Background Investigation Services

The City of Tampa's Human Resources & Talent Development department is seeking proposals for Background Investigation Services through solicitation number 25-P-00283, a Request for Proposal (RFP) aimed at procuring comprehensive employment-related background checking services. The city anticipates approximately 500 pre-employment background checks annually, requiring vendors to conduct criminal record searches in Florida and other states, including misdemeanor and felony convictions, sex offenses, and pending cases, with a mandatory 48-hour turnaround time. Required background investigation services include criminal record searches, driver's license record checks, NCIC and National Sex Offender Registry searches, credit reports, educational and employment verifications, and military service verification. The proposal evaluation will consider multiple factors: methodology (20 points), firm's experience and qualifications (20 points), cost (15 points), information exchange methods (15 points), references (5 points), WMBE/SLBE participation (20 points), and criminal history screening practices (5 points). Key dates include a pre-proposal conference on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 9:00 am, with proposal responses due on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm. The initial contract term is one year from the award date, with potential renewal for four additional one-year periods.

The City of Tampa emphasizes participation from Women/Minority Business Enterprises (WMBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE), incorporating these considerations directly into the proposal evaluation process. Vendors must comply with the city's Equal Business Opportunity guidelines, which provide a structured framework for diverse business participation across various industry categories. The solicitation includes specific documentation requirements such as the MBD-30 Sub-Contractors/Consultants/Suppliers Payment Form, MBD-40 Letter of Intent, and MBD-70 Procurement Guidelines to track and encourage minority and small business involvement. The department has allocated a budget of $125,000 for these background investigation services, with evaluation points specifically dedicated to WMBE/SLBE participation. Proposers must submit comprehensive documentation, including affidavits, sub-contracting documentation, and proof of business licensing and insurance coverage. The city also requires adherence to its ethics code and public records law, with additional emphasis on accessibility standards for any technology-related components of the proposed services.