Staffing and Management of Alternative Program with ABA Nashua School Districit-SAU 42

Request for Proposals
Staffing and Management of Alternative Program with ABA
Nashua School District - SAU 42
Proposals (written and electronic) must be submitted no later than 2:00 p.m. on
Monday, June 1, 2026.
Proposals will be opened at the SAU 42 Central Office, 141 Ledge Street, Nashua, New
Hampshire. The contents of all proposals will be open to inspection by interested parties, either
at the time of opening or by appointment thereafter.
I. Introduction
The Nashua School District (SAU 42) is seeking proposals from Board Certified Behavior
Analysts (BCBAs) or specialized ABA agencies to develop and implement a comprehensive
alternative educational program and individual support framework for students with
Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder. This programming must prioritize students with limited
verbal communication and high-intensity behavioral support needs using evidence-based
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The goal is to staff and manage a full-day alternative
educational program for students in upper elementary, middle, and high school grades, using
ABA principles to provide specially-designed instruction and related services in accordance with
student IEPs. This program serves around 15 Nashua students at a time, providing a higher
level of behavioral support and adult supervision for students than is typically provided in an In-
District Intensive Needs self-contained classroom. As such, interested parties must have a
demonstrated capacity for staffing and managing special education programs with ten or more
certified full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. Program evaluation and definitions of success for
the selected provider will be based on inputs (e.g., hiring, retention, and attendance of qualified
staff; fidelity of implementation with appropriate curricula and ABA practices), outputs (e.g.,
reliable, consistent delivery of instruction and services), and outcomes (e.g., student progress;
IEP Goals met).
This initiative aligns with the district's Mission "...to provide personalized educational
opportunities and cultivate the skills and perspectives necessary for meaningful contributions to
the community".
II. Background Information
The Nashua School District serves approximately 9,700 students and 2,100 Special education
students across 18 schools, including 12 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools,
and specialized programs for early childhood and students with unique learning needs. The
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district employs over 2,000 staff and is committed to equity, inclusion, and academic and social-
emotional success for all students.
III. Scope of Work
The District seeks a provider to design and manage a program that includes:
Staffing & Supervision: Supervision and management of a comprehensive staffing plan
including one or more FTE Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), one or more FTE
Special Education Teacher, multiple FTEs Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and
specialized training for district paraprofessionals on ABA principles.
Staffing evaluation; classroom evaluations;
Program evaluation including risk assessment, SWOT, ongoing staff
certifications, curriculum, behavioral supports and interventions centered on
positive behavioral supports and parent engagement
Data Systems: Establishment of rigorous daily data collection, systems and graphing
(e.g., frequency, duration, ABC data) to monitor progress and adjust interventions in
real-time.
Specially-Designed Instruction: Implementation of research-based instructional
strategies, using appropriate curricula and resources, to individualize teaching
approaches based on student IEPs.
Community Living and Functional Curriculum with a focus on independence, skill
acquisition and communication
Program Outreach to include student exposure to community living opportunities,
field trips, and educational experiences [increasing stakeholder support and local
opportunities for student growth]
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA): Conduct comprehensive FBAs and develop
data-driven Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for high-needs students.
Communication Programming: Implementation of Functional Communication Training
(FCT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems (e.g., PECS,
speech-generating devices) within an ABA framework.
Direct Instruction: Utilization of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment
Training (NET) to build foundational verbal operant and life skills.
Crisis Intervention: Development & implementation of safe, proactive behavioral de-
escalation protocols and staff training in approved physical management techniques.
Extended School Year (ESY): Provision of ESY instruction and services for all eligible
students in the program, with ESY typically running from early July through early August.
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Fiscal Accountability: Maintenance of accurate, timely records of staff attendance,
service delivery, and program costs, to be provided monthly for invoicing in accordance
with documentation requirements for NSD's Finance Department and the New
Hampshire Education Department (NHED).
Deliverables:
Recruitment, hiring, training, management, and retention of all program staff.
