RFP 13298_BuyNet.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 13298

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION SURVEY SERVICES

SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

A. KEY INFORMATION

1. The County of San Diego is seeking proposals from firms interested in providing Classification and Compensation

Survey Services.

2. The contract term is anticipated to be an initial (base) period of one (1) year with four (4) one-year options.

3. The County has posted this solicitation on its official BuyNet website at https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/. In order to see all information related to this RFP, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

4. The Contracting Officer for this solicitation is Joseph Hirschy, Procurement Contracting Officer

(Josephr.hirschy@sdcounty.ca.gov).

5. Schedule: This timeline is subject to change at any time, at the County’s sole discretion. The County will issue an addendum for changes to the Pre-Proposal Conference date, Questions due date, or Proposal due date.

Event Description Date and Time (San Diego Time)

Pre-Proposal Conference October 1, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Questions due October 14, 2026 prior to 5:00 p.m.

Proposals due November 6, 2026 prior to 3:00 p.m.

6. Pre-Proposal Conference. The County will hold a pre-proposal conference by Video/Teleconference using the

Microsoft Teams platform on the Date and Time listed in the Schedule. To participate, join the virtual conference here or at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e9d0e2b5-bad6-4238-918d-ab843154f7a9@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog. The County will provide an overview of the RFP process and may provide a program/technical overview and other information.

7. Questions:

7.1. Offerors should submit all Questions, including requests for clarification related to definition or interpretation of this RFP, in writing by the Date and Time specified in the Schedule. Questions should be submitted via

BuyNet, by sending a message to the Contracting Officer through the “Discussions” functionality.

7.2. Non-Offerors should direct inquiries regarding this solicitation to the Contracting Officer.

8. Table of Contents:

A. Key Information

B. RFP Instructions and Rules

C. Evaluation Criteria

D. Submittal Items

E. Required Forms

F. Statement of Work

G. Payment Schedule

H. Draft Agreement

MAGGIE RAMSBERGER

INTERIM DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING

5560 OVERLAND AVENUE, SUITE 270, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1204

Phone (858) 505-6367 Fax (858) 715-6452

BRENDA G. MILLER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/ mailto:Josephr.hirschy@sdcounty.ca.gov https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e9d0e2b5-bad6-4238-918d-ab843154f7a9@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e9d0e2b5-bad6-4238-918d-ab843154f7a9@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e9d0e2b5-bad6-4238-918d-ab843154f7a9@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP 13298)

COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION SURVEY SERVICES

B. RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES

1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

1.1. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to submit a proposal based on the most current RFP, addenda thereto, responses to Questions, any other information posted on BuyNet, and any diligence material made available by the

County. Offerors are advised to regularly check BuyNet for information. The County has no obligation to contact Offerors directly with any such RFP-related information.

1.1.1. In order to see all information related to this RFP, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

1.2. Forms required to be submitted with Offerors response to this RFP are included in this RFP or posted on the

County’s web site at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html.

1.2.1. Posted forms may be updated from time to time. Unless otherwise specified, offerors may submit the version of a form in place as of the date of the posting of this RFP or any later version.

1.3. Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to obtain all necessary documents and forms, resolve any technical difficulties obtaining or completing documents or forms, and, if necessary, obtain documents and forms by an alternate method. If you are unable to download documents or forms, you may request a hard copy or technical assistance from Purchasing and Contracting’s front desk or contact clerical support at (858) 505-

6367.

1.4. Offeror must submit a complete original proposal in accordance with the format provided in this solicitation to the County of San Diego, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, through electronic upload to BuyNet before the Date and Time listed in Schedule.

1.4.1. If Offeror is unable to submit via BuyNet for any reason, Offeror may submit by providing the

Purchasing and Contracting front desk with either (i) electronic files on CD/DVD or, (ii) a printed proposal. Offeror must prominently mark such submissions with the RFP number on the outside of the packaging. Please use this method only if unable to submit through BuyNet.

1.4.2. When submitting via BuyNet, Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to submit by an alternate method in the event of technical difficulties.

1.4.3. For proposals submitted electronically through BuyNet, the time on the BuyNet server shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.4. For proposals submitted at the Purchasing and Contracting front desk, the time stamp at the front desk shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.5. In the event of multiple submittals of an original proposal by an Offeror, the County will only consider the most recent submittal submitted before the due date and time. The County will not review or consider previous submittals, whether submitted at the front desk or through BuyNet.

Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit only one original proposal and to withdraw or replace any previous submittals in the event they update their proposal. Proposals may be found non-conforming if the County is unable to determine which proposal is the most recent, timely submittal.

1.5. A proposal that is untimely or otherwise not submitted in conformance with 1.4 above will not be considered for award unless: it is received before award is made; the County determines that it is in its best interest to accept the proposal; and

1.5.1. It is determined by the County that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the County, or

1.5.2. No timely and conforming proposal was submitted.

1.6. Proposals may not be modified after the due date, except for modifications resulting from the Contracting

Officer’s request for a revised proposal, Best and Final Offer (BAFO), or an addendum to the proposal.

