External Investigator

Central Washington University (CWU) is seeking an external investigator through Request for Proposal (RFP 24-004) to conduct comprehensive investigations into discrimination and policy violations within the university environment. The scope of work requires a qualified vendor to apply established university, federal, and state legal standards when examining employee behavior and compliance with institutional policies. The investigator must demonstrate significant knowledge of higher education administrative structures and workplace cultures. Evaluation of proposals will be based on a 100-point system, with points allocated as follows: services description (40 points), references (20 points), company profile (15 points), cost scenarios (15 points), and diversity plan (10 points). Key deadlines include a mandatory Letter of Intent-to-Respond due December 20, 2024 by 3:00 PM PST, with questions also due that day, and final proposals required by January 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM PST. The university reserves the right to negotiate contract terms and potentially award multiple contracts to different vendors.

The RFP includes voluntary numerical Diverse Business Inclusion goals, targeting 10% for Minority Business Enterprises, 6% for Women's Business Enterprises, and 5% each for Washington Small Business and Veterans-owned businesses. Vendors must submit hourly rates that comprehensively cover all travel and related expenses. Insurance requirements are extensive, mandating coverage including general liability, automobile liability, workers' compensation, professional liability, and cyber liability policies with specified minimum coverage amounts. The contract may be extended to other Washington Institutions of Public Higher Education (WIPHE) cooperative members, potentially expanding the opportunity's scope. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the requirement for hourly rate submissions suggests flexibility in potential contract value. The investigative services will be utilized across Kittitas County and Kittitas City jurisdictions, with the primary objective of maintaining an equitable and compliant university workplace environment.