2025-RFP-145

SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING AND ORGANIZATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PARTNERSHIP

City of Cleveland

Department of Personnel and Human Resources

601 Lakeside Ave

Cleveland, OH 44114

RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: August 12, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: August 19, 2026, 5:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/clevelandoh

City of Cleveland

Supplemental Training and Organizational Development Services

Partnership

I. INTRODUCTION

II. SCOPE OF WORK

III. COMPENSATION AND INVOICING

IV. THE CITY’S RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENTS

V. OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

VI. AGREEMENT PROCESS

VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

VIII. INSURANCE LIMITS

IX. CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT

X. PROPOSAL SECTION CRITERIA

XI. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

XII. PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS

Attachments:

A - Reimbursables Policy

C - RFP for Training & Organizational Development Services - Final

#2025-RFP-145

Title: Supplemental Training and Organizational Development Services Partnership

1. INTRODUCTION

LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

The City of Cleveland invites responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Supplemental Training and

Organizational Development Services Partnership.

We ask that you strictly adhere to the following critical guidelines outlined in this document.

1.1. Summary

The City of Cleveland Department of Human Resources has identified a need for Training and

Organizational Development Professionals Services to augment the skills and resources of the HR/Talent

Management Department. While the Talent Management team drives the strategy and sets the culture of continuous learning, meeting the specialized technical and leadership needs of 8,000 personnel requires a broader range of expertise than a single small division can maintain. Securing an external Professional

Services contract(s) allows the City to leverage the scale and specialized expertise of external training partners. This hybrid approach maximizes the impact of our internal resources while efficiently delivering modern, expert-led training across all departments.

PROJECT DETAILS

The City is seeking proposals from qualified Professional Training and Organizational Development providers to establish a pool of external resources. This hybrid approach is designed to supplement internal capabilities, allowing the city to leverage the scale, specialized expertise, and modern methodologies of external training partners. Services will be requested on an as-needed basis.

Vendor Consultation and SOW Submission: If external resources are necessary, the selected vendor(s) will meet with the HR/Talent Management team to understand the specific request. The vendor will then submit a detailed Scope of Work (SOW) outlining the engagement details, project timeline, and total pricing.

TARGET AUDIENCE and DELIVERY SCALE

The training/OD programs will serve a diverse workforce, including frontline staff, technical personnel, mid-level managers, and executive leadership. The city intends to deliver training across multiple departments, requiring a partner capable of scaling operations to accommodate varying group sizes, shifts, and operational constraints.

1.2. Background

Talent Management is responsible for maximizing employee potential and future growth. This is obtained through several key objectives, with the primary objective being developing an employee’s skillset through industry training programs, soft skills development, career pathing, leadership coaching, mentorship programs, management training, self-guided learning, skill assessments and online tools, such as skill advancement certifications.

We value the individual growth and progression of every team member, all 8,000 employees, as well as the bench strength of the City of Cleveland. Our commitment to fostering an environment of continuous learning is an intrinsic part of our organization’s culture. By investing in the professional and personal development of our teams, we are building a stronger, more adaptable, and innovative workforce who will be equipped to serve the citizens of Cleveland and our stakeholders today and in the future.

Today, delivering much of the individualized training and organizational services is accomplished through a small, internal Talent Management (TM) team which provides strategic, small-scale, targeted organizational and professional development support on an as-needed basis. The TM team also provides learning and development support services through a Learning Management System, with a diverse library of content.

1.3. Contact Information

Janet Schiavoni Manager, Talent Management 601 Lakeside Ave, Rm 121 Cleveland, OH 44114 Email: jschiavoni@clevelandohio.gov Phone: (216) 664-2496

Department:

Personnel and Human Resources

Department Head:

Matthew J. Cole Director

1.4. Timeline

RFP Published on City website August 3, 2026

Last Day to Submit Provider Questions August 12, 2026, 5:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline August 19, 2026, 5:00pm mailto:jschiavoni@clevelandohio.gov tel:(216)664-2496

2. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1. Service Offerings and Modalities

The Provider must offer a catalog of modern, expert-led training topics and flexible delivery models.

2.2. Scope of Services

1.1 Core Content Areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Professional Development/Interpersonal Skills: Emotional intelligence, teambuilding/ team dynamics, self-awareness, mindfulness, wellness, decision-making, interpersonal effectiveness, conflict resolution, stress management, resilience, emotion regulation, and related topics as may be appropriate. (most requests for these services are a result of identified performance issues – upskilling, remediation skill building)

• Personality Inventories/Behavioral Assessments: standardized assessments that evaluate character traits, tendencies, behavioral styles, etc.