1.7. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice signed by a duly authorized representative of Offeror if received prior to Notice of Intent to Award. After Notice of Intent to Award, all proposals constitute firm offers, subject to negotiation, that will remain open and cannot be revoked, withdrawn, or modified for a period of six (6) months.

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html

1.7.1. All proposals become the property of the County upon submission. An Offeror may request the return of its proposal upon withdrawal, which return the County may grant or deny in its sole discretion.

1.8. By submitting a proposal, Offeror agrees to these RFP Instructions and Rules and all other terms of this RFP.

2. QUESTIONS

2.1. Offerors shall direct requests for explanation regarding the RFP or related documents to the Contracting Officer in writing as a question (“Question”). Submit Questions by sending a message to the Contracting Officer through the “Discussions” functionality in BuyNet.

2.2. The County may choose not to respond to Questions received after the date and time stated Schedule. Offeror is responsible for ensuring that Questions are received by the County.

3. PROPOSAL FORMAT

3.1. Submit electronic proposals as files in .pdf format, except where specified otherwise. For pages other than signature pages, converted and searchable formats are preferred.

3.2. Proposals shall be formatted to print on 8-1/2” x 11” page size, with no less than ½” margins and eleven (11) point font and to be suitable for black and white reproduction with no loss of information.

3.3. All proposals shall be signed with a handwritten signature by an authorized officer or employee of the Offeror.

3.3.1. Electronic or digital signatures will not be accepted.

3.3.2. Pages requiring signatures must be scanned from an original handwritten signature. If Offerors are unable to submit a .pdf with scanned signatures, Offerors may optionally submit clear pictures of signature pages containing original handwritten signatures.

4. PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

4.1. Your proposal must be organized in accordance with the Submittal Items in this RFP.

4.1.1. Content shall be organized to correspond to the applicable exhibit and question or item within each exhibit.

4.1.2. Offerors shall separate each exhibit into one or more files, clearly named as to the exhibit and order.

4.1.3. Pages shall be consecutively numbered within each exhibit at the bottom or top margin of each page.

4.1.4. Cost/Price information:

4.1.4.1. All cost and pricing information must be contained within Cost/Price exhibit and be inclusive of all proposed compensation. No price data is to be included in the

Program/Technical or other exhibits.

4.2. Confidential/Proprietary information:

4.2.1. The County is a public agency subject to the California Public Records Act, Government Code §

7920.000, et seq. Some or all of the documents submitted in response to this RFP may be subject to disclosure, and the County intends to publish any resulting contracts to its public website.

4.2.2. It is Offeror's responsibility to identify and separate into a "CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit and to provide a signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement for:

4.2.2.1. all confidential information that should be protected from disclosure, including PI (Personal

Information), PII (Personally Identifiable Information), or PHI (Protected Health

Information), and

4.2.2.2. any proprietary or other information Offeror determines is exempt from disclosure under the

California Public Records Act and wishes to protect from disclosure.

4.2.3. The “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit must be clearly labeled with all pages marked as

“CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY”

4.2.4. Refence material in the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit where it is needed to respond to a Submittal Item (for example “See response 1 contained within the

“CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit” for staff Social Security numbers”).

4.2.5. If the County determines that a submission improperly designates information as confidential or proprietary, the County may, at its sole discretion: (i) deem the information releasable; (ii) declare the submission non-conforming/non-responsive; (iii) remove such information, or (iv) take any other appropriate action. (Note: pricing and terms and conditions are generally not considered confidential under the California Public Records Act).

5. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

5.1. Evaluations shall be based on the criteria contained in the Evaluation Criteria and Submittal Items to determine the proposals(s) that provide the best value to the County.

5.2. The County shall have the discretion, but not the obligation, to construe any submission as non-conforming and ineligible for consideration if it does not conform to the requirements of this Request for Proposals. The County shall also have the discretion to waive any irregularities or deviations from the requirements of this Request for

Proposals in any submission.

5.3. Small-Local Business preference: In accordance with Section 405 of the San Diego County Code of

Administrative Ordinances, when evaluating competing proposals, the County will give a fifteen percent (15%) price preference to offerors that meet the definition of a Small-Local Business set forth in Board Policy B-53 and that have completed the Small-Local Business Self-Certification Form.

The price preference will be applied to the proposed price portion of the evaluation only. Fifteen percent (15%) or one hundred and fifty-thousand dollars ($150,000), whichever is less (“Price Adjustment”), shall be subtracted from any Small-Local Business’s proposed price being evaluated for award (“Adjusted Price”). A

Small-Local Business’s Adjusted Price shall be the basis for evaluating the proposal’s price. Contract award will be made to the proposer(s) providing the best value to the County after consideration of the price preference and will be made at the unadjusted price. For example, a Small-Local Business submitting a proposal for

$100,000 would be evaluated as if the proposed price was $85,000. If, based on the Adjusted Price, the Small-

Local Business is evaluated to be the best value, the Small-Local Business would be awarded a contract at the unadjusted price of $100,000.

