Agenda Item
b. RFP 24-187 for Speech-Language, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Services for Students with Disabilities (Extension: Year 3 of 5) (Not to Exceed $9,500,000)
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Kiana King, Interim Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve an extension (year 3 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 Tree Staffing; Soliant Health (TTF Solutions, LLC); Supplemental Healthcare (SHC Services); ProCare Therapy (New Directions Solutions, LLC); Community Rehab Associates, Inc. (CRA Therapy); Tandym Group, LLC; AMN Allied Services, LLC; American Medical Staffing, Inc.; Maxim Healthcare Services Holdings, Inc. (Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.); ESS Clinical (Academic Staffing); Pediatric Developmental Services (Therapy Spot); Epic Special Education Staffing; Verbal Expressions, Inc.; General Healthcare Resources (GHR Education); Total Communication Therapy (CBR Therapy Consultants); E-Therapy, LLC; Advokids, LLC; SenseAbilities Inc; Sunbelt Staffing; and Progressus Therapy 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 $9,500,000. To date, there are no Speech Language vacancies as all student needs are currently being met through the provision of services by District employees and contracted service providers.
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.
Initially, the twenty-seven (27) 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.
To date, the twenty-three (23) vendors who have accepted renewal extensions (year 3 of 5) under RFP 24-187 are Applied Pediatrics, Inc; The Stepping Stones Group; Comprehensive Therapy Consultants; Orange Tree Staffing; Soliant Health (TTF Solutions, LLC); Supplemental Healthcare (SHC Services); ProCare Therapy (New Directions Solutions, LLC); Community Rehab Associates, Inc. (CRA Therapy); Tandym Group, LLC; AMN Allied Services, LLC; American Medical Staffing, Inc.; Maxim Healthcare Services Holdings, Inc. (Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.); ESS Clinical (Academic Staffing); Pediatric Developmental Services (Therapy Spot); Epic Special Education Staffing; Verbal Expressions, Inc.; General Healthcare Resources (GHR Education); Total Communication Therapy (CBR Therapy Consultants); E-Therapy, LLC; Advokids, LLC.; SenseAbilities Inc; Sunbelt Staffing; and Progressus Therapy LLC.
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 twenty-three (23) vendors that returned the renewal acceptance letter and were 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 extension options contingent on 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. The approval of this extension would be year 3 of 5.
Financial impact: The contract amount from the general budget will be $4,750,000 (Charge code: 100.2100.530000.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000) and $4,750,000 from IDEA federal dollars (Charge code: 404.2100.530000.05021.7340.2824.8010.094.2026). The financial impact is contingent upon the number of therapists provided through contracted services. The current rate for these services is $62.50 per hour.
Contact: Mrs. Kiana King, Interim Chief of Student Services , Division of Student Services, 678-676-1885
Dr. Erin Broyard-Baptiste, Interim Executive Director, Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1814
Effective: February 2026 - February 2027
Status: Attorney Approval Provided during Initial RFP Process in January 2024
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: General Healthcare Resources (GHR Education)
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Maxim Healthcare Services Holdings, Inc. (Amergis Healthcare Staffing)
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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:
At this time, there are no therapists from this contract company providing services for the current school year.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Orange Tree Evaluator: D. Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 20 8
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Pediatric Developmental Services (Therapy Spot)
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: ProCare Therapy (New Directions Solutions, LLC) Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Supplemental Health Evaluator: D. Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 30
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name:Soliant Health (TTF Solutions, LLC) Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Stepping Stones Group Evaluator: D. Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 30
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Tandym Group, LLC Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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:
At this time, there are no therapists from this contract company providing services for the current school year.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Total Communication Therapy (CBR Therapy Consultants)
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Verbal Expressions Evaluator: D. Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 15 12
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: E-Therapy, LLC
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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:
At this time, there are no therapists from this contract company providing services for the current school year.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: ESS Clinical/Academic Staffing Evaluator: D. Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 20 8
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Epic Special Education Staffing
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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:
At this time, there are no therapists from this contract company providing services for the current school year.
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name:Comprehensive Therapy Consultants Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Community Rehab Associates, Inc. (CRA Therapy) Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name:Applied Pediatrics Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 25
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: AMN Evaluator: D. Howard-Thomas
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 25 4
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: American Medical Staffing Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Advokids, LLC
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: SenseAbilities, Inc.
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Sunbelt Staffing Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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 24
Comments:
Evaluation of Vendor Providing Contracted Staff
Vendor Name: Progressus Therapy, LLC (Invohealthcare)
Evaluator: Ettienne Godfrey
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagre Strongly
Agree (4) (3) e Disagree
(5) (2) (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:
At this time, there are no therapists from this contract company providing services for the current school year.