Robust daily attendance, high level of professionalism, and strong work habits for all
program staff as demonstrated through daily attendance logs and periodic program
observations.
Regular, valid evidence of individual student progress and outcomes, as demonstrated
through monthly individual progress reports with graphed behavioral and skill acquisition
data, or similar data gathering and analytical methodologies.
Accurate, timely monthly invoices with backup documentation, presented in a format
which is compatible with the requirements of NSD's Finance Department and NHED's
Bureau of Special Education Support (e.g., NHSEIS reimbursement system).
Exemplary planning, communication, and program implementation to ensure student
safety at all times and maintain a supportive learning environment to meet the individual
needs of every student.
IV. Timeline
Start Date: August 24, 2026
End Date: August 13, 2027
Phased deliverables and milestones will be agreed upon with the selected provider.
V. General Requirements
All vendors must respond in writing and address each requirement within the RFP. Submissions
should be thorough and address how your approach meets the goals of staffing and managing a
full-day alternative educational program for students in upper elementary, middle, and high
school grades, using ABA principles to provide specially-designed instruction and related
services in accordance with student IEPs.
Late proposals will not be considered. All costs related to submission preparation are the
responsibility of the applicant.
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VI. Submittal Requirements
Refer to the original RFP structure for full submittal formatting and content expectations.
Include:
Cover Letter
Acceptance of Conditions
Company/Individual Background
Qualifications and References (specifically in SEB, mental health, education, etc.)
Technical Proposal
Firm Resources
Financial and Litigation Status
Other Supporting Information
Cost Proposal (with lump sum, detailed budget, and rates for additional services)
VII. Evaluation Criteria
Demonstrated expertise in the staffing and management of ABA-based programs in
schools.
Demonstrated capacity to recruit, train, and manage ten or more certified staff in a
program setting, including the capacity to hire and retain certified special education
teachers. Please provide staff retention data for similar past projects if available and/or
provide a description of your approach to meet this criterion.
Experience managing communication and relationships with multiple stakeholders
including District and school leaders, families, and other agencies or contractors.
Extensive knowledge and expertise of special education law and the IEP Team process.
Strength of proposed approach and alignment with district needs
Feasibility of implementation plan and timeline
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Quality of references and record of success in similar districts
Cost-effectiveness and clarity of pricing
VIII. Submission Details
Proposals Due: Monday, June 1, 2026 by 2:00 p.m.
Submit to:
Dr. Mario Andrade
Superintendent
Nashua School District - SAU 42
141 Ledge Street
Nashua, NH 03060
Email: andradem@nashua.edu
Include two (2) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (USB drive or email).
IX. Additional Terms
All general terms, including conflict of interest, insurance, bid protest procedure, and compliance
with applicable laws and district policies, remain as stated in the original RFP document.
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City of Nashua
APPENDIX A - General Terms and Conditions
Any exceptions to these general terms and conditions stated elsewhere in this Request for
Qualifications/Proposals shall prevail.
A-I. Specifications
References to brand names or model numbers are intended only to establish a minimum
standard of quality. Unless otherwise stated, such references shall not restrict submissions
which include other brand names or model numbers.
Any inability to comply with the conditions or specifications outlined in the Request for
Qualifications/ Proposals must be clearly stated.
Firms who find discrepancies in the specifications or are in doubt with regard to any part of a
specification shall immediately notify the District. If it is deemed necessary, an addendum will
be issued to all firms by mail, fax or email. The District will not be responsible for any oral
instructions.
The City of Nashua supports the concept of purchasing products which are biodegradable, can
be or have been recycled, or are environmentally sound. Due consideration will be given to the
purchase of such products. If you are bidding on any such products which qualify, please so
indicate in a cover sheet by item number and description.
A-II. Charges
No charges will be allowed for federal, state, or municipal sales and excise taxes, as the
Nashua School District is tax exempt.