5.4. Reserved.

5.5. During evaluation, County may appropriately consider the sustainability and social, human health, environmental, and economic impact of Offeror’s proposed products and approach to providing goods and services, in accordance with Board Policy B-67. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant information in their proposals.

5.6. During evaluation, the County may appropriately evaluate the cultural competency of Offeror and Offeror’s proposed approach to providing goods and services. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant information in their proposals.

5.7. When evaluating an Offeror’s cost or pricing, the County may also consider the effect of the proposal on the overall total cost to the County.

5.8. In evaluating an Offeror’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP and any resulting contract, the County may also consider any parent, subsidiary, or related legal entity of Offeror, including, without limitation, a legal entity that Offeror acquired or merged with or will use as a guarantor in providing services to the County.

6. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.1. Proposals received, including any additions, revisions, and clarifications, will be evaluated by a Source

Selection Committee (SSC) appointed by a Source Selection Authority(s) (SSA). The County may evaluate information known to the County, in addition to the information provided in response to the RFP.

6.2. The County reserves the right to request clarification and/or additional information (“Clarification”) from

Offerors. The Contracting Officer will determine the appropriate means of requesting and obtaining

Clarification, which may include telephonic communication, email, letter, presentation, oral interview, or an addendum or revision to the proposal. The County may invite Offerors to make presentations to, or participate in interviews with, the County at a date, time, and location determined by the County. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County is not obligated to seek Clarification, therefore Offerors are advised to submit complete and accurate information in their proposals.

6.3. At any point in the evaluation process, the County may determine that a proposal is unacceptable in any area or that a proposal is no longer in the competitive range, and no longer consider it for award. In such cases, the

Contracting Officer will attempt to notify the Offeror.

6.4. At any point in the evaluation process, the County may hold discussions with one or more Offerors in the competitive range. Discussions may include requests for revised proposals, Best and Final Offers (BAFOs), or addenda to the proposal that may contain additional selection factors.

6.5. The SSC may recommend to the SSA that award be made to one or more Offerors. After receipt and approval of the SSA’s decision, the County will post a Notice of Intent to Award (NOI).

6.6. Upon posting of the NOI, the County will enter into contract finalization negotiations with the selected

Offeror(s) and, upon successful completion, award a contract(s).

6.7. The County may rescind or modify the NOI at any time due to unsuccessful negotiations or if the County otherwise determines that it is in its best interest to do so.

6.8. Reserve.

6.9. The actual timing and sequence of events resulting from this RFP shall ultimately be determined by the County, in its sole discretion. The County may, at any time cancel this RFP, reject all proposals, restart evaluations, modify or replace the membership of the SSC, or correct any deficiencies in the procurement process or evaluation.

7. DEBRIEF AND REVIEW OF CONTRACT FILES

7.1. After an Offeror has been notified by the Contracting Officer that that Offeror’s proposal is no longer being considered for award, the Offeror may request a debriefing from the Contracting Officer. For debriefings held prior to contract execution, the Offeror will be limited to a review of the information pertaining to the County’s evaluation of their own proposal, in accordance with Section 9.4 of these RFP Instructions and Rules. After contract execution, debriefings may include review of other proposals, the Source Selection Committee Report, and other releasable documents.

8. PROTEST PROCEDURE

8.1. Board Policy A-97 sets forth the procedures for the filing and resolution of protests related to this RFP. Board

Policy A-97 is available from the Clerk of the Board, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101, or on the

County’s website at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/ocd.html .

8.2. All protests must be filed in accordance with Board Policy A-97, which requires, among other things, that a protest must be filed timely, be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer identified in the solicitation package and be based on a protestable action and established grounds for protest.

9. COUNTY COMMITMENT

9.1. This RFP does not commit the County to award a contract, nor does it commit the County to pay any of

Offeror’s costs incurred in the preparation or submission of the proposal. Further, no reimbursable cost may be incurred in anticipation of a contract award.

9.2. Neither Offeror nor any of its representatives shall have any claims whatsoever against the County or any of its respective officials, agents, or employees arising out of or relating to this RFP or these procedures (other than those arising under a definitive contract with Offeror in accordance with the terms thereof).

9.3. The County reserves the right to separately procure the same or similar goods or services.

9.4. The County may withhold all information regarding this procurement until after negotiations are complete, including, but not limited to: the number of proposals received; the identity of Offeror(s); the content of proposals; the County’s evaluation and results thereof; and, the identity of the members of the SSC. Information https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/ocd.html releasable after the conclusion of negotiations is subject to the disclosure requirements and withholding exemptions of the California Public Records Act.

