Description
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is seeking proposals for special education hearing officer services. The selected contractor will preside over special education due process hearings filed by parents and school districts pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The contractor must be licensed to practice law in Texas, have at least 5 years of active practice, and 3 years of experience in special education, school law, disability, administrative, constitutional, civil rights, and/or civil, criminal or administrative litigation. The contractor will be compensated at a negotiated hourly rate, with a cap of $280.00 per hour. The contract term is for 4 years, and the contractor must comply with all applicable laws and contractual timelines.
• The contractor must travel to the school district or charter school involved in a hearing if necessary.
• The contractor must arrange for the attendance of a TEA contracted court reporter to record verbatim testimony.
• The contractor must arrange for any necessary translation or interpretation services.
• The contractor must possess the necessary support and equipment to perform their duties, including a telephone, fax machine, personal computer, and internet service.
• The contractor must comply with the standards of neutrality, confidentiality, and conduct required by IDEA and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).