Substitute Teacher Services

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in Florida is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP #26058-RFP-DST) to establish a contract for Substitute Teacher Services to support elementary, middle, and high schools across multiple subject areas and grade levels. The solicitation seeks one or more qualified contractors to recruit, screen, hire, train, place, and track substitute teachers and paraprofessionals with proper credentials and background clearance in compliance with applicable laws. Key deliverables include providing a web-based substitute placement and absentee management system with automated timekeeping, weekly reporting on metrics such as fill rates, active substitutes, and administrator satisfaction surveys, and weekly compensation for substitutes. The District has estimated yearly budget of $50,000,000 from District, State, and Federal funding sources, with historical data showing total teacher absences of 227,353 (2022-2023), 236,047 (2023-2024), and 250,866 (2024-2025), indicating substantial demand across 66,854 documented vacancies spanning core academic subjects and specialized support roles. Proposers must meet minimum qualifications including three years of experience in related services, authorization to do business in Florida, E-Verify compliance, proof of insurance, and three business references. The evaluation process assigns weights of 25 points for Specifications/Scope of Work, 30 points for Qualifications and Experience, 10 points for Business References, and 35 points for Cost/Value, with a maximum of 100 points. The deadline for technical questions is Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with proposals due by Monday, March 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM via VendorLink.

The contract allows for multiple awards at HCPS' discretion, with no specific set-aside restrictions identified for disadvantaged enterprises, though vendors are encouraged to register with the District's Office of Supplier Development to participate in the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program. The incumbent contractor is Kelly Services, and proposers must integrate with HCPS' existing substitute placement and absentee management infrastructure. All pricing must be firm for the initial four-year term, with the contractor responsible for notifying Procurement Services at least 60 days before any anticipated price changes. The initial contract term is four years commencing the first business day after Board approval, with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods (maximum eight-year total) contingent on appropriation, acceptable performance, and continued need. Compensation rates range from $16.00 per hour for high school diploma holders to $20.35 per hour for bachelor's degree holders at Transformation Sites, with vendors calculating billing rates by applying markup percentages to these District-established base rates. All contractors must comply with federal funding requirements outlined in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200, including debarment certifications, affirmative outreach to small and minority businesses, and compliance with the Foreign Countries of Concern Prohibition Affidavit under Florida Statutes Section 287.138.