Questions and Answers 10-5-2026.pdf

City of Philadelphia - Police Department

Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluations

Opportunity # 21260921142528

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

October 5, 2026

Licensure and Staffing

1. Section 3.1 requires the psychological evaluation to be conducted by “a State of Pennsylvania licensed psychologist,” and MPOETC Form MPO-212 (6/2023) must be completed and signed by the examining psychologist. Pennsylvania participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (“PSYPACT”) under Act 19 of 2020, and Section 3.1 expressly permits interviews to be conducted “remotely through an approved telepsychology platform.” Will the City accept evaluations conducted via telepsychology by psychologists holding an active PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT/E.Passport), including completion and signature of Form MPO-212? If not, please confirm that every examining psychologist must hold an individual license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology, and state whether PSYPACT Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) will be accepted for in-person evaluations.

No. Each psychologist conducting evaluations must hold an active individual license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. PSYPACT authority alone will not satisfy this requirement. PSYPACT Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) will not be accepted as a substitute for Pennsylvania licensure.

2. May a psychology group practice or other professional entity apply as a single Applicant and perform the services through multiple qualified psychologists under one contract? If so: (a) must every psychologist who will perform evaluations be identified in the proposal; and (b) may an awarded provider add or substitute qualified psychologists during the contract term with notice to, or approval by, the Police Department?

Yes. A psychology group practice or other professional entity may apply as a single Applicant and provide services through multiple qualified psychologists, provided each psychologist performing evaluations meets all RFP requirements, including Pennsylvania licensure. Psychologists expected to perform services should be identified in the proposal. Additional or substitute psychologists may be proposed during the contract term, subject to Department review and approval before performing services.

3. Section 2.5 states that each provider’s contract will include a not-to-exceed amount per provider per year based on the number of expected applicants. What is the anticipated not-to-exceed amount per provider, and will that amount be scaled to the number of qualified psychologists a provider fields or to the weekly evaluation capacity a provider commits?

The not-to-exceed amount will be established by the City based upon anticipated utilization and available funding. The Department's intent is to maintain sufficient provider capacity to meet hiring demands.

Volume and Scheduling

4. Approximately how many pre-employment psychological evaluations does the Police Department anticipate annually under the resulting contracts, and how many were completed in each of the last two fiscal years? Please also provide the anticipated annual volumes of second evaluations following an initial failure, Review Panel cases, and Act 59 evaluations.

Evaluation volume will fluctuate based upon recruitment and hiring activity. The Department's current hiring plan anticipates approximately nine Police Academy classes annually, with a target of approximately 50 recruits per class. Psychological evaluation volume will exceed the number ultimately hired because candidates may fail, withdraw, require a second evaluation, or proceed to a Review Panel. The Department has also experienced a recent backlog of more than 100 first, second, and Panel evaluations awaiting appointments. 2025 we conducted 1239 evaluations. Act 59 is fewer than 10 but is not a requirement to participate should you choose not to.

5. How many psychologists or providers currently perform these evaluations for the Police

Department, and how many awards does the City anticipate making under this RFP?

The Department currently utilizes multiple psychologists to conduct psychological evaluations. The Department's objective through this RFP is to establish sufficient provider capacity to meet hiring needs and reduce scheduling delays.

6. How will candidates be scheduled and allocated among multiple awarded providers (for example, rotation, provider capacity and availability, report turnaround performance, or candidate preference)? Will providers offering greater weekly capacity, Saturday availability, or faster report turnaround receive proportionally more referrals? Is there a minimum weekly availability each provider must commit, and may providers state a maximum weekly capacity in their proposals?

Candidates will be scheduled based primarily upon provider availability and Department operational needs, with the goal of scheduling psychological evaluations as soon as practicable following completion of the polygraph examination. The Department's goal is to have candidates scheduled for psychological evaluation within approximately one week following completion of the polygraph. Providers should identify their available days, hours, and maximum weekly evaluation capacity in their proposals. Greater availability, including additional weekly capacity, may assist the Department in meeting scheduling needs; however, the Department does not guarantee any minimum number of referrals to a provider.

Evaluation Process

7. Section 3.1 states that candidates who pass the written examination “are required to take the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3).” Please clarify: (a) whether the Police Department administers and scores the MMPI-3 before referral to the psychologist, or whether the provider administers it; (b) if the provider administers it, whether test publisher administration and scoring costs are included in the $350 fixed fee or are borne by the Department; and (c) whether the MMPI-3 may be administered remotely with proctoring by staff under the direct control and supervision of the licensed psychologist, as contemplated by the instructions to Form MPO-212.

