RFP# 2027-000- Professional Development and Training for K-12 Special Education faculty and staff

Description: School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is seeking competitive sealed proposals from qualified providers to provide professional development, job-embedded coaching, classroom observation, consultation, and instructional support services for Special Education faculty and staff. The purpose of this solicitation is to strengthen instructional practices, enhance educator capacity, improve collaboration between General Education and Special Education personnel, support effective implementation of Special Education practices, and promote positive student outcomes. Services should be evidence-based and informed by current research and best practices in Special Education and K-12 instruction. The selected Contractor shall collaborate with District and school personnel to identify professional development needs and provide training, coaching, and instructional support aligned with District priorities. ACQUIRE SERVICES: The purpose of this solicitation is to acquire services complying with the enclosed description and/or specifications and conditions. MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED: Start date: January 04, 2027 / End date: June 30, 2031. Dates provided are estimates only. Any resulting contract will begin on the date specified in the notice of award. Scope of Work summary: The Contractor shall provide professional development, job-embedded coaching, classroom observation, consultation, and instructional support services as requested by the District, including but not limited to: 1) Professional development and training addressing identified Special Education instructional and program needs, evidence-based practices, and strategies to improve student outcomes; 2) Job-embedded coaching, classroom observations, instructional modeling, coaching, and constructive feedback; 3) Collaboration and co-planning support between General Education and Special Education personnel; 4) Guidance on data-informed instruction using student performance and progress-monitoring data; 5) Leadership consultation and instructional support to assist program implementation and continuous improvement. Training and service delivery: Contractor shall coordinate with designated District personnel to develop schedules based on identified needs and District priorities, with training and professional development beginning during the 2026-2027 school year. Services may be delivered in person, virtually, or in hybrid formats. Training shall be tailored to participant needs and experience levels and include materials and resources. The Contractor must provide qualified personnel with appropriate certifications and credentials. Performance expectations: Contractor shall maintain effective communication with designated District personnel, provide feedback and summaries as requested, maintain confidentiality consistent with FERPA and applicable law, and coordinate frequency/duration/location of services with the District. Performance period: Tentatively scheduled to begin January 4, 2027 and end May 28, 2027, with options to renew for up to four additional terms not to exceed June 30, 2031. Minimum mandatory qualifications: Offeror must have at least five (5) years of experience providing Special Education professional development/training (preferably in K-12 settings); qualified personnel with applicable certifications; demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practices; experience collaborating with school/district leadership; and at least three (3) references from comparable engagements in the past five years. Proposal content and evaluation criteria: Proposals must include organizational background, qualifications, key personnel resumes, project plan, references, price/business proposal (including a completed Bidding Schedule), and required solicitation forms. Evaluation factors (in relative order): professional development approach and methodology; qualifications and experience; implementation plan and service delivery; training effectiveness and ongoing support; and price/cost proposal. Additional terms: Standard District procurement terms and conditions apply, including insurance, background checks for personnel entering schools, submission of W-9, compliance requirements, termination provisions, and other contractual clauses described in the solicitation.