St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
April 26, 2016
TO:
All Prospective Proposers
FROM:
Kim Albritton
Coordinator of Business Services
RE:
RFP 16-18 Speech-Language Therapy & Audiology Services
ADDENDUM 1 TO RFP 16-18 SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY & AUDIOLOGY SERVICES
This addendum is issued as a part of the aforementioned RFP. The changes incorporated herein are an
amendment to and supersede those conditions shown in the original solicitation. The Proposer shall
acknowledge receipt of this addendum by signing this form and returning with their submittal. Failure to
do so may subject Proposer to disqualification.
Q1. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, have the current providers met your needs for SLP services?
A1. Overall, yes. We have had openings each year which has resulted in the need for contracting
out for services.
Q2. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, what are the names of your current vendors providing SLP
services to the district? Similar Question: Are you currently working with any agencies providing SLP
services to your District? Only these listed below.
A2. The current vendors are:
A+ Speech Therapy
Advanced Speech
Trainor Pediatric Speech
Askew Speech & Language
Kirsten Chism
Achieving Milestones
Boca Speech
Treasure Coast Therapeutics
Jennifer McDaniels
Q3. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, what are the current bill rates for each of the vendors providing
SLP services to the district?
A3. Rates are listed below for Speech Language Therapy.
A+ Speech Therapy ($50/hr)
Advanced Speech ($60/hr)
Trainor Pediatric Speech ($60/hr)
Askew Speech & Language ($56/hr)
Kirsten Chism ($57/hr)
Achieving Milestones ($57/hr)
Boca Speech ($61/hr)
Treasure Coast Therapeutics ($65/hr)
Jennifer McDaniels ($55/hr)
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St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
Rates are listed below for Audiology. We have not had an on-staff audiologist so all services have
been sent out of house for audiological needs and evaluations. Each service has been based on an
individual student need and costs are listed below.
Comprehensive
Tympanometry
Speech Audio
Hearing Aid Setting for FM
Ear molds
$78
$40
$55
$35
$80
Q4. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, what are the total numbers of contracted SLPs providing services
in the district during the 2015-2016 school year?
A4. 12
Q5. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, how many SLPs have each of your vendors provided to the district
during the 2015-2016 & 2014-2015 school year?
A5. Based on need. Some vendors operate independently and provide services as an individual
contractor. The largest provider is Boca Speech and they provide approximately 5.
Q6. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, has the district had any open or unfilled positions during the 20152016 school year?
A6. Yes, that is why we have had to contract for services. Contractual arrangements have been
made to cover all vacancies.
Q7. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, how many SLPs are there in the district, including district employees
and contracted employees combined?
A7. 47
Q8. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, please provide the # of FTEs (full time equivalents) by provider by
discipline.
A8. 47
Q9. On page 5, Section 1 – Introduction, how many contracted employees work full-time during the 20142015 school year? How many contracted employees work part-time?
A9. Two private school providers work part time and three individuals work part-time in some of
our comprehensive schools.
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SUPERINTENDENT
St. Lucie Public Schools
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
Q10. On page 5, Section 1, what was the annual expenditure for all services during the 2015-2016 & 20142015 school year?
A10. The numbers are below by year.
TYPE OF SERVICE
FY 2014-2015
FY 2015-2016
(remained of year estimated)
District Employees
$2,683,130
$2,743,535
Contracted Staff
$ 671,571
$700,403
TOTAL
$3,354,701
$3,443,938
Q11. On page 11, Section 4 – Award Are you looking to contract with multiple vendors or a single vendor?
A11. Multiple, to best meet the needs of the School District.
Q12. On page 11, Section 4 – Award Will each specialty be awarded to a single vendor?
A12. See A11.
Q13. On page 11, Section 4 – Award How many contracts do you think you will award as a result of this
solicitation?
A13. It will be up to the Evaluation Committee to make a recommendation.
Q14. On page 11, Section 4, once the vendors for this current solicitation are awarded, will they be given
the # of open positions that they can fill?
A14. Vendors will be contacted after award is finalized with the District’s current needs. Service
need can change based upon individual student’s needs throughout the year.
Q15. On page 20, Scope of Services, approximately how many SLPs does the district anticipate needing for
the upcoming school year (FY 2016-17)?
A15. We are not anticipating adding additional positions, we anticipate needing the same number
of contractors.
Q16. On page 20, Scope of Services, will these positions be full-time or part-time? Could you please let me
know the projected weekly hours of service for the Speech Language Pathologist?
A16. The majority would be full-time.