9.5. Pursuant to County Charter §§ 703.10 and 916, award of a contract resulting from this RFP may be subject to the County’s requirement to determine that the services can be provided more economically and efficiently by an independent contractor than by persons employed in the Classified Service

9.6. In the event that an Offeror is involved in a merger, acquisition, or other change in control, the County reserves the right to award a contract to a resulting entity.

10. DILIGENCE AND DUTY TO INQUIRE

10.1. Should an Offeror find discrepancies in or omissions from, or be in doubt as to the meaning of, the RFP or related documents, Offeror shall have a duty to submit a Question to the County.

10.2. Offerors are expected to perform reasonable due diligence with regard to this RFP and the work required, including, but not limited to, information that is publicly or otherwise reasonably available and, if applicable, information that can be obtained during a site visit (including verification of measurements, conditions, and other attributes). Neither the selected Offeror(s), nor any Offerors, shall be entitled to any price adjustment or other relief based upon information that was discovered or should have been discovered through due diligence.

10.3. The County makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any diligence material or other information provided by the County or any of its agents, representatives, contractors or consultants. Such information may reflect good faith assumptions, estimates, or projections, which may or may not prove to be correct.

10.4. Offeror should not rely upon oral statements made or explanations given by the County, including any oral responses to Questions or other inquiries. No prior, current, or post award communication(s) with any officer, agent, or employee of the County shall affect or modify any terms or requirements of this RFP, except as explicitly provided for in this RFP.

11. OFFEROR COMMUNICATIONS

11.1. All communications from the Offeror (including its employees, agents, and representatives) to the County or its officers and employees (including consultants working on or assisting with this procurement), related to this

RFP or the Offeror’s proposal, must be directed in writing exclusively to the Contracting Officer, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. Offerors shall not communicate with or attempt to contact any other County personnel about this solicitation, except as otherwise allowed for in this RFP or by law. Any improper contact may, at the County’s sole discretion, cause the Offeror to be removed from consideration for contract award.

11.2. If Offeror issues any public announcement, or otherwise engages in communication that, in the County’s sole determination, compromises the integrity of this RFP process or attempts to restrain competition, Offeror may be removed from consideration for award.

11.3. Audio and/or video recording of pre-proposal conferences, presentations, discussions, negotiations, debriefings, or other communications with the County regarding this RFP are prohibited, unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

12. SOLICITING EMPLOYEES

12.1. Until contract award, Offerors shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any employee of the County to leave the

County’s employ in order to accept employment with the Offeror, its affiliates, actual or prospective contractors, or any person acting in concert with the Offeror without prior written approval of the County’s

Contracting Officer. This paragraph does not prevent the employment by an Offeror of a County employee who has initiated contact with the Offeror.

13. PROHIBITED CONTRACTS AND SUBCONTRACTS

13.1. In accordance with Section 67 of the San Diego County Administrative Code, the County shall not contract with, and shall reject any bid or proposal submitted by the person or entities specified below, unless the Board of Supervisors finds that special circumstances exist which justify the approval of such contract:

13.1.1. Persons employed by the County or of public agencies for which the Board of Supervisors is the governing body;

13.1.2. Profit making firms or businesses in which employees described in subsection 13.1.1 serve as officers, principals, partners or major shareholders;

13.1.3. Persons who, within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months, came within the provisions of subsection 13.1.1, and who (1) were employed in positions of substantial responsibility in the area of service to be performed by the contract, or (2) participated in any way in developing the contract or its service specifications; and

13.1.4. Profit making firms or businesses in which the former employees described in subsection 13.1.3 serve as officers, principals, partners or major shareholders.

13.2. Per Board Policy A-79, a successful Offeror that is a non-profit corporation shall not subcontract any work under the agreement with a related for-profit subcontractor where an interlocking directorate, management, or ownership relationship exists, unless specifically authorized by the Board of Supervisors.

13.3. Offeror certifies that if awarded a contract under this RFP, such contract will be in compliance with Sections

13.1 and 13.2 above. Offeror shall promptly notify the County of any change in circumstance affecting these provisions.

14. CALIFORNIA REVENUE & TAXATION CODE § 18662

14.1. In compliance with California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18662, if Offeror is a non-resident of California

(out-of-state invoices) that receives California source income and has not completed Franchise Tax Board Form

590, there may be a backup withholding on all payments. Fifteen (15) business days prior to the first payment from the County, new suppliers, or suppliers with expired forms or forms with incorrect information, must submit new forms to the County (forms are available from the Franchise Tax Board website listed below).

14.2. Under certain circumstances, Offerors may be eligible for reduced or waived nonresident withholding. If

Offeror has already received a waiver or a reduced withholding response from the State of California and the response remains valid, Offeror should submit the response to the County in lieu of the forms. Failure to submit the required forms will result in withholding of payments. Offerors should access the Franchise Tax Board websites, listed below, for tax forms and relevant information regarding non-resident withholding, including waivers or reductions. The County will not give Offerors any tax advice. It is recommended that Offerors speak with their tax advisers and/or the State of California for guidance.