• Customer Service Excellence in Public Sector: Customer service in public agencies, active listening, customer awareness and advocacy, de-escalation, difficult customers, providing excellent customer service in culturally diverse communities, public service ethics, etc.

• Mid-level Management and Supervisory Essentials: Team building and development; effective meetings management; performance management; supervising in a unionized environment; team dynamics; staff planning and effective hiring practices; change management; project management; defining and delegating tasks; supervisory ethical considerations in public agencies;

leadership skills; strategic planning; innovative and critical thinking; process improvement, etc.

• Leadership and Executive Development: Executive Coaching, mentoring, motivational supervision, strategic decision making, change management, building consensus, fostering and leading changing cultures and environments, etc.

• Submissions for Topics Not Listed: Proposals for topics for subjects not listed here but aligned with the Project Background and Description and Desired Outcomes are strongly encouraged.

1.2 Delivery Modalities: Programs must be adaptable to multiple formats to ensure accessibility.

Virtual learning modalities should be aligned with the City’s Learning Management System

(LMS), Workday Learning, and the selected provider would have access to the City’s

OpenSesame Course Catalog for pre/post-work.

• In-Person Learning: Traditional, instructor-led classroom sessions at City facilities.

• Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT): Synchronous, interactive online workshops.

• Asynchronous E-Learning: Self-paced digital modules compatible with the City’s Learning

Management System (LMS).

• Hybrid Models: Blended learning cohorts combining multiple methods.

SECTION 2: Instructional Design and Service Delivery Methodology

The Provider must employ a structured approach to curriculum customization and instructional design that minimizes disruption to City operations.

• Needs Assessment: Collaborating with City stakeholders to identify specific departmental skills gaps and learning objectives before deployment.

• Customization: Tailoring standard course content to incorporate City policies, values, case studies, and relevant municipal scenarios.

• Adult Learning Principles: Utilizing instructional design frameworks that prioritize interactive, experiential, and action-oriented learning for adults.

• Materials Production: Providing participant workbooks, digital resources, reference guides, and instructional aids as recommended by specific engagement.

SECTION 3: Work Tracking, Project Management, and Reporting

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Provider will maintain project management protocols and provide regular performance reporting. Participation in any training or OD engagement will be documented in Workday Learning and the employee’s Workday Profile.

• Implementation Planning: Developing a detailed scope of work, project timeline, and training schedule per each service request.

• Attendance and Participation Tracking: In collaboration with the Talent Management Team, coordinate registration, tracking real-time attendance, and documenting course completion records for all participants, utilizing the city’s learning management system.

• Regular Quality Assurance Reporting: Submitting semi-annual dashboards to the City contract manager detailing:

o Milestones achieved against the project timeline.

o Summarized qualitative feedback and operational updates.

• Account Management: Assigning a dedicated Project Manager to serve as the single point of contact for scheduling, billing, and logistical coordination.

SECTION 4: Engagement and Evaluation Framework

The Provider will design and implement an evaluation strategy to measure the immediate impact, quality, and long-term effectiveness of the training or OD engagement.

• Four-Level Evaluation Model: Utilizing an established framework (such as the Kirkpatrick

Model) to assess training success:

o Reaction (Level 1): Post-course participant satisfaction surveys measuring instructor effectiveness and content relevance.

o Learning (Level 2): Pre- and post-assessments or knowledge checks to verify information retention.

o Behavior (Level 3): Mechanisms (e.g., 30-60-90-day follow-up surveys or manager interviews) to evaluate on-the-job behavioral applications.

• Instructor Qualifications: Ensuring all facilitators possess relevant industry certifications, advanced degrees, or verified subject-matter expertise coupled with proven public-sector training experience.

• Continuous Improvement: Reviewing evaluation/outcome data with HR/Talent Management team & Department stakeholders to refine curricula, adjust teaching methods, and make recommendations for a sustainability plan as related to the specific engagement.

The City reserves the right to modify the scope of services at any time before execution of a contract to add, delete, or otherwise amend any item(s), as it deems necessary, in its sole judgment, and in the best interest of the City.

2.3. PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS

To accomplish these goals the Department of Human Resources desires an organizational development and professional service provider that has the requisite, demonstrable competence, and experience in developing and delivering professional learning activities and programs for its diverse workforce.

The Department of Human Resources has a particular need for providers demonstrating past experience developing and delivering: (i) trainings for a public sector organization comparable in needs to the City of

Cleveland, (ii) professionally accredited instructors, (iii) training that is conducive to the current knowledge and experience level of the employees, and (iv) personalized learning resources and solutions to support professional development growth.