(a) The Philadelphia Police Department administers the MMPI-3 and provides the scored results/interpretive report to the provider in advance of the clinical interview. (b) The provider is therefore not responsible for MMPI-3 purchase, administration, or scoring costs. The $350 fixed fee covers the clinical interview/evaluation and preparation of the required state documentation. (c) Not applicable, because the Department administers the MMPI-3.

8. Please confirm that the seventy-five (75) minute requirement in Section 3.1(a) refers to the clinical evaluation session with the candidate, and that review of MMPI-3 results and background information, and preparation of Form MPO-212 and related report materials, occur outside the seventy-five minutes and are included within the $350 fixed fee.

Confirmed. The 75-minute requirement refers to the clinical interview/evaluation session with the candidate. MMPI-3 administration is not included in the 75 minutes.

Review of the MMPI-3 results and other materials and completion of Form MPO-212 and required reporting are included within the fixed evaluation fee.

9. Regarding remote delivery under Section 3.1: (a) who approves the telepsychology platform, and what are the approval criteria and timeline; (b) may a provider conduct all or substantially all clinical interviews remotely at its clinical discretion, with in-person interviews available upon the Department’s or a candidate’s request; and (c) for remote interviews, will candidates appear from a Police Department facility (for example, 400 North Broad Street) or from a location of their choosing?

The RFP permits remote interviews through an approved telepsychology platform. The provider should identify the proposed platform and its security/privacy capabilities for Department review and approval. Remote evaluations may be utilized when operationally appropriate, provided all Pennsylvania licensing, confidentiality, professional practice, and MPOETC requirements are satisfied. The Department should retain the ability to require an in-person evaluation when necessary. Candidates participating remotely would generally participate from a location approved by the Department rather than requiring all remote interviews to originate from a Department facility.

10. Regarding the Review Panel for split decisions (Sections 3.1(b) and 3.2): what constitutes a “split decision”; who convenes and comprises the Panel; may Panel members participate remotely;

and is the $175 fee paid per evaluation reviewed to each participating psychologist?

A split decision occurs when the psychological evaluators reviewing a candidate do not reach a consistent determination regarding the candidate's psychological suitability. The Review Panel process will be coordinated by the Department in accordance with its established psychological evaluation procedures. The $175 rate applies to each psychologist's participation in the Review Panel evaluation/review, as applicable.

Panel composition and remote participation should be confirmed against the final RFP language before issuing the response.

11. Are second evaluations following an initial psychological failure assigned to a different provider than the provider who performed the first evaluation, and how are they assigned?

Yes. A second psychological evaluation following an initial failure should be conducted by a psychologist other than the psychologist who performed the initial evaluation.

Assignment will be coordinated by the Department based upon provider availability and scheduling requirements.

12. For Act 59 evaluations (44 Pa.C.S. §§ 7201–7204; Form MPO-214): what annual volume does the Department anticipate; what response time is required (for example, within 30 days of a lethal-force incident); may these evaluations be conducted via telepsychology; and do they follow the same $350 fee and two-week reporting requirement as pre-employment evaluations?

Act 59 evaluations are included at the established $350 fixed rate, covering the clinical evaluation/interview and completion of the required state form. Providers may elect not to provide Act 59 evaluations. The anticipated annual volume and required response timeframe should be confirmed by the Department. Any use of telepsychology must comply with applicable Pennsylvania and MPOETC requirements and Department approval.

13. Section 3.1 invites Applicants to propose additional or revised services. May a provider administer supplemental validated instruments — for example, a structured personal history questionnaire completed by the candidate before the interview — at no additional cost to the City or to candidates, provided all MMPI-3, structured interview, and MPOETC requirements are met?

Yes, subject to Department approval. An awarded provider may propose supplemental validated instruments or structured questionnaires at no additional cost to the City or candidate, provided they do not replace or conflict with the Department-required MMPI-3, structured clinical interview, MPOETC requirements, or Department procedures. Any supplemental instrument should be identified and approved by the Department before implementation.

