The Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) and Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) are seeking proposals for the development and administration of shorthand reporter certification examinations. The examination consists of two parts: Part A (dictation) and Part B (written). Proposals can be submitted for one or both parts. The selected contractor will be compensated through examination fees paid directly by examinees. The agreement term is to be defined. Key dates include proposal submission deadline of July 31, 2026. Evaluation criteria include approach to exam development, proposer experience, proposed exam process, exam schedule and locations, and references.
The agreement start date is anticipated to be September 1, 2026.
The selected contractor will receive compensation from examination fees paid by examinees directly to the contractor. Neither OCA nor JBCC will receive examination fees.
Best value will be determined by applying the following criteria: Approach to exam development (20%), Proposer experience and qualification (20%), Proposed exam process (registration, administration, security measures, grading, use of technology) (25%), Exam schedule and locations (25%), References (10%).
Respondents must provide information about their experience and qualifications, including those of employees and contractors who will furnish services. This includes completing the Respondent Questionnaire (Exhibit A) which solicits information about contacts, references, previous contract terminations, experience, and personnel.
Proposals that do not include Exhibit A (Respondent Questionnaire) or Exhibit C (Execution of Proposal) will be disqualified. False statements in these exhibits can also lead to disqualification or voiding of the proposal.