2.4. General Guidelines

Submission Requirements

Each Provider that wishes to be considered for selection to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP, shall submit their proposal through the OpenGov portal .

We ask that technical proposals and fee proposals are submitted in the OpenGov portal as two separate attachments. There will be a technical section and fee proposal section in OpenGov.

All proposals shall contain concise written material and illustrations. Legibility, clarity, and completeness are essential. Each Provider, in preparing their proposal, should consider all applicable laws and available industry guidelines as applicable.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) response, at a minimum, should include:

1. SERVICES PROPOSAL

A. Executive Summary (1 page)

The Provider should include a brief introduction to their organization and an expression of interest in the preparation of Organizational Development and Workplace Professional Training

Services. Clearly indicate contact information, including phone and email, for the primary contact individual. If the Provider is partnering with another Provider(s), this should be clearly indicated here.

B. Organization of the Provider and Project Team

The Provider should include a description of the organization, including information regarding its primary business, its background and history, its organizational structure, the number of employees, and commitment to diversity. It is highly desirable that there be a local component to the Provider team to facilitate response time to matters that require on-site reviews. The Provider should note if it is a

Minority Business Enterprise, Female Business Enterprise, and/or Cleveland Area Small Business

Enterprise.

If the Provider is a privately held corporation, a listing of all stockholders, their interest in the company as related to percentage of ownership, and their interest, if any, in the operations of the entity must be included.

The Provider should also submit an organizational chart of the organization’s leadership and key project personnel. Providers may include project personnel names, roles, and unique benefits the team brings to this project. Providers should include resumes of project team leadership and key personnel for this work. If the Provider is partnering with another Provider(s) to execute any phases of this work, they should include the aforementioned details for each Provider.

C. Relevant Work Experience

The Provider should include project sheets for up to three (3) recently completed relevant projects demonstrating ability to successfully lead and execute the type of work required for this project.

If the Provider is partnering with another Provider(s) to execute any phases of this work, there should be at least one (1) project sheet for a relevant project for each Provider.

D. References

The Provider should provide three (3) verifiable positive references, which may include but are not limited to ability, performance of previous contracts and service, integrity, character, reputation, judgment, experience, efficiency, delivery and professionalism. If the Provider is partnering with another Provider(s) to execute any phases of this work, there should be at least one (1) reference for each Provider.

E. Ownership of Content

The City understands that all content developed and presented is the Provider’s intellectual property and copyrighted materials.

F. Training Dates/Cancellations

Dates are considered confirmed once agreed to in writing between the City and the Provider. Requests to reschedule any confirmed dates with be considered on a case-by-case basis, not more than one time per course, and must be made in advance of 5 business days prior to the confirmed date.

G. Special Commendations (optional)

The Provider shall provide any other pertinent data, information and other extraordinary circumstances which will clearly demonstrate their unique ability to provide the required Professional Services in a manner not detailed previously within this RFP.

3. COMPENSATION AND INVOICING

A. General Services

Compensation for general services shall be based on hourly billing rates or fixed price based on support category of the individuals assigned to each task and approved reimbursable expenses as agreed upon during negotiation of the Agreement.

Billing rates shall remain unchanged throughout the life of this contract.

The Consultant shall be compensated for reimbursable expenses incurred in the interest of the work in accordance with the City Reimbursable Policy (Appendix C).

The Consultant shall be paid for services on a simple time-based method, or mutually agreed upon fee schedule based on project deliverables. The Consultant shall invoice each month based on the actual hours, and approved hourly billing rates expended for the services. The invoice shall include only the staff titles listed in the Fee Proposal.

The Consultant shall submit its invoice for progress payment to the Department of Personnel and

Human Resources no later than the close of business on the Thirtieth (30th) Calendar Day of the Month following the month for which payment is requested. If the 30th calendar day would fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday then the submittal shall be on the previous working day.

The Consultant shall not submit invoices more frequently than once per month.

Invoices shall include a cover page, summary table, detailed invoice per task, summary table of labor costs, timesheets, summary table of reimbursable, original receipts, and other information as deemed appropriate. Invoices shall include specific activities worked, on an hourly and daily basis by resource or task/deliverables.

Supporting information (receipts, timesheets, etc.) shall be attached in the appropriate section of the invoice in alphabetical then chronological order. For example, timesheets shall be attached alphabetically by individual name and chronologically by individual.

Each approved task shall be specifically identified and tracked.