Q17. On page 20, Scope of Services, is the district interested in SLPAs for this RFP? (Similar Question:
Would you consider certified therapy assistants such as CFY or SLPA?)
3|Page
St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
A17. No
Q18. On page 20, Scope of Services, Does the district allow Clinical Fellows?
A18. Yes, however the contracted agency must provide the supervision.
Q19. On page 20, Scope of Services, what’s the typical caseload for therapists? (Similar Question: What
grades will the SLP provide services for? And what will be the caseload?
A19. Measured by minutes of direct therapy per week. The typical caseload is 3500-4000 mpw
Q20. On page 20, Scope of Services, does the district provide necessary training sessions, i.e. Medicaid
training, that are needed in order for the contracted employees to do their jobs effectively and meet the job
expectations?
A20. Two trainings for contracted employees, Medicaid billing and Orientation to the system.
Q21. On page 20, Scope of Services, does the district provide computers for contracted employees? Similar
Question: Will therapists have access to internet capabilities, computers/laptops/iPads, office supplies,
fax/copy machine at St. Lucie Pubic Schools?
A21. NO computers are provided. The employee will be given access to a work station for access to
the student information system, on-line IEP, and e-mail. They will have to sign a confidentiality
agreement in order to access the student information system.
Q22. On page 20, Scope of Services, does the district provide the assessments and materials to be used for
evaluations and treatment services? (Similar Question: Are Testing Materials/Equipment or Evaluation
Materials/Equipment to complete the provision of services for Speech Services provided by St. Lucie Pubic
Schools or the Vendor?)
A22.Yes
Q23. On page 20, Scope of Services, does the district provide an orientation?
A23. Yes
Q24. On page 31, Attachment I – How many Reference Questionnaires need to be submitted to the district?
A24. Three
Q25. On page 33, Attachment J, are bill rates all-inclusive for the entire day, including assessment, therapy,
meetings, planning, documentation, report writing, etc.?
A25. Yes, the same hourly rate applies for all the above.
4|Page
St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
Q26. On page 18, under Proposal Sections, item 37, it states that we are to include a “written opinion of an
attorney licensed to practice law pursuant to Section 287.084(1)(a).” For the OT/PT RFP, there was an
attachment that our attorney could complete. Can the district provide that attachment so we can use it for
this proposal?
A26. This Statute applies to tangible personal property, proposers are not required to submit this
form for RFP 16-18. The following change is made to the RFP document (removed section 37 from
RFP):
37.
SECTION 287.084(1)(A), FLORIDA STATUTES
In accordance with Section 287.084(1)(a), Florida Statutes, if the low bid is submitted by vendor
whose principal place of business is out of state or political subdivision thereof which grants a
preference to a person whose principal place of business is in such state, then a preference to the
lowest responsible and responsive vendor having a principal place of business within Florida shall
be granted, which preference is equal to the preference granted by the state or political subdivision
thereof in which the lowest responsible and responsive vendor has its principal place of business. If
the low bid is submitted by a vendor whose principal place of business is located outside the state
and that state does not grant a preference in competitive solicitation to vendors having a principal
place of business in that state, then the preference to the lowest responsible and responsive vendor
having a principle place of business in Florida shall be five (5) percent.
Out-of-state vendors must submit a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in that
foreign state, as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of that state to its own
business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public
contracts
Q27. On page 10, Section 3 – Required Proposal Format, it states that we can add tabs with other
information. Is it ok to add an appendix with pertinent marketing and supporting materials?
A27. Yes
Q28. Is it appropriate to use my School Based ESE Specialists and District Program Specialist as references?
Similar Question: Should I receive personal references from the staff that I work closely with on a daily
basis in place of agency references?
A28. Yes
Q29. Other than providing name/contact information on ATTACHMENT C - REFERENCES, do I need to
request a written reference from them? Is there a form or instructions that my professional references
need to submit with this RFP?
5|Page
St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
A29. Yes, please see Attachment I – Reference Questionnaire.
Q30. How many working days will the SLP work during the school year (For Example: 180 days or less)?
A30. Approximately 186 for full time
Q31. Who will be the representative from St. Lucie Pubic Schools to determine which materials/equipment
are required for the Speech Services?
A31. The District Program Specialist for Speech/Language and Audiology.
Q32. Will our therapists bill Medicaid on behalf of St. Lucie School District and Medicaid will pay St. Lucie
School District or does our company bill Medicaid directly and receive payment from Medicaid directly?
A32. They are required to bill Medicaid on behalf of the school district.
Q33. Are resumes and/or licenses required at the time of proposal submission or only upon award?
