Agenda Item
a. RFP 21-522R1 for Behavior Intervention Services Contract Extension (Year 4 of 4) ( Not to exceed $1,000,000)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1079
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract extensions of RFP 21-522R1 with the following seven vendors: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior Change, Kadiant, and Southern Behavior Group, as the most responsive and responsible bidders to provide behavior intervention services for an amount not to exceed the $1,000,000.
Why: In the DCSD, we must support students with disabilities who exhibit significant behavioral challenges that often require interventions that exceed the training and capacity of school-based staff. Outside behavior vendors typically employ Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and other specialists trained in evidence-based practices, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trauma-informed care, and functional behavior assessments (FBAs). 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 a 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. During the 24-25 SY, seven (7) selected vendors were approved to provide services. For the 25-26 SY, four (4) vendors have completed and signed the acceptance letter. The four (4) selected vendors are as follows: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior Change, Kadiant, and Southern Behavior Group.
No single company has been able to provide a sufficient number of specialized behavioral support, including 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 $500,000 (Charge code: 100.2100.530000.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000) and $500,000 from IDEA federal dollars (Charge code: 404.2100.530000.05021.7340.2824.8010.094.2026). The financial impact is contingent upon the number of students that require specialized support as well as the number of BCBAs provided by each contracted vendor. The current rate for these services is on average $150.00 per hour.
Contact: Dr. Norman Sauce, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1079
Mrs. Kiana King, Executive Director of Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1809
Effective: July 7, 2025 - July 6, 2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
April 24, 2025
tanya@thesteppingstonesgroup.com John.Gumpert@ssg-healthcare.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:
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, 2025, through June 12, 2026. 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 Thursday, May 1, 2025. 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
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, 2026. The Stepping Stones Group, LLC, understands that this acceptance is subject to the
approval of the DeKalb County Board of Education.
_________________________________________________ 5/7/25
________________________
Authorized Signatory Date
John Gumpert
________________________ Director of Contracts & Proposals
________________________
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