Invoices not submitted in the approved format may be rejected and returned to the Consultant.

This includes incomplete information and missing documentation.

B. Payments To Subconsultants

Consultant is obligated to pay subconsultants within 45 days of Consultant’s receipt of subconsultant’s invoice (unless specific written exceptions are authorized by the City on a case-by-case basis).

4. THE CITY’S RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENTS

A. The Director, at his/her sole discretion, may require any proposer to augment or supplement its proposal or to meet with the City’s designated representatives for interview or presentation to further describe the proposer’s qualifications and capabilities. The requested information, interview, meeting, or presentation shall be submitted or conducted, as appropriate, at a time and place the Director specifies.

B. The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any proposal that is incomplete or unresponsive to the requests or requirements of this RFP. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive and accept any informality or discrepancy in the proposal or the process as may be in the City’s best interest.

C. Proposal as a Public Record

Under the laws of the State of Ohio, all parts of a proposal, other than trade secret or proprietary information and the fee proposal may be considered a public record which, if properly requested, the City must make available to the requester for inspection and copying. Therefore, to protect trade secret or proprietary information, the proposer should clearly mark each page - but only that page - of its proposal that contains that information. The City will notify the proposer if such information in its proposal is requested, but cannot, however, guarantee the confidentiality of any proprietary or otherwise sensitive information in or with the proposal. Blanket marking of the entire proposal as “proprietary” or “trade secret” will not protect an entire proposal and is not acceptable.

D. Cleveland Area Business Code

Requirements During performance of this Agreement, Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Cleveland Area Business Code, Chapter 187 of the Codified

Ordinances of Cleveland, Ohio, 1976 (“C.O.”), and any Regulations promulgated under the Code, which Code and Regulations are incorporated into and made part of this RFP by this reference as fully as if rewritten in it or attached. Specifically, compliance under any resulting agreement shall include, but not be limited to, the Contractor’s:

o Compliance with its proposal representations regarding CSB, MBE, and/or FBE participation in performance of the Agreement;

o Compliance and cooperation with Project Monitors, whether from the Mayor’s Office of

Equal Opportunity (the “OEO”) or the contracting department;

o Accurate, complete, and on-time submission of all reports, forms, and documents including, but not limited to, employment reports, certified payrolls, monitoring forms, and other information the Director of the OEO may require, whether in printed or electronic form, to ascertain and verify Contractor’s compliance; and o Attendance at and participation in all required project meetings, including OEO compliance meetings, and progress meetings called by the contracting department director(s) at key intervals during performance of the contract services.

Failure to Comply When determining the contractor’s future eligibility for a City contract, the City shall consider a contractor’s failure to comply with the representations of its proposal and the requirements under the Code as a failure to faithfully perform a contract.

a. Under the Cleveland Area Business Code, the City of Cleveland is firmly committed to assisting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Female Business Enterprises

(FBEs), and Cleveland- area small businesses (CSBs) by providing and enhancing economic opportunities to participate in City contracts. The successful proposer for a contract will be a firm that shares that commitment. Accordingly, a proposer is strongly encouraged to utilize the services of qualified MBE/FBE/CSB sub-consultants that are certified by the Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity (the

“OEO”) in its proposal.

b. The standard subcontracting goal for professional services contracts is 10%

Cleveland Area Small Business (“CSB”) subcontractor participation. Please review the attached Office of Equal Opportunity documents to ascertain the goal for the proposed contract. Proposers are required to make a good-faith effort to subcontract portions of the work to certified Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”), Female

Business Enterprise (“FBE”), and CSB firms, consistent with the subcontracting goal(s) applicable to this RFP.

c. To document its good-faith effort to utilize certified MBE, FBE and CSB sub-consultants, each proposer must complete Schedules 1 through 4 found in the Cleveland Area Business Code - Notice to Bidders and Schedules. These schedules identify the proposer’s proposed use of MBE, FBE and CSB sub-consultants on the project, which evidences the proposer’s good-faith effort to obtain the participation of certified sub-consultants. The proposer shall submit the completed forms with its proposal and they will be forwarded to the City’s Office of

Equal Opportunity for evaluation. Failure to submit complete schedules may result in the rejection of a proposal.

Proposers may obtain a listing of firms certified by the OEO as CSBs, MBEs and

FBEs by checking the City’s website at http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us. On the home page, select “Office of Equal Opportunity” from the drop-down menu of City departments. On the Office of Equal Opportunity page, you will find a selection in the left-hand column for “CSB/MBE/FBE Registry”.

