CFD Entry Level Testing and Promotional Process Administration Services

The City of Charlotte, North Carolina, through its Fire Department Human Resources Division, is soliciting proposals for entry-level testing and promotional process administration services via RFP #269-2026-208. The procurement encompasses comprehensive testing and assessment services including written examinations for up to 1,000 entry-level firefighter candidates, Firefighters Physical Abilities Test (FPAT) validation and scoring, and promotional examination and assessment center administration for multiple ranks (Firefighter Engineer up to 150 candidates, Captain up to 100 candidates, Battalion Chief up to 50 candidates, and Division Chief up to 25 candidates, optional). Required deliverables include job analysis, development of written tests, orientation sessions, assessor training, assessment center administration with travel preparation and data analyses, final candidate ranking lists, feedback reports, and final technical reports. Vendors must demonstrate qualifications through submission of a minimum of three to five client references with preference for organizations of similar size or comparable service experience, provide detailed responses to 23 background questions addressing company experience and organizational structure, submit organizational and management charts with one-page resumes for key team members, and demonstrate capability to integrate test scores into the City's Workday system. Proposals will be evaluated based on qualifications and experience, cost effectiveness and value, Minority/Women/Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) inclusion efforts, and acceptance of contract terms. The non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for May 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams; written questions must be submitted by May 6, 2026, prior to the conference or by May 15, 2026, after the conference; proposals are due May 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. through the Bonfire e-Procurement Portal; and contract award is anticipated by August 10, 2026, with services commencing in October 2026.

The City of Charlotte has established Minority-owned, Women-owned, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) inclusion participation goals and requires all proposers to submit CBI Form 3 identifying intended MWSBE subconsultants and suppliers at the time of proposal opening, with failure to submit rendering the proposal non-responsive. Proposers must provide Letters of Intent (CBI Form 4) executed by both the M/W/SBE and the proposer within three business days of City request, and must maintain stated M/W/SBE participation levels throughout the contract duration. No incumbent vendor is identified in the solicitation, and all vendors must register with the City's vendor management system to execute contracts and receive payment. The contract structure includes an initial three-year term with the City holding two optional one-year renewal terms for a potential five-year total duration, with all pricing to be all-inclusive and submitted in United States dollars covering every aspect of the project with no additional costs borne by the City beyond those identified in the pricing worksheet. Vendors must submit all certifications required by federal and state law, including Byrd Anti-Lobbying Certification, Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension, and compliance with E-Verify and non-discrimination requirements. While specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the solicitation documents, the pricing worksheet provided establishes the mechanism through which vendors will submit their comprehensive cost proposals for City evaluation.