Franchise Tax Board Websites:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/search/

14.3. If selected for award, the Offeror must submit applicable forms to the Auditor & Controller via fax, at (858)

694-2060, or mail originals to: County of San Diego, 5530 Overland Avenue, Suite 410, San Diego, CA 92123.

The P.O. Number or Contract Number (if available) and “California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18662” must appear on fax cover sheet and/or the outside of the mailing envelope.

15. W-9 FORM

15.1. If selected for award, the Offeror must complete and submit a W-9 form if a current form is not on file with the

County.

(Remainder of this page left blank) https://www.ftb.ca.gov/ https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/search/

C. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria listed below are in descending order of importance by paragraph, not subparagraph, and will be considered in the evaluation of the Offeror’s written and oral proposals accordingly. Proposals should give clear, concise information in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation based on these criteria.

Required Forms are included in the evaluation criteria. Failure to satisfy these required forms will be considered disqualifying, and the proposal will not be considered for award.

Criteria Key factors include extent to which:

Organizational

Capability, Experience and Qualifications

• Offeror’s proposal demonstrates relevant experience and knowledge providing the same or similar services with success as outlined in the SOW.

• Offeror demonstrates financial stability to fulfill the requirements of the

SOW.

Technical Approach • Offeror’s acceptance of the proposed Exhibit A, Statement of Work (SOW).

• The Offeror’s proposed methodology and approach demonstrate the ability to meet the requirements, goals, and outcome objectives in the SOW.

• The Offeror demonstrates effective measures taken toward sustainable and energy efficient operations.

Cost/Price • Price reasonableness to support the program.

• Offeror’s proposal provides stable, comprehensive and predictable pricing that limits pricing risk or variance to the County.

Acceptance of County’s

Terms and Conditions and Insurance

• The acceptance or non-acceptance of the terms and conditions, including insurance, and the extent to which any exceptions increase risk to the

County.

D. SUBMITTAL ITEMS

Offeror’s response to these Submittal Items shall be no more than thirty (30) pages, excluding financials or sample reports.

1) EXHIBIT 1 - REQUIRED FORMS

1.1. Submit a completed and signed Offeror’s Cover Page (PC600) form

• Required for all Offerors

• Located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC600_dpc_Offerors_Cover_Page.pdf

1.2. Submit a completed and signed Representations and Certifications form (PC601)

• Required for all Offerors

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC601_dpc_Reps_and_Certs.pdf

1.3. Submit a completed and signed Small-Local Business Self-Certification Form (PC610)

• Required if claiming Small-Local Business Preference; All other Offerors are encouraged to complete this form to support County data collection.

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC610_dpc_Small_Local_Self_Cert.pdf

1.4. Submit a completed and signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement (PC620) (if applicable).

• Required if submitting Confidential/Proprietary Information (see RFP Instructions and Rules section 4.2)

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.p df

2) EXHIBIT 2 - PROGRAM/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT

Section 2A: Organizational Capability, Experience and Qualifications

2.1. Offeror’s Resume: Provide a list of similar scope projects conducted for County Government Clients involving similar scope work to the proposed Exhibit A – Statement of Work (SOW) and was undertaken within the past five (5) years. For each project include listed:

2.1.1. Client Name.

2.1.2. A summary description of the work that your firm performed and similarities to the County’s scope.

2.1.3. Project Start Date/End Date.

2.2. Key Personnel: Please provide resumes for all key personnel to be assigned to this project. Resume should include:

2.2.1. Pertinent years of experience in performing similar scope of services for similar types of clients.

2.2.2. Education

2.2.3. Certification

2.2.4. Additional applicable qualifications

2.3. References: Provide a minimum of three (3) business references for the Offeror’s most relevant similar projects or programs within the past five (5) years. County staff will verify the information provided. Each reference should be summarized in no more than one (1) page and should include the following:

2.3.1. Reference organization's name and purpose,

2.3.2. Reference organization's mailing address, phone number, and email address.

2.3.3. Contact person representing the reference organization title, phone number, and email address. The reference contact person must be familiar with the Offeror, and the Offeror's relevant experience and performance.

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC600_dpc_Offerors_Cover_Page.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC601_dpc_Reps_and_Certs.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC610_dpc_Small_Local_Self_Cert.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.pdf

2.3.4. Brief statement of the person’s or organization’s relationship to the Offeror, and the period of the relationship.

2.3.5. A summary narrative of the applicable work provided; fee and agreement term for the work; if the program’s service was completed within the original agreement fee and term (explain reasons for any fee increase and delays); problems encountered and resolutions; contract objectives and results. Explain how the experience could be beneficially applied to this project.

2.3.6. If previous work was not similar, list three (3) references who can attest to Offeror’s competency

2.4. Consultants/Subcontractors or Memorandum of Agreement Linkages: If consultants/subcontractors are to be used to meet specific requirements of the SOW under a Memorandum of Agreement (including volunteer services), provide a list of those consultants/subcontractors with the following information.