Proposers are responsible for obtaining the most current list and for contacting potential CSB/MBE/FBE sub-consultants. The City assumes no responsibility for matching prime consultants with qualified, certified MBE, FBE, and/or CSB sub-consultants.

The City Office of Equal Opportunity will monitor participation of MBE, FBE, http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/ and/or CSB sub-consultants throughout the duration of the engagement or project. The successful proposer, as contractor, will be responsible for providing the

OEO with all information necessary to facilitate this monitoring.

The Cleveland Area Business Code, any Regulations promulgated under the Code, and the OEO Notice to Bidders & Schedules are, by this reference, incorporated in and made part of this solicitation and any resulting contract as fully as if written in it or attached.

d. The successful proposer, as contractor, will be required to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements imposed on a “contractor” in the following Equal

Opportunity Clause, Section 187.22(b) of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances, and shall make the Clause part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for services or goods and binding on all persons and firms with which the proposer may deal, as follows: No Contractor shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. Contractors shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. As used in this chapter, “treated” means and includes without limitation the following: recruited whether by advertising or other means;

compensated, whether in the form of rates of pay or other forms of compensation;

selected for training, including apprenticeship, promoted, upgraded, demoted, transferred, laid off and terminated. Contractors shall post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the hiring representative of contractors setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

E. Term of Proposal’s Effectiveness.

By submission of a proposal, the proposer agrees that its proposal will remain effective and eligible for acceptance by the City until the earlier of the execution of a final contract or 180 calendar days after the proposal submission deadline (the “Proposal Expiration Date”).

F. Execution of a Contract.

The successful proposer shall, within ten (10) business days after receipt of a contract prepared by the City Director of Law, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, execute and return the contract to the City together with evidence of proper insurance and intent to conform to all requirements of the contract. Attached hereto or which are a part hereof and all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances prior to or at the time of execution of the contract.

G. Short-listing

The City reserves the right to select a limited number (a “short list”) of proposer’s to make an oral presentation of their qualifications, proposed services, and capabilities. The City will notify the proposers selected for oral presentations in writing.

H. Proposer’s Familiarity with RFP; Responsibility for Proposal

By submission of a proposal, the proposer acknowledges that it is aware of and understands all requirements, provisions, and conditions in and of this RFP and that its failure to become familiar with all the requirements, provisions, conditions, and information either in this RFP or disseminated either at a pre-proposal conference or by addendum issued prior to the proposal submission deadline, and all circumstances and conditions affecting performance of the services to be rendered by the successful proposer will not relieve it from responsibility for all parts of its

Proposal and, if selected for contract, its complete performance of the contract in compliance with its terms. Proposer acknowledges that the City has no responsibility for any conclusions or interpretations made by proposer on the basis of information made available by the City. The City does not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided and proposer expressly waives any right to a claim against the City arising from or based upon any incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete information or information not otherwise conforming to represented or actual conditions.

I. Interpretation

The City is not responsible for any explanation, clarification, interpretation, representation or approval made concerning this RFP or a Proposal or given in any manner, except by written addendum. The City will mail, e-mail, or otherwise deliver one copy of each addendum issued, if any, to each individual or firm that requested and received a RFP. Any addendum is a part of and incorporated in this RFP as fully as if originally written herein.

5. OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

There is no Subcontractor Participation (Utilization) Goal for this contract. However, any and all proposed subcontractors, whether City certified or not, must be divulged and included in your proposal. If you do plan to utilize a subcontractor, submit a proposed subcontractor list on a separate, signed sheet of paper, listing the name, address, type of work or service(s), and total subcontractor amount for each and every subcontractor that you propose to use on this contract. You are encouraged to consider City-certified firms for any available subcontracting opportunities. A searchable database of all City-certified firms can be found on the City of Cleveland Office of Equal Opportunity website: https://cleveland.diversitycompliance.com/ https://cleveland.diversitycompliance.com/

6. AGREEMENT PROCESS

The Vendor whose proposal is found to be the “Most Advantageous” to the City will be selected and offered the opportunity to enter into an Agreement with the City. The scope, terms and conditions of that

Agreement shall be in conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications described in this RFP, and the proposal submitted by the Vendor shall become part of the Agreement with the City.

The selected Vendor must be prepared to begin contract negotiations immediately upon notification of selection. If the Vendor is not able to begin contract negotiations, the City may disqualify the Vendor.

The City reserves the right to negotiate the contract to include any portion or portions of the proposal.

The City shall not be responsible for any vendor costs incurred in relation to preparation of the proposal, travel to any meetings, or any other Vendor costs associated with proposal preparation.

