Vocational Rehabilitation Impartial Hearing Officers

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has issued solicitation number 3202600207 to secure qualified Impartial Hearing Officers (IHO) to preside over formal hearings and mediations. These services support Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) customer appeals and Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) grievances, ensuring fair and neutral due process in compliance with the Texas Administrative Code and the Randolph-Sheppard Act. The contract is for a one-year term with the option for TWC to renew for four additional one-year periods. Services are provided on an as-needed basis, and subcontracting is strictly prohibited. IHOs are required to hold hearings within sixty days of a request and issue written decisions containing findings of fact and conclusions of law within thirty days of the hearing. The selection process is based on best value, with a heavy emphasis on past performance, qualifications, and experience (60%) and writing samples (40%). To qualify, respondents must have at least two years of professional experience in managing complex disputes or presiding over formal proceedings and must maintain a satisfactory rating on the Vendor Performance Tracking System. Compensation follows a fixed-fee schedule, including $125.00 per hour for IHO services, $50.00 per hour for travel time exceeding 50 miles, and $200.00 per day for required training, with travel expenses reimbursed at state rates. Successful vendors must adhere to strict data protection standards, including mandatory cybersecurity training and a formal Data Use Agreement to protect confidential and sensitive information. All responses must be submitted electronically via the TWC Procurement Portal by the October 27, 2026, deadline.