Administration

14. Will the Police Department provide the writeable PDF report forms, Form MPO-212, and candidate background materials in advance of the contract start? Are there provider onboarding requirements (for example, fingerprinting, background check, CJIS or facility access and badging) that must be completed before evaluations may begin on or about October 19, 2026?

The Department will provide the applicable MPOETC forms, MMPI-3 results/interpretive information, and Department-required candidate information necessary to conduct the evaluation. Any additional onboarding, information-security, facility-access, confidentiality, or background requirements will be communicated to awarded providers before services begin.

15. Given that the Office of Economic Opportunity has set no SBE or LBE participation ranges for this

Project (SLBP Appendix 1) and the services must be performed personally by licensed psychologists, please confirm that a completed Appendix 2 Solicitation & Participation Form, together with a written statement on letterhead of the rationale for self-performing (as provided in the SLBP’s Best and Good Faith Efforts documentation provisions), satisfies the SLBP responsiveness requirement.

This will be determined by the Office of Economic Opportunity in the evaluation process.

• Who is the incumbent provider? We have multiple providers

• Approximately how many psychological evaluations were performed annually over the past three years? 1239 last year

• What volume of evaluations is anticipated during the initial contract year? 1400

• How does the City distribute cases among multiple awarded contractors? Is allocation based on capacity, performance, geography, rotation, or another method? Schedule availability

• Are all psychologists required to be specifically identified in the proposal, or may additional licensed psychologists be added after award? Must be identified and must have a PA license

• Must all evaluations be conducted by licensed psychologists, or may portions of the intake, testing administration, scheduling, or report preparation be performed by trained support staff under psychologist supervision? Yes

• Are subcontracted/1099 psychologists permitted? If so, are there any restrictions on their use? To be determined

• Will the City provide access to the MMPI-3 instrument, scoring platform, and related licenses, or is the contractor responsible for obtaining and maintaining these resources? Yes, the City will provide

• Will the City provide candidate background packets in a standardized format? Yes

• Beyond the MPOETC Form MPO-212 and ACT 59 requirements, are there any

Philadelphia Police Department-specific report templates or documentation requirements? No

• What percentage of candidates historically require second psychological evaluations or ACT 59 evaluations? About 40%

• The RFP permits remote interviews through an approved telepsychology platform.

What platforms are considered approved? Whatever the provide proves and conforms to telehealth standards

• Will the City require in-person evaluations in certain circumstances? Sometimes

• Is there an expected percentage of evaluations to be conducted remotely versus in person? No

• Can the City provide additional details regarding the Review Panel process for split decisions? In order to evaluate a fail at first and pass on 2nd, a panel review is conducted to review findings and a decision is made by the panel.

• How frequently have Review Panels been required over the past three years?

Every 6 weeks

• How many clinicians typically participate in a Review Panel? 5

• Is the $175 Review Panel compensation paid per meeting, per case, or per participant? Per case

• Will the City provide examination space at 400 North Broad Street, or is the contractor expected to provide its own office location? Yes

• If contractor facilities are permitted, are there geographic limitations or proximity requirements? Within 15 miles to 400 N Broad Street

• Who is responsible for candidate scheduling, rescheduling, and no-show management? Police Personnel schedules dates and times based on vendor schedule availability

• Are providers compensated for late cancellations or candidate no-shows? No

• What is the anticipated annual not-to-exceed amount for each awarded provider?

To be determined based on provider availability

• How many providers does the City anticipate awarding under this solicitation? 10

• Does the City anticipate expanding psychological evaluation services beyond pre-employment screenings during the contract term, such as fitness-for-duty or other officer psychological assessments? No

1. Will the Philadelphia Police Department administer the MMPI-3 to candidates, or is the selected provider responsible for administering it?

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) will administer the MMPI-3 and provide the results to the selected provider. The provider will be responsible for conducting the clinical interview and completing the required Commonwealth of Pennsylvania form.

2. If the Philadelphia Police Department administers the MMPI-3, will the provider receive scored results and interpretive reports, and in what format and timeframe before the scheduled evaluation?

Yes. The provider will receive the MMPI-3 report in advance of the candidate's scheduled clinical interview.

3. If the provider is responsible for administration of the MMPI-3, will the Philadelphia Police Department supply testing space, computers, and the MMPI-3 scoring license, or must the provider supply these?

Not applicable. PPD will administer the MMPI-3.