The City of Cleveland’s Law Department will prepare the contract. Vendor responses must identify a designated contact, authorized to negotiate the final terms and conditions with the Law Department. It should be noted that the Law Department uses City of Cleveland prepared contract forms and not standard vendor contract forms.

7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following terms and conditions, substantially in the form contained herein, shall be included in the agreement between the City and the successful respondent. Please carefully review these terms and conditions. No specific response to this section is required.

7.1. Term

The term of this Agreement shall begin on the effective date of this Agreement and, unless sooner cancelled in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, shall terminate upon completion of and approval by the City of all work to be performed.

7.2. Cancellation

This agreement may be canceled by the City at any time upon written notice to the Consultant.

7.3. Independent Contractor

Consultant and the City agree that Consultant is an independent contractor and not an employee of the

City and further agrees that Consultant shall be considered as such for all purposes. As such Consultants shall retain sole financial responsibility for all taxes due to federal, state or local governments or agencies on account of themselves, their employees, representatives or agents.

7.4. Equal Opportunity, MBE/FBE

The Consultant shall comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements imposed on a “Contractor” in the Equal Opportunity Clause, Section 187.22(b) of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances, (Attachment F) and shall make the Clause part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for services or goods and binding on all persons and firms with which the proposer may deal, as follows: No Contractor shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status.

Contractors shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. As used in this chapter, “treated” means and includes without limitation the following: recruited whether by advertising or other means;

compensated, whether in the form of rates of pay or other forms of compensation; selected for training, including apprenticeship, promoted, upgraded, demoted, transferred, laid off and terminated. Contractors shall post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the hiring representative of Contractors setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

A copy of this Clause shall be made a part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for goods or services and shall be binding on all persons, firms, and corporations with whom the Contractor may deal.

Within 60 calendar days after entering into a contract, the successful Proposer, as Contractor, shall file a written affirmative action program with the OEO containing standards and procedures and representations assuring that the Contractor affords all qualified employees and applicants for employment equal opportunities in the Contractor’s recruitment, selection, and advancement processes. The forms can be found at: City of Cleveland OEO Forms http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/Finance/PurchasesSupplies/VendorInformation

7.5. Cleveland Area Business Code

During performance of this contract, Consultant shall comply with any and all applicable requirements of the Cleveland Area Business Code, Chapter 187 and 187a. of the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland, Ohio, 1976 (“C.O.”), and any Regulations promulgated under the Code, which Code and Regulations are incorporated into and made part of this RFP by this reference as fully as if rewritten in it or attached.

There is no subcontractor participation goal for this contract.

7.6. Subcontracts and Assignments

Consultant shall not subcontract nor shall any subcontractor commence performance of any part of the work or services included in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the City. Subcontracting, if permitted, shall not relieve Consultant of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

Consultant shall be and remain solely responsible to the City for the acts or faults of any such subcontractor and of such subcontractor's officers, agents and employees, each of whom shall for this purpose, be deemed to be an agent or employee of Consultant to the extent of its subcontract. Consultant and any subcontractor shall jointly and severally agree that the City of Cleveland is not obligated to pay or to be liable for the payment of any sums due to any subcontractor.

7.7. Assignment

Consultant shall not assign any interest in this Agreement, and shall not transfer any interest in the same, whether by assignment or notation, without the prior written consent of the City.

7.8. Confidentiality

In rendering the Services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant agrees to treat and maintain confidential information and data as the City’s confidential property and from the date hereof, and agrees not to divulge it to any third party at any time or use it for Consultant’s personal benefit or otherwise, except as such use or disclosure may be required in connection with the performance of the

Services or may be consented to, in writing by the City.

7.9. Compliance with Laws and Policies

This Agreement is subject to, and Consultant shall comply with, all statutes, ordinances, regulations and rules of the Federal government, the State of Ohio, the County of Cuyahoga, and the City of Cleveland.

7.10. Indemnification and Insurance

Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and its respective officers, agents and employees from and against all losses, damages, expenses, suits or claims, liabilities and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, that may be based upon any negligent error or omission by Consultant or any injury to persons or property arising out of an error, omission or negligent act of Consultant or its subconsultant.

