RFP #476: Impartial Hearing Officer Training and Complaint Investigations

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) seeks qualified vendors to provide professional‑development training and technical assistance for certified Impartial Hearing Officers (IHOs) across New York State, as well as to conduct investigations of complaints alleging misconduct or incompetence of IHOs. Up to two separate contracts may be awarded—one for the training component (Part I) and one for the investigation component (Part II). Each contract runs from December 1 2026 to September 30 2029. The scope includes virtual certification trainings, mandatory four‑hour trainings, subject‑matter‑expert webinars, ongoing technical support, bi‑monthly contract‑manager meetings, and, for investigations, up to 25 complaint investigations per year with a 60‑day turnaround on findings. The agency requires strict compliance with mandatory attorney qualifications, a 30 % subcontracting ceiling, and Minority/Women‑Owned Business Enterprise participation goals. Bidders must submit a suite of electronic documents by October 16 2026, including technical and cost proposals, M/WBE documentation, and various certifications. • Provide up to two live/virtual IHO certification trainings per year and two mandatory four‑hour virtual trainings, all recorded and submitted in an accessible format. • Deliver SME support (8 hours/year) and ongoing technical assistance (≈ 416 hours/year) with a 24‑hour response window. • Conduct up to 25 IHO complaint investigations annually, delivering written findings within 60 calendar days of request. • Meet NYSED’s M/WBE participation goals (30 % overall) and limit subcontracting to 30 % of the total budget.