4. Are MMPI-3 test purchase and scoring costs included in the $350 fixed rate per evaluation, or reimbursed separately?

No. PPD is responsible for administering and scoring the MMPI-3. The $350 fixed rate is for the clinical interview, evaluation, and preparation of the required Commonwealth of Pennsylvania form.

5. Does the 75-minute evaluation time referenced in Section 3.1(a) include MMPI-3 administration, or only the clinical interview and determination?

The 75-minute evaluation period applies to the clinical interview and determination. It does not include administration of the MMPI-3, which is completed separately by PPD.

6. Section 3.2 states the $350 rate also applies to "second psychological test failures." Please clarify what this service involves (e.g., a re-evaluation of a candidate who was previously found unsuitable) and whether it includes re-administration of the MMPI-3.

PPD utilizes a second-review process for candidates who do not successfully complete their initial clinical psychological evaluation. The second evaluation is conducted by a different psychologist. The MMPI-3 is not re-administered. PPD will provide the second psychologist with the candidate's existing MMPI-3 results for use in conducting the second clinical evaluation.

7. How many evaluations did the Philadelphia Police Department conduct last year, and how many does it expect this year?

PPD conducted approximately 1,239 psychological evaluations during the previous year. Actual annual volume may vary based on applicant volume and Department hiring needs.

8. How many providers are anticipated to be awarded?

PPD anticipates awarding contracts to multiple qualified providers.

9. Is there a minimum number of referrals, or how will candidates be distributed among providers?

There is no guaranteed minimum number of referrals to an individual provider. Candidate assignments will primarily depend on provider availability and PPD's scheduling needs. PPD conducts psychological evaluations on a daily basis, and providers typically evaluate approximately three to five candidates per day, depending on their availability and schedule.

10. Roughly how many ACT 59 evaluations and Review Panel sessions are expected?

PPD anticipates a limited number of ACT 59 evaluations and Review Panel sessions.

Participation in ACT 59 evaluations is not required for a provider to participate in the contract.

A qualified provider may elect to provide only pre-employment psychological evaluation services.

11. Must every psychologist who conducts evaluations under the contract hold a Pennsylvania license, or will PSYPACT authorization or licensure in another state be accepted for telepsychology evaluations?

Yes. Each psychologist conducting evaluations under this contract must be a psychologist licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PSYPACT is not authorized.

12. Please confirm whether psychological testing and interviews may be conducted at the provider's office or practice location, provided the location is within a reasonable distance (less than four miles) of the Recruitment/Background Investigations Unit located at 400 N. Broad Street, 4th Floor, Suite 117, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Yes. Psychological interviews/evaluations may be conducted at the provider's office or practice location, provided the location is within a reasonable distance of the Recruitment/Background Investigations Unit, including a location within approximately 10 miles of 400 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Act 59 Evaluations: The RFP provides a fixed $350 rate for Act 59 evaluations. Please clarify whether the services contemplated at this rate are limited to the evaluation and reporting requirements prescribed by Act 59/MPOETC, or whether PPD expects the selected provider to conduct any broader fitness-for-duty evaluation when an Act 59 evaluation results from a referral by the Chief of Police or other supervising officer.

The fixed $350 rate applies specifically to the evaluation and reporting requirements prescribed by Act 59 and MPOETC.

PPD does not expect the provider, under this fixed rate, to conduct a broader or separate fitness-for-duty evaluation solely because the Act 59 evaluation resulted from a referral by the Chief of Police or another supervising officer.

Any fitness-for-duty evaluation or other psychological assessment beyond the requirements of Act 59/MPOETC would be considered outside the scope of the Act 59 evaluation contemplated by this rate. Providers please confirm your understanding of this.

1. Pennsylvania Licensure / PSYPACT

No. Psychologists conducting pre-employment psychological evaluations under this contract must be licensed psychologists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, consistent with the requirements established by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). Authorization to practice telepsychology in Pennsylvania through PSYPACT does not satisfy this requirement.

2. 75-Minute Evaluation Requirement

The 75-minute requirement applies to the in-person evaluation/interview process only.

It is not intended to include the administration of the MMPI-3, review and interpretation of psychological testing or relevant background information, or preparation and completion of the required MPOETC documentation.

Additionally, applicants may submit a proposal to provide pre-employment psychological evaluations only and may elect not to provide Act 59 psychological evaluations. Applicants are not required to provide both services in order to submit a proposal.