RFQ 7-981-003 Special Education Counsel Services-Governing Board Support

The Texas School for the Deaf is soliciting proposals under RFQ 7-981-003 for special education counsel services to support its Governing Board. The selected contractor will serve as institutional counsel, providing legal advisory services on governance, meeting procedures, closed sessions, conflicts of interest, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Key responsibilities include reviewing meeting materials and policies, attending board and grievance proceedings, and conducting legal research. The contract is anticipated to commence on November 1, 2026, and expire on August 31, 2027, with a possible extension of up to twelve months. Eligible respondents must be law firms with at least five years of professional experience in special education law and a proven track record of representing school districts in Section 504 litigation, including at least three different contracts within the last five years. Proposals are due by October 13, 2026, and will be evaluated based on a weighted system consisting of qualifications and experience at 80 percent and compensation and fees at 20 percent. Award decisions will be based on the best value to the agency. Contract administration will be managed by the TSD Purchasing Manager, with monthly invoicing required no later than thirty days after services are rendered. The agreement includes strict compliance mandates, including a non-discrimination clause and the requirement for all service providers to submit a pre-employment form per Texas Education Code. TSD reserves the right to terminate the contract for convenience with 30 days' written notice or for cause with 15 days' written notice. For awards totaling one million dollars or more, the contractor must file Texas Ethics Committee Form 1295.