Background Check Services

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), a municipal electric and water utility in Florida, is requesting proposals for background check services under RFP 9308, with proposals due September 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST and questions due August 28, 2026. OUC requires vendors to demonstrate a minimum of ten years in continuous business with similar scope services and provide at least three references from completed projects of comparable size and scope.

The scope encompasses a user-facing web portal enabling OUC personnel and contractors to enter applicant information, submit payment, and receive background check reports via electronic transmission. OUC anticipates approximately 200 background checks annually for employees through Human Resources and approximately 800 annually from contractors. Required screening services include nationwide criminal database searches (minimum seven years), county and state criminal history checks with unfiltered arrest records, Social Security number tracing and address history, OFAC checks, DMV reports and driving history, national sex offender registry checks, education and employment verification, and international criminal history checks. The vendor must integrate with OUC's HRIS Cornerstone and ATS systems via API, support separate portals for HR and Security divisions, accept electronic signatures, maintain FCRA compliance, and provide 24/7 customer support with defined Service Level Agreements. All sample documents—background check reports, disclosure forms, authorization forms, adverse action notices, employment and education verification samples, and records destruction forms—must be submitted with proposals.

The contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewal periods. Pricing must remain firm throughout the contract term and extensions. Vendors must submit pricing in Excel format detailing setup fees, annual subscription and maintenance fees for each contract year, and per-service pricing for background check components. Evaluation criteria include qualifications and experience, responsiveness to requirements, safety and quality programs, financial soundness, and price. Bidders must complete compliance forms including a Sworn Statement on Public Entity Crimes under Florida Statutes Section 287.133(3)(a) and 287.135, a Dispute Disclosure form, proof of required licenses, and responses to an IT Security Questionnaire. OUC reserves the right to negotiate with responsive bidders, reject any or all proposals, and award to single or multiple suppliers contingent upon OUC Commission and legal approval.