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
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Cobb Pediatrics Evaluator: R. Johnson
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
Vendor has a strong recruiting and hiring process x
and staff are available when needed
Vendor provides substitute staff when needed x
Vendor provides a liaison that effectively works x
with District Administrators to resolve issues and
concerns
Vendor provides supervisory visits to contract staff x
and completes employee evaluations
Vendor provides orientation and training for x
school-based positions
Vendor ensures staff are adequately credentialed x
and trained to complete assignment before being
placed
Total 18
Comments: