Agenda Item
a. RFP 24-187 for Speech-Language, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Services (Not to exceed $9,000,000) ~ Updated 2.4.2025
Summary: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1077
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve a renewal (year 2 of 5) for RFP 24-187 for Speech Language, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy Services to Applied Pediatrics, Inc; The Stepping Stones Group; Comprehensive Therapy Consultants; Orange Therapy Staffing; Soliant Health, LLC; SHC Services, Inc.; ProCare Therapy; CRA Therapy; Sunbelt Staffing LLC; Tandym Group, LLC; AMN Allied Services, LLC; American Medical Services, Inc.; Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services (Amergis), Inc.; Academic Staffing, Inc.; Pediatric Developmental Services; Epic Special Education Staffing; Verbal Expressions, Inc.; GHR Education; Total Communication Therapy (CBR Consultants); E-Therapy LLC; Senseabilities, Inc.; Speech Teachers of North Georgia LLC; Progressus Therapy/Invo Healthcare, and Advokids LLC; as the most responsive and responsible bidders to provide speech language, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy services for more than $100,000 per vendor but not to exceed $9,000,000.
Why: Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, related services may include speech language, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy services. IDEA and Section 504 mandate the inclusion of speech language, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy services for students whose Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Individualized Accommodation Plans (IAPs) stipulate these services are required for students to equitably access their education.
Details: The Request for Proposals 24-187: Speech Language, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy Services was issued August 24, 2023, with responses reviewed through November 17, 2023. The DCSD RFP process was followed. Twenty-seven of the thirty-three vendors that responded were selected based on the following criteria for providing services for students with disabilities in a public-school setting: ability to provide needed staff, hourly rates, and experience with school-based settings. The 27 selected vendors are Applied Pediatrics, Inc; The Stepping Stones Group; Comprehensive Therapy Consultants; Orange Therapy Staffing; Soliant Health, LLC; SHC Services, Inc.; ProCare Therapy; Invo Healthcare Associates, LLC; CRA Therapy; Sunbelt Staffing LLC; Tandym Group, LLC; Pediatric Developmental Services; AMN Allied Services, LLC; American Medical Services, Inc.; Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Inc.; Academic Staffing, Inc.; Epic Special Education Staffing; Kadiant LLC; Verbal Expressions, Inc.; GHR Education; Total Communication Therapy; Kidz Speak Therapeutic Services; E-Therapy LLC; Senseabilities, Inc.; Speech Teachers of North Georgia LLC; and Advokids LLC; and CareerStaff Unlimited, LLC. Since this RFP was approved during the 2023-2024 school year, DCSD has reduced by 76% the number of students impacted by SLP vacancies (1938 in SY24 was reduced to 459 during SY25).
No single company has been able to provide a sufficient number of speech language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), and physical therapists (PTs) to cover students’ needs. For this reason, it is recommended that the top twenty-two vendors selected through the RFP process be approved. The initial contract duration shall be approximately one year from the date of execution. The contract may include up to four (4) one (1) year renewal options contingent on DCSD’s offer to such renewal, the successful offeror’s acceptance, and the approval of the DeKalb County Board of Education to renew the contract.
Financial impact: The contract amount from the general budget will be $4,500,000 (Charge code: 100.2100.530000.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000) and $4,500,000 from IDEA federal dollars (Charge code: 404.2100.530000.05021.7340.2824.8010.094.2025). The financial impact is contingent upon the number of therapists provided through contracted services. The current rate for these services is $62.50 per hour.
Contact: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, 678-676-0418
Mrs. Kiana King, Executive Director, Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1885
Effective: March 27, 2025 - March 28, 2026
Status: Attorney Approval Provided During Initial RFP Process in January 2024
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Advo Kids Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 4
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 4
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 4
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 4
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 26
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the contract
for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Tandym Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 4
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 4
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 4
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 4
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 26
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the contract
for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: SunBelt Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 4
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 4
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 4
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 4
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 26
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the contract
for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Speech Teachers Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 30
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Stepping Stones Group Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 30
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Supplemental Health Care Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 4
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 3
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 27
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Verbal Expression Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 3
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 3
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 24
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Senseabilites Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 30
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Progressus/ Invo Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 3
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 4
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 4
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 26
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Procare Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 30
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: PDS Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Orange Tree Staffing Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Amergis/ Maxim Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: GHR EDUCATION Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: CRA Therapy Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Comprehensive Therapy Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 4
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 27
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Applied Pediatrics Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 4
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 27
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: AMN Allied Services Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 3
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 27
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: American Medical Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 4
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 27
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: ADVO Kids Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 4
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 4
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Academic Staffing Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 4
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 4
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Verbal Expression Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 3
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 3
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 3
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 24
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: CBR/ Total Communication Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 4
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 4
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 28
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Soliant/ Tif Solutions Evaluator: Evelyn Dixon & Dr. Donnielle Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process 5
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed 5
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works 5
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff 5
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for 5
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed 5
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 30
Comments: The Exceptional Education Department of DeKalb County School District would love to extend the
contract for further years to come.