Consultants/subcontractors may include staffing registries, equipment, part-time labor, psychiatrists, clinical supervisors, etc. Do not include copies of the subcontract agreements or memoranda of agreement.

2.4.1. Fully identify the consultant(s)/subcontractor(s), if known at the time of proposal submission, and describe, in accordance with the appropriate experience requirements specified above, the experience of each consultant/subcontractor.

2.4.2. Describe the specific program requirements to be met by the subcontractor(s), including Statement of

Work references, as applicable.

2.4.3. Specify the type of contract or agreement and whether or not the consultant/subcontractor has committed to the contract or agreement.

2.4.4. If the consultant(s)/subcontractor(s) are unknown at the time of proposal submission, explain how they will be solicited and selected and anticipated timeline for selection and initiation of subcontractor/consultant services.

2.4.5. If Offeror does not propose to use consultant(s)/subcontractor(s), state as such in the response.

2.5. Financial Information: Submit documentation demonstrating fiscal solvency and how Offeror will maintain solvency throughout the agreement term. Briefly outline the internal fiscal management processes that the organization will use to monitor and ensure that County funding and other revenues are adequate to meet program costs.

2.5.1. Submit, as applicable, the most current unaudited financial statements, to include the Statement of

Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and the Statement of Activities (Income Statement).

2.5.2. Submit, as applicable, the following information for the last three (3) fiscal years. Annual audit report to include:

2.5.2.1. Audited financial statements with the applicable notes.

2.5.2.2. Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance and Internal Control over Financial Reporting based on an Audit of the Financial Statements in Accordance with Government Accounting

Standards.

2.5.2.3. Independent Auditor’s Statement of Findings and Questioned costs

2.5.2.4. Management Letter

2.5.3. If Offeror does not have audited financial statements, submit unaudited financial statements for the last three (3) Fiscal Years, to include the Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and the Statement of Activities (Income Statement).

2.5.4. Offeror may submit in place of the requested audited or unaudited financial statements for the last three

(3) Fiscal Years, as listed above, copies of letters issued by Agency Contract Support verifying receipt of audited or unaudited financial statements for the last three (3) fiscal years.

2.5.5. Provide documentation that Offeror has sufficient reserves to maintain the program for sixty (60) days.

Documentation may include cash and/or credit reserves.

2.6. Litigation: If applicable, provide a description of any litigation and the resolution in the past five (5) years related to the Offeror’s performance. Provide a brief explanation of the reasons for the actions, their status, how they were resolved, and if there were any penalties, fines, or other actions taken.

2.6.1. Explain if the Offeror, or any of its officers, are presently the subject of any investigations, accusations, or charges by any federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies; or licensing/ certification body as certified in Paragraph 4.2.2 of the Representations and Certifications form in this packet.

Section 2B: Technical Approach

2.7. Provide a statement that Offeror has read, understands, and accepts the Exhibit A - Statement of Work (SOW).

2.7.1. If Offeror has exceptions to any SOW requirements, provide a marked up redline version of the SOW that provides applicable alternative language along with supporting explanation to support any alternative standards/language being proposed. Failure to specifically reject a proposed requirement(s) will be deemed an acceptance of such requirement. By accepting, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to Exhibit A requirements upon award.

2.8. Describe the Offeror’s plan to meet Goals and Outcomes listed in the SOW. The proposed plan should include:

2.8.1. Proposed approach to evaluating the County of San Diego’s complete classification structure (2.2);

2.8.2. Proposed compensation analysis methodologies (2.3);

2.8.3. Proposed approach to survey thirteen (13) comparable County classifications (2.4).

2.9. Provide a project plan that supports the completion of all milestones within the applicable due date.

2.10. Identify any potential risks related to project implementation and include proposed effective risk mitigation strategies.

2.11. Any measures your organization has taken toward energy efficiency and sustainability in your operations.

3) EXHIBIT 3 - COST/PRICE EXHIBIT

3.1. Submit a completed Payment Schedule. Pricing shall be inclusive and account for operational and overhead expenses, and any additional expenses necessary to meet the requirements as described in Exhibit A, Statement of Work.

4) EXHIBIT 4 – ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1 Confirm acceptance “YES/NO” of the County of San Diego’s Draft Agreement (including insurance requirements):

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.1.1 If “NO,” provide a detailed list of exceptions to the Draft Agreement, the nature of its concern, and what terms the Offeror is willing to accept.

Note: The Offeror will be deemed to have accepted any terms and conditions of the Draft Agreement to which it does not take exception to in its response to this RFP. The County may, as part of its evaluation process, conclude that exceptions are so numerous and/or material as to make Offeror’s response to the solicitation unacceptable.

