Title
Human Resources Department recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that it is more feasible and economical to engage an outside contractor for the provision of specialized personnel services in accordance with Ordinance 3.13.040;
2) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute Agreement 3509 with Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Law Corporation for personnel investigations and mediation services on an “as requested” basis for a total amount not-to-exceed $210,000 and for a term of three (3) years from the date of final execution; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute Amendments which do not increase the maximum obligation or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: General Fund and non-General Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Human Resources receives complaints of alleged misconduct in the workplace, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by County employees. Pursuant to Section 111.2 of the County Personnel Rules, Code of Ethics, Commitment to County Public Service, and Respectful Workplace, Human Resources receives and provides for investigations of these complaints. The department has contracted with outside vendors when special skills and qualifications are involved in the performance of the work, when it is necessary to protect against a conflict of interest and obtain an outside perspective to make independent and unbiased findings, or when it is otherwise necessary to ensure a prompt and thorough investigation and resolution of the complaints filed. The nature of the work involves temporary, occasional, and urgent services.
Currently, the County has only one contract for as-needed investigation and mediation services.
Selection Process
In April 2018, at the request of Human Resources, the Procurement and Contracts Division of the Chief Administrative Office issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with rates for Investigation and Mediation Services. Ten (10) responses were received and considered qualified...
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