All charges are to be firm net prices, and are to be F.O.B. destination, including charges for
delivery and placement.
A-III. Terms and Conditions of Bid
The Nashua School District reserves the right to waive all formalities and reject any and all
proposals when it is in the best interest of the District to do so.
To be eligible for an award, a proposer must be deemed "responsible". A responsible bidder 1)
has the ability, capacity and skill to provide the goods or services required; 2) can provide the
goods or services within the time frame specified; 3) has a satisfactory record of integrity,
reputation, judgment and experience; 4) has sufficient financial resources to provide the goods
or services; 5) has an ability to provide future maintenance and support as required; and 6) has
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developed a positive track record with the City of Nashua to the extent the bidder has previously
provided goods or services.
From time to time, the District may, because of critical time frames, solicit proposals prior to
approval of the fiscal year operating budget or formal award of special revenue funds actually
funding the bid purchase. The award of a bid is always contingent upon the availability of such
funding.
The submission of a proposal constitutes the bidder's acceptance of and agreement to the
terms and conditions of this Request for Proposals (RFP).
All proposals will be firm and binding for ninety (90) days from the date of the proposal opening.
A-IV. Submission and Opening of Proposals
All proposals receiving consideration must be submitted in sealed envelopes, clearly identified
as directed by this Request for Qualifications/Proposals, and delivered to the Nashua School
District Office located at 141 Ledge Street, Nashua, NH 03060 by the date and time specified.
Provide two (2) copies of your RFP response, along with an electronic file in PDF format on
a labeled USB flash drive.
Samples when required shall be furnished free of charge and must be tagged with the bidder's
name and bid identification. Samples not used or destroyed in testing will be returned to the
bidder at his/her request and expense.
A-V. Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations
All goods or services furnished must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
codes and regulations.
Material Safety Data Sheets are required for all products containing one or more toxic
substances in accordance with the New Hampshire "Worker's Right to Know Act" (Chapter 277-
a). Award of the bid to the successful bidder is contingent on the bidder supplying 20 copies of
the Material Safety Data Sheets to allow for postings at all potential District locations.
A-VI. Independent Contractor
The parties agree that Contractor shall have the status of and shall perform all work under this
contract as an independent contractor, maintaining control over all its consultants, sub
consultants, contractors, or subcontractors. The only contractual relationship created by this
contract is between the City and Contractor, and nothing in this contract shall create any
contractual relationship between the City and Contractor's consultants, sub consultants,
contractors, or subcontractors. The parties also agree that Contractor is not a City employee and
that there shall be no:
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a) Withholding of income taxes by the City:
b) Industrial insurance coverage provided by the City;
c) Participation in group insurance plans which may be available to employees of the City;
d) Participation or contributions by either the independent contractor or the City to the public
employee's retirement system;
e) Accumulation of vacation leave or sick leave provided by the City;
f) Unemployment compensation coverage provided by the City.
A-VI. Hold Harmless Provisions
The winning bidder must agree to defend, hold harmless, and indemnify the City of Nashua, its
officers, agents and employees against all claims or injuries to any person or firm arising out of
the actions of the bidder, its officers, agents, or employees in providing services or goods in
connection with this bid award.
A-VII. Default
Should any goods or services furnished by the bidder under a contract or purchase order fail to
conform to the specifications contained herein or to a sample submitted by the bidder, the
District may reject the goods or services. In such an event, the bidder shall be instructed to
remove any goods or cease providing services at no cost to the District, and replace them with
goods or services conforming to the specifications and samples.
Should the bidder default in the performance of the foregoing paragraph, the District reserves
the right to purchase the goods or services from other sources, and to hold the bidder
responsible for any excess costs occasioned to the District thereby.
A-VIII. Conflict of Interest
Any bidder who believes a conflict of interest may exist in responding to the Request for
Proposals shall so state that conflict as part of the bid submission. The District reserves the
right to reject said bid based on its conclusion that a substantive conflict exists.
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