Consultant shall, at its own expense, defend the City in all litigation, pay all attorney's fees, damages, court costs and other expenses arising out of such litigation or claims incurred in connection therewith and shall, at its own expense, pay all claims and related expenses and satisfy and cause to be discharged such judgments as may be obtained against the City, or any of its officers, agents or employees, arising out of such litigation. Such indemnification shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

7.11. State Industrial Compensation

Consultant shall be required at all times during the term of this Agreement, if required by law, to subscribe to and comply with the Workers' Compensation Laws of the State of Ohio and pay such premiums as may be required thereunder and to save the City harmless from any and all liability from or under said act. Consultant shall also furnish, if applicable, upon the request of the City, a copy of the official certificate or receipt showing the payments referred to herein.

7.12. Social Security Act

Consultant shall be and remain an independent contractor with respect to all services performed hereunder and agrees to and does hereby accept full and exclusive liability for the payment of any and all contributions or taxes for social security, unemployment benefits, pensions and annuities now or hereafter imposed under any state or federal laws which are measured by the wages, salaries or other remuneration paid to persons employed by Consultant on work performed under the terms of this Agreement and further agrees to obey all lawful rules and regulations and to meet all lawful requirements which are now or hereafter may be issued or promulgated under said respective laws by any duly authorized state or federal officials and said Consultant also agrees to indemnify and save harmless the City of Cleveland from any such contributions or taxes or liability therefore.

7.13. Interest of Consultant

Consultant covenants that it has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant further covenants that no person having any such interest shall be employed in the performance of this Agreement.

7.14. Defaults and Remedies

A. Consultant shall be in default of this Agreement upon the happening of any of the following events:

1. Consultant fails to observe or perform any of the covenants or agreements to be observed or performed by it hereunder and such failure continues for a period of five (5) days after written notice thereof is given to the Consultant by the City.

2. The filing, execution or occurrence of: (i) a petition or other proceeding by, or a finding against, Consultant for its dissolution, reorganization or liquidation; (ii) a petition in bankruptcy by Consultant; (iii) an adjudication of Consultant as bankrupt or insolvent; (iv) an assignment or petition for assignment for the benefit of creditors.

3. Consultant abandons or discontinues its operations for the City except when such abandonment or discontinuance is caused by fire, earthquake, war, strike or other calamity beyond its control.

B. Upon the happening of any one or more of the events as set forth in Paragraph A of this Article, or upon any other default or breach of this Agreement, the Finance Director may, at her option, exercise concurrently or successively any one or more of the following rights and remedies:

1. Enjoin any breach or threatened breach by Consultant of any covenants, agreements, terms provisions or conditions hereof.

2. Sue for the performance of any obligation, promise or agreement devolving upon Consultant for performance or for damages for the nonperformance thereof, all without terminating this

Agreement.

3. Terminate this Agreement.

C. All rights and remedies granted to the City herein and any other rights and remedies that the City may have at law and in equity are hereby declared to be cumulative and not exclusive and the fact that the City may have exercised any remedy without terminating this Agreement shall not impair the City's rights thereafter to terminate or to exercise any other remedy herein granted or to which it may be otherwise entitled.

8. INSURANCE LIMITS

Certificate of Insurance

Submit a Certificate of Insurance form indicating limits of professional services (errors and omissions) and general liability coverage as a separate attachment to their Proposal, and shall at all times during the term of the contract resulting from this RFP, maintain the following insurance coverage:

The insurance company or companies providing the required insurance shall be authorized by the Ohio

Department of Insurance to do business in Ohio and rated “A” or above by A. M. Best Company or equivalent. The Successful Provider, as Provider, shall provide a copy of the policy or policies and any necessary endorsements, or a substitute for them satisfactory to and approved by the Director of Law, evidencing the required insurances upon execution of the contract.

Professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $200,000.00 for each occurrence and subject to a deductible for each occurrence of not more than $25,000.00 per occurrence and in the aggregate, and if not written on an occurrence basis, shall be maintained for not less than two (2) years after satisfactory completion and written acceptance of the services under the contract.

Workers’ compensation and employer’s general liability insurance as provided under the laws of the State of Ohio.

Statutory unemployment insurance protection for all of its employees.

Such other insurance coverage(s) as the City may reasonably require.

9. CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT

A. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

B. This Agreement and the agreement between the City of Cleveland sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof. The waiver of any breach of any term of this Agreement does not waive any subsequent breach of that or any other term of this Agreement.

C. No modifications or amendments to this Agreement will be valid unless in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto.

D. All terms and words used in this Agreement, regardless of the number and gender in which they are used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine or feminine or neuter, as the context or sense of this Agreement or any paragraph or clause herein may require, the same as if such words have been fully and properly written in the number and gender.

E. Consultant agrees that no representation or warranties of any type shall be binding upon the City, unless expressly authorized in writing herein.