5) EXHIBIT 5 – CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY

5.1 Include any Confidential/Proprietary Information in this exhibit, in accordance with RFP Instructions and Rules section 4.2

E. REQUIRED FORMS

(RESERVED)

F. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Background

1.1 The County of San Diego is the regional administrative and legislative body for the region, serving over 3.3 million residents across eighteen (18) incorporated cities and vast unincorporated areas. The government operates under a charter to provide countywide services, such as public health, land use, elections, and law enforcement, while serving as the direct municipal government for unincorporated communities. The County of

San Diego is one (1) of fifty-eight (58) counties in California, and one (1) of fourteen (14) charter counties in

California.

1.2 The County of San Diego seeks to maintain a competitive and equitable compensation structure that aligns with regional labor market conditions and ensures the County of San Diego can recruit, retain, and reward a high‑quality and diverse workforce. To achieve this, an external consultant shall conduct a structured compensation study comparing the County of San Diego’s classifications to those of other California counties and comparable public agencies. The County of San Diego has 913 classifications that are a part of this study

(Attachment 1) which include represented, unrepresented and unclassified classifications.

• Unclassified: Bargaining Units Executive Management (EM) and Unclassified Management

(UM): 169 classifications

• Unrepresented: Bargaining Units Confidential Employees (CE), Confidential Employees, Management (CEM), and Management Employees (MA): 183 classifications

• Represented:

Organization Bargaining Units No. of

Classifications

Bargaining Unit Description

Service Employees International

Union, Local 221, CLC

1. AE

2. CL

3. FS

4. HS

5. MM

6. PR

7. PS

8. RN

9. SS

10. SW

466 Appraisal, EDP, Fiscal, and Purchasing

Clerical

Food Services

Health Services

Middle Management

Professional

Public Services

Registered Nurses

Social Services Supervisors

Social Workers

San Diego County Probation

Officers’ Association (SDCPOA)

11. PO 2 Probation Officers

Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of

San Diego County (DSA)

12. DS

13. SM

9 Deputy Sheriffs

Sheriff’s Management

Deputy District Attorneys

Association (DDAA)

14. AM

15. AS

16. DA

10 Child Support Program Management

Child Support Program Attorneys

Deputy District Attorneys

District Attorney Investigators

Association (DAIA)

17. DI

18. DM

5 District Attorney Investigators

District Attorney Investigators Middle

Management

San Diego Deputy County

Counsels Association (SDDCCA)

19. CC

20. CS

4 Deputy County Counsel

Deputy County Counsel Supervisors

Public Defender Association of

San Diego County (PDA)

21. PD

22. PM

5 Public Defender

Public Defender Management

San Diego County Supervising

Probation Officers’ Association

(SPOA)

23. SO 1 Supervising Probation Officers

Teamsters Local 986 24. CM

25. CR

59 Construction, Maintenance, Operations, & Repair

Crafts

2. Goals and Outcomes

2.1 The Contractor shall demonstrate expertise in conducting comprehensive public sector compensation studies and must propose a methodology that includes benchmark-based analysis and internal alignment of other classifications.

2.2 The Contractor shall evaluate the County of San Diego’s complete classification structure and provide an approach that includes the use of benchmark classes selected in collaboration with the County of San Diego with recommendations for salary alignment of other non-surveyed classifications.

2.2.1. To align with differing labor contract expiration cycles, the County will conduct this engagement in two phases. Please note, the County may adjust either Phase’s start date as needed.

2.2.1.1 Phase 1 – Non‑Sworn Classifications: Planned start July 2027, upon County Notice to Proceed

(NTP). Scope includes most non‑sworn classifications (classified, unclassified, represented, and unrepresented).

2.2.1.1 Phase 2 – Sworn Classifications: Planned start July 2028, upon County NTP and following

County acceptance of Phase 1 final deliverables. Scope includes sworn classes (e.g., PO, DS, SM, DI, DM, SO).

2.3 The Contractor shall present multiple compensation analysis methodologies and philosophies, including but not limited to unadjusted salaries of comparable classifications, regional and geographic adjustments, and other relevant compensation models used across comparable public agencies.

2.3.1. The final methodology will be approved in writing by the County; no work relying on the methodology will commence until such approval is provided.

2.4 The proposed approach must include a plan to survey approximately thirteen (13) identified comparator agencies, ensure data validity and consistency, and provide clear, supportable findings and recommendations that reflect industry standards, best practices, and the County of San Diego’s operational needs.

2.4.1. The Contractor will identify comparable classifications within other comparable California public agencies. Most County of San Diego classifications will have comparable classifications in the thirteen

(13) California counties listed below:

2.4.1.1. Alameda County

2.4.1.2. Contra Costa County

2.4.1.3. Fresno County

2.4.1.4. Kern County

2.4.1.5. Los Angeles County

2.4.1.6. Orange County

2.4.1.7. Riverside County

2.4.1.8. Sacramento County

2.4.1.9. San Bernardino County

2.4.1.10. San Francisco County

2.4.1.11. San Mateo County

2.4.1.12. Santa Clara County

2.4.1.13. Ventura County

2.4.2. The final list of comparator agencies and comparable classifications will be approved in writing by the

County and may include additional California public employers (e.g., cities, water districts, air pollution control districts, retirement agencies) as directed by the County.

