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
May 21, 2024
VIA EMAIL tanya@thesteppingstonesgroup.com
The Stepping Stones Group, LLC
2300 Windy Ridge Parkway, Suite 825
Atlanta, GA 30339
ATTN: Ms. Tanya Vickers, Client Services Manager
Reference: RFP 21-522R1 Behavioral Intervention Services for Students with Disabilities
Dear Ms. Vickers:
As a result of the excellent service provided by The Stepping Stones Group, LLC the DeKalb County School District
(“DCSD”) desires to renew the award of RFP 21 522R1, Behavioral Intervention Services for Students with Disabilities
for one (1) year on the same terms, conditions and pricing as set forth in the License and Services Agreement
between DCSD and The Stepping Stones Group, LLC dated September 21, 2021. The purpose of this letter is to
obtain The Stepping Stones Group, LLC’s acceptance of DCSD’s offer to renew the License and Services Agreement.
The renewal is subject to the DeKalb County Board of Education’s (“Board”) approval and will be effective from June
13, 2024, through June 12, 2025. DCSD appreciates The Stepping Stones Group, LLC’s consideration of this offer to
renew the award of RFP 21 522RI.
If accepted, please submit a copy of your company’s proof of insurance reflecting the coverage(s) stated within the
original solicitation document, sign the acceptance below and email both documents to
Latrice_Brown@dekalbschoolsga.org no later than Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Insurance policy or policies must be
maintained throughout the term of this agreement. A copy of the insurance requirements is included.
Best regards,
Carla L. Smith
Carla L. Smith
Executive Director Vendor Services
CLS/lw
c: Kiana King
Rolanda Johnson
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
678.676.0110 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org
The Stepping Stones Group, LLC. hereby accepts DeKalb County School District’s offer to renew the award of RFP
21-522R1, Behavioral Intervention Services for Students with Disabilities, as set forth in the License and Services
Agreement, until June 12, 2025. The Stepping Stones Group, LLC understands that this acceptance is subject to the
approval of the Dekalb County Board of Education
_________________________________________________
05/21/2024
________________________
Authorized Signatory Date
Sarah Luxon
________________________ Vice President of Client Services
________________________
Name (Typed or Printed) Title of Authorized Signatory
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
678.676.0110 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org