A33. It is recommended to submit resumes and all applicable licenses with the RFP for evaluation.
However, if your firm will continue to seek out employees for the positions, please see Evaluation
Factor 1 for more information.
Q34. Page 8, Evaluation Factor 1: Approach/ Methodology. Please clarify the following: “…provide,
schedule and manage personnel, provide services at the same time within both scheduled and nonscheduled “as required” time frames…” Are you able to provide definitions or examples of what you are
looking for?
A34. The District is seeking response from firms to show how they manage the schedule of work,
account for unanticipated changes, etc.
Q35. Page 33, Attachment J – Proposal Quotation Form. The explanation provided of how points are
allocated does not include Percent Increases for each Renewal Option Year to be listed in I., II., and III on
this form. Please clarify if and how Percent Increases for Renewal Option Years will be factored into your
cost evaluation and allocation of points.
A35. In order to clarify how the renewal terms will be calculated into the scoring, please insert the
below paragraph within the RFP in replacement of the second paragraph on page 33. The
underlined text was added.
Allocation of Points – SLCSB will calculated as a percentage of cost increase as compared to the lowest cost
proposal received. Each job title will be considered individually. In order to factor in renewal rates, Proposer’s
rates for each possible year will be totaled and divided by 5. This rate will be used to determine the Evaluation
Factor 3 awarded points. For example, Proposer A submits a cost for Audiologist of $30.00 per hour and
6|Page
St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
Proposer B submits a cost of $32.00 per hour and Proposer C submits a cost of $34.00 per hour; Proposer A
would receive 100% for that job title because Proposer A was the lowest. Proposer B would receive 94%
($30/$32) and Proposer C would receive 88% ($30/$34). The total points allocated will be determined by
taking an average of the percentages. If Proposer A submits on two titles, the math would be as follows: #1 (100+93) =193; #2 - (193/2) =96.5%. Proposer A would receive 34 points for Evaluation Criteria 3.
Q36. Do I need to have 1,000,000 auto policy in place and include a copy? Or can I sign that if I am
accepted as a vendor, then I will have it added. My insurance company stated it is quick to add to my
current policy.
A36. The District requires you to sign the Attachment, which means you will comply with the
insurance requirements. We do not require proof of the insurance until after the contracts are
awarded.
Q37. When I list my fee for service how do I know what the totals will be? I currently have a 25,000
contract. Should I put that amount or only list fees for unit of service. For example, 50.00 per hour, etc.?
A37. The RFP requests an hourly rate for each service, please complete Attachment J.
Q38. I have fingerprints and a recent background check completed this year. Do I need to complete
another one by the proposal deadline?
A38. Proposers must return Attachment B signed, to indicate they will comply with the Jessica
Lunsford requirements. The Proposer may start the process for the clearance after contract award.
Q39. What is the average number of hours a therapist can expect to work in a week?
A39. 40, but our normal week is 37.5. We do not allow overtime and if it was required it must be
approved prior to work by our Executive Director, Exceptional Student Education.
Q40. Does the school district prefer flat rates or a range dependent upon experience for bill rates within
this proposal?
A40. A flat rate.
Q41. Who all is involved in the decision making process (director, purchasing, etc.)?
A42. The Evaluation Committee will score the RFP’s based on the criteria within the RFP.
Q42. What is the biggest driver of the decision (price, experience, screening process, etc.)?
A42. Please refer to the Evaluation Criteria (2.7) within the RFP, pages 7-9.
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St. Lucie Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT
E. Wayne Gent
Purchasing Department
4204 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34947
Voice – (772) 429-3980 Fax – (772) 429-3999
Q43. On page 11 of the RFP for Speech-Language Pathologists, the Business Proposal section states that
"Attachment A - Cost of Services" should be included. However, Attachment A is Drug-Free Workplace
Certification, not a Cost of Services attachment.
A43. The below will correct the typo, and become part of the RFP document.
Business Proposal – Envelope or Box “B”
Attachment A J- Cost of Services Proposal Quotation Form
1. Cost Proposal
Q44. RFP states "detailed pricing will be required in the pricing section of the response." Is the "Pricing
Section" considered the same as the "Cost Proposal" required in the Business Proposal section?
A44. Yes
Q45. I was wondering if it's acceptable to bid on Speech-Language Therapy services only.
A45. Yes, Proposers may bid on both or only one service.
**** RFP DUE DATE IS: May 5, 2016 - 3:00 P.M... ****.
___________________________________________________
_________________________________________
Name (Please Print)
Company Name
__________________________________________________________
________________________
Signature (Authorized Representative of Company)
Date
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