3. General Requirements

3.1 The Contractor shall possess the expertise necessary in the subjects and service types set forth in the following requirements:

3.1.1. Classification and compensation systems in large California counties and other public agencies.

3.1.2. Industry classification titles, industry duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding classifications.

3.1.3. Salary compensation surveys that include additional pay premiums.

3.1.4. Multiple compensation analysis methodologies and philosophies, including but not limited to unadjusted salaries of comparable classifications, regional and geographic adjustments, and other relevant compensation models used across comparable public agencies.

4. Specific Requirements for Service Delivery

4.1 The Contractor shall conduct an initial meeting with the County of San Diego to confirm study objectives, timelines, and communication protocols.

4.2 The Contractor shall confirm with the County of San Diego the list of benchmark classifications to be studied and will provide recommendations for salary alignment of all other non‑surveyed classifications using industry standards and best practices with documented methodology.

4.3 The Contractor shall review and analyze posted classification specifications of the County of San Diego’s classifications.

4.4 The Contractor shall identify and confirm all California Counties and other public agencies to be surveyed and adjust as directed by the County of San Diego.

4.5 The Contractor shall develop and utilize a standardized salary survey instrument like the format outlined in

Attachment 2 as approved by the County.

4.6 The Contractor shall identify comparable classifications and obtain salary range information from all identified public agencies. The Contractor shall explain their process and philosophy of how comparable classifications were identified and utilized in the study. If comparable classifications cannot be identified, the Contractor shall provide written documentation justifying why such sources were not considered to be sufficiently comparable to be utilized as part of this survey.

4.7 The Contractor shall provide an option to collect pay premiums for specific classifications identified by the

County of San Diego and incorporate those premiums into the salary survey analysis. This option will ensure accurate comparisons for classifications that utilize standardized pay premiums in addition to base salary when evaluating alignment with County of San Diego classifications.

4.8 The Contractor shall meet remotely with County of San Diego staff on a bi-weekly basis to provide a status on the report/research.

4.9 At any point in the study, the County of San Diego may review the work of the Contractor to determine progress, identify problem areas, facilitate communication, and address any issues that may need immediate attention.

5. Final Data Collection and Reporting Requirements

5.1 The Contractor shall provide all final classification salary surveys in accordance with the format outlined in

Attachment 2.

5.2 The Contractor shall ensure that the salary range data collected accurately reflects the comparable classifications from all surveyed agencies.

5.3 The Contractor shall provide all calculations requested by the County of San Diego, which may include unadjusted salaries of comparable classifications, regional and geographic adjustments, for data collected by using the top of salary range/data compared to the County of San Diego’s top of salary range/data and identify the percentage above/below compared to survey data.

5.4 The Contractor shall provide a final summary spreadsheet of all data with all survey results by the Milestone due date.

5.5 The Contractor shall provide a report that details all technical analysis required for the study, including overall research, strategy, data sources, analysis, and data collection methods by the Milestone due date.

5.6 Develop the outline for the final report, and a draft final report that shall both be submitted to the County of San

Diego for review and approval.

5.7 The Contractor shall submit a data documentation package that includes all data analysis files and raw data to the County of San Diego by the Milestone due date.

5.8 Data and Work Product Ownership. All instruments, working files, native spreadsheets, codebooks, decision logs, and raw and processed data produced under this SOW are the property of the County. The Contractor shall deliver all such materials in editable/native formats by the Milestone due date.

6. Milestones and Deliverables Timeline

6.1 Phase sequencing: Phase two will commence upon County acceptance of Phase one final deliverables and issuance of NTP; milestone dates for either Phase may shift upon notice from the County.

Milestone: Phase One Deliverable Anticipated

Due Date

Initial meeting with County of San

Diego.

Notice to proceed from County of San

Diego

Seven (7) days after

Contract execution

Agreement with County of San Diego on benchmark classifications to be surveyed for all classifications except the public safety sworn classifications

(PO, DS, SM, DI, DM, SO).

Final list of County of San Diego classifications to be surveyed.

June 2027

Agreement with County of San Diego on final methodology, calculations and format for surveys.

Final plan for surveys. June 2027

Agreement with County of San Diego on all comparator agencies.

Final list of all other public agencies to be surveyed for all County of San Diego classifications included in the study.

June 2027

Completion of salary surveys and calculations using base salary ranges and internal alignment of non-surveyed classifications.

Draft salary surveys and summary results spreadsheet.

September 2027

Optional: Add premiums for selected comparable classes.

Draft salary surveys and summary results with premiums.

September 2027

Completion of Final Report, Salary

Surveys and Summary Spreadsheet

Final report, salary surveys and summary results spreadsheet

October 2027

Board and Employee Labor

Organization Presentations

Final Presentation to Board…