Entry Level Fire Fighter Exams and Video Interviews

The City of Tucson is seeking proposals for a comprehensive Entry Level Fire Fighter Exam and Video Interview process through RFP No. 240039. The procurement involves developing and administering a testing and virtual interview system for firefighter candidates, with the goal of selecting 35-40 individuals for the Fire Training Academy. Qualified offerors will be responsible for creating a written exam and conducting video interviews for 500-1,000 applicants per testing cycle. The proposal requires a detailed methodology that meets the specific requirements of the Tucson Fire Department's entry-level firefighter position, demonstrating expertise in public safety testing, statistical design, and organizational development. Key deliverables include exam development, administration, and video interview processes. The RFP was published on August 11, 2023, with proposals due on September 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM local Arizona time. A pre-submittal conference is scheduled for August 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The contract term will be one year, with options to extend for up to four additional one-year periods.

The procurement is structured into two groups: Group A for exam development and administration, and Group B for video interviews, which can be bid on separately or together. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP suggests a preference for contractors with proven experience in public safety testing and organizational development. Pricing will be based on a per-candidate model, potentially including a base fee, with comprehensive pricing covering all associated costs such as travel, meals, lodging, printing, telecommunications, postage, shipping, and handling. Optional pricing is requested for virtual exam base fees, per-candidate virtual exams, candidate study guides, and practice tests. The City reserves the right to engage the successful offeror to develop and administer replacement examinations as needed. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the testing volume of 500-1,000 candidates per cycle indicates a potentially significant contract value. The procurement emphasizes the need for a contractor capable of developing a rigorous, fair, and comprehensive testing process that meets the Tucson Fire Department's specific requirements for entry-level firefighter selection.