F. The headings of sections and paragraphs to the extent used herein are used for reference only, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provisions hereof.

G. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed original, but such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

H. The following documents attached hereto are hereby incorporated with and made a part of this

Agreement:

1. Attachment “A”, Equal Opportunity Clause.

2. Attachment “B”, Definitions.

3. Attachment “C” Forms.

4. Attachment “D”, Proposal Checklist.

10. PROPOSAL SECTION CRITERIA

Interviews

Based on preliminary scoring of point-based items described above the City may create a short list of

Design-Build Teams and conduct interviews as warranted. Further instruction will be provided to the short listed Teams when notified of the forthcoming interview.

Proposal Acceptance

The City reserves the right to accept proposals, in whole or in part, to reject any or all proposals or portions thereof, to waive irregularities, informalities, and technicalities, to re-issue or to proceed to obtain the services(s) desired otherwise, and to negotiate separately, as necessary, to serve the best interest of the City of Cleveland. The Director may, at his sole discretion, modify or amend any provision of this notice, or the RFP. Firms whose proposals are not accepted will be notified in writing. For this

Request for Proposal, the proposal must remain valid for 180 days after submission.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Quality of Proposal

Quality of Proposal includes

Organization of the Provider, Capacity to Perform Work, including consideration for current City project workload, and Special

Accommodations.

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

2. Credentials of Key Personnel and Provider

Credentials of Key Personnel includes

Qualifications of the Provider Team, particularly the project manager who will be the lead person on this project, and their prior experience and demonstrated ability to provide the scope of services.

Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

3. Demonstrated Ability

Demonstrated prior experience providing similar services and examples of past related work completed by the Provider.

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

4. Compensation/Fee: 20 points

This item will be reviewed after the evaluation of qualifications has been completed.

Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

11. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

The Statement submittal shall consist of the following documents in the sequence listed below. To facilitate quick reference, each section of the Statement should be offset with a tab. The Statement may be disqualified if the documents are not submitted in the sequence listed below.

A. Executive Summary: The Provider should include a brief introduction to their organization(s) and an expression of interest in the preparation of the Supplemental

Training and Organizational Development work. Clearly indicate contact information, including phone and email, for the primary contact individual. If the Provider is partnering with another Provider(s) to execute any component of this work, this should be clearly indicated here.

B. Organization of the Provider and Project Team: The Provider should include a description of the organization, including information regarding its primary business, its background and history, its organizational structure, the number of employees, and commitment to diversity. It is highly desirable that there be a local component to the Provider team to facilitate response time to matters that require on-site reviews.

The Provider should note if it is a Minority Business Enterprise, Female Business

Enterprise, and/or Cleveland Area Small Business Enterprise.

If the Provider is a privately held corporation, a listing of all stockholders, their interest in the company as related to percentage of ownership, and their interest, if any, in the operations of the entity must be included.

The Provider should also submit an organizational chart of the organization’s leadership and key project personnel. Providers may include project personnel names, roles, and unique benefits the team brings to this project. Providers should include resumes of project team leadership and key personnel for this work. If the Provider is partnering with another Provider(s) to execute any phases of this work, they should include the aforementioned details for each Provider.

C. Project Approach: Understanding that the services being sought are supplemental to the existing work of the Talent Management staff, and are on an “As-Needed” basis, the

Provider shall describe in detail their approach to consulting work, including how they structure intake conversations, their approach to conducting discovery and information gathering sessions, how they capture engagement details, as well as how they intend to achieve the deliverables outlined under the Scope of Work for this project, specifically:

a. Provider must be able to demonstrate knowledge of, and experience with, the subject matter of the Training and Organizational Development engagement topic or area in accordance with industry standards, required certifications, and best practices.

2. Provider must provide the Department an outline and clearly stated learning and outcome objective for each engagement. When possible, training and content should be aligned with public sector culture and bring relevance to the engagement experience.

3. Provider will include a description of any requested or required pre-work for each engagement, as well as any assigned post-work to help ensure transfer of knowledge.

Indicate if any types of assessments will be used.

4. Provider will identify the training delivery method they will be utilizing for each engagement for which they are contracted and note minimum/maximum cohort size(s), if/when applicable.

5. Provider will provide learning aids for each class or course that include but are not limited to handouts, participant guides, virtual polling, videos, teach-back activities, and action plans.

6. Provider will develop and distribute an evaluation tool for each engagement for continuous improvement.

7. Provider must be independent in its work for the City of Cleveland and ensure the best interests of the City of Cleveland are…