Agenda Item
b. RFP 21-522R1 for Behavior Intervention Services Contract Renewal (Year 3 of 4) (Not to exceed $2,000,000) ~ Updated 7.2.2024
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract extensions of RFP 21-522R1 with the following five vendors: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior Change, Kadiant, Pathways, and Southern Behavior Group, as the most responsive and responsible bidders to provide behavior intervention services for more than $100,000.00 per vendor, not to exceed the total contract amount of $2,000,000.00.
Why: There are students who require intensive individualized behavior intervention and additional classroom support and expertise. Students with disabilities (SWDs), such as those with autism and other behavioral needs, require a specifically designed program that incorporates current, effective, peer-reviewed, research-based practices and instructional modifications that are implemented through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and which also may require oversight and direction from Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). A BCBA has a graduate level certification in behavior analysis, which is an approach to human behavior. There has been an increased demand for BCBAs in the field of education, as well as in DeKalb County School District (DCSD).
Details: The request for proposals for RFP 21-522R1 was issued October 27, 2020 with responses reviewed through January 2021. The approved DCSD RFP process was followed. Nine (9) of the vendors that responded were originally selected based on the following criteria for providing services to students with disabilities in a public-school setting: ability to provide needed staff, hourly rates, and experience with school-based settings. The nine (9) selected vendors were as follows: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior Change, INVO Healthcare, Kadiant, Kaleidoscope, Maxim, Pathways (Rebecca Lamont), and Southern Behavior Group.
To date, the finance department is working with the vendors to ensure the acceptance letters are received by the District and processed.
No single company has been able to provide enough BCBAs to cover students’ needs. The initial contract was executed and included four (4) one (1) year contract extension options contingent upon DCSD’s offer to such extension, the successful offeror’s acceptance and the approval of the DeKalb County Board of Education to extend the contract.
Financial impact: The contract amount from the general budget will be $1,000,000.00 (Charge code: 100.2100.530000.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000) and $1,000,000.00 from IDEA federal dollars (Charge code: 404.2100.530000.05021.7340.2824.8010.094.2025).
The financial impact is contingent upon the number of students that require specialized support as well as the number of BCBAs provided through each contracted vendor. The current rate for these services is on average $150.00 per hour.
Contact: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Mrs. Kiana King, Executive Director of Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services
Effective: July 8, 2024 - July 7, 2025
Status: Attorney Review and Approved
PI-PHCP-05 (03/01)
THIS ENDORSEMENT CHANGED THE POLICY. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.
Additional Insured Endorsement
This endorsement modifies insurance provided under the following:
ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS PROFESSIONAL
AND SUPPLEMENTAL LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY
In consideration of the premium paid, this policy is amended as follows:
Dekalb County School District is hereby added as an Additional Insured, solely for Damages arising
out of a Professional Incident covered under this policy. The Professional Incident must arise out of
services provided by the Insured, under contract with Dekalb County School District.
Additional Insured Name and Mailing Address:
Dekalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain, GA , 30083
All other terms and conditions of this policy remain unchanged.
Policy #: AR94167
Effective on or after: 04/29/2024
Issued to: Southern Behavioral Group
Expiration date: 04/29/2025