Appeals Hearing Officers

Boulder County is seeking qualified attorneys and professionals with legal or employment backgrounds to serve as independent contract hearing officers for employee appeal hearings under the Boulder County Personnel and Policy Manual. The solicitation of qualifications (SOQ) aims to create a pool of hearing officers who will be available on a per-hearing, as-needed basis to conduct appeal hearings related to disciplinary actions such as suspensions without pay, reductions in pay, demotions, or terminations. Minimum qualifications include being a licensed Colorado attorney or demonstrating professional legal/employment experience, with a willingness to complete equity and diversity training. Preferred qualifications emphasize experience in labor/employment law and equity, cultural responsiveness, and inclusion training. The evaluation criteria will assess proposals based on meeting minimum qualifications (50 points), experience in labor or employment law (25 points), and experience or training in equity, cultural responsiveness, and/or inclusion (25 points). Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time on October 1st, 2025, through the Bonfire procurement system, with an initial 1-year contract and potential renewals for up to 4 additional years.

The procurement does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The county aims to maintain a minimum of 3 hearing officers in the pool, with no guarantee of work volume. Contractors must maintain professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 and comply with Boulder County's insurance requirements, including naming the county as an additional insured. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract is structured as a per-hearing arrangement, with the county providing administrative support including scheduling, hearing rooms, documents, and recording equipment. The solicitation emphasizes the county's commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment, with successful respondents expected to align with these principles. Importantly, award under this solicitation does not guarantee work, and the actual number of anticipated hearings is not known, reflecting the flexible nature of this contract opportunity.