REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS   Region 9 Education Service Center is requesting competitive sealed proposals for THIRD-PARTY EVALUATION SERVICES OF MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE PROGRAM. For a copy of the proposal specifications contact:   Dana Parrish, Administrative Specialist Phone Number (940) 322-6928 Email dana.parrish@esc9.net   Sealed proposals, clearly marked “THIRD-PARTY EVALUATION RFP #2026-02” on outside of sealed envelope, are due at Region 9 ESC, 301 Loop 11, Wichita Falls, TX, 76306, no later than 3:00 PM (CDT) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Proposals will be opened at Region 9 ESC at 3:15 PM the same day for preliminary review. Negotiations as necessary will take place July 22 – 31, and recommendation for award(s) will be presented to the ESC Board of Directors at their meeting currently scheduled for 12:30 PM, Wednesday, August 26, 2026.   Failure to have a response submitted by the above deadline shall result in the response NOT being considered; fax or other electronic submissions shall NOT be considered. The selection of respondents shall be in accordance with Texas Education Code Chapter 44, if applicable, and Texas Government Code 2254.   REGION 9 ESC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL RESPONSES AND TO WAIVE IRREGULARITIES OR INFORMALITIES AS MAY BE DEEMED IN ITS BEST INTEREST.   WAIVER OF CLAIMS: BY TENDERING A RESPONSE TO THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, THE PROPOSER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS READ AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMITTING A RESPONSE, AND THE PROCESS USED FOR SELECTING A PROVIDER. FURTHER, BY SUBMITTING A RESPONSE, THE PROPOSER FULLY, VOLUNTARILY AND UNDERSTANDINGLY WAIVES AND RELEASES ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AGAINST REGION 9 ESC, OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AGENTS AND/OR EMPLOYEES THAT COULD ARISE OUT OF THE ADMINISTRATION, EVALUATION, OR RECOMMENDATION OF ANY RESPONSE SUBMITTED TO THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.