpreter services, program documentation, maintaining a qualified mediator list, creating mediation agreement forms, and providing quarterly reports and client evaluations. Minimum qualifications for bidders include being licensed to do business in Washington, demonstrating expertise in special education law, and having experience in alternative dispute resolution. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PT, with proposals due by July 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. PT. The estimated contract period runs from September 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with potential renewal for three additional contract years through 2028-29.

The procurement allows for optional self-identification of small, women-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses, with opportunities for certification. Bidders must disclose any previous contract terminations, subcontractor usage, and potential conflicts of interest, including current or former employment with the State of Washington. The RFP indicates that OSPI has budgeted up to $400,000 for the initial contract term, with funding provided by federal money from the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 84.027-A (Award H027A240074). Contractors must certify the accuracy of their submitted information under penalty of perjury and agree to notify the agency of any changes. The solicitation covers a wide range of Washington state jurisdictions, including multiple counties and cities. Proposals must include comprehensive business information, including taxpayer identification, statewide vendor number, business organization type, and Washington state business licensing status. Bidders should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to serve the diverse student, family, and educator populations across Washington state.