Fire Training Staff Promotional Exam

The City of New Haven, Connecticut is requesting proposals for a consultant to develop, validate, administer, and score promotional examination processes for three Fire Training Staff positions—Director of Training, Drillmaster, and Assistant Drillmaster—with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A local-vendor preference of up to five evaluation points applies to city-based businesses with a principal place of business in New Haven if their bid is within 15 percent of the lowest bid.

The scope requires the consultant to design and execute examination processes that meet all legal requirements, comply with Federal EEOC guidelines, and demonstrate cost-effectiveness. The consultant must conduct job analysis, develop and validate examinations, administer the selection process, and deliver technical reports and scoring documentation. The anticipated candidate pool spans 8–10 applicants for Director of Training (current rank of Lieutenant or higher), 5–8 for Drillmaster (minimum 3 years at Lieutenant or higher), and 10–15 for Assistant Drillmaster (Firefighter 1st Grade or higher). The selection process must employ a rule of three ranks merit system. The consultant must demonstrate experience with high-stakes fire service promotional examinations, familiarity with urban fire departments comparable to New Haven, knowledge of adverse impact analysis and the 80 percent Rule, and ability to defend examination processes in legal challenges. Assessor diversity is required.

The contract term is one initial year with two optional one-year extension periods. The City targets completion within approximately 12 weeks from project kick-off. Proposals must be submitted in two parts: a technical proposal and a separate detailed price proposal with itemized cost breakdowns and per-candidate costs for each position. Payment is structured on a milestone basis: 30 percent upon job analysis completion, 40 percent after test administration, 20 percent after submission of technical reports and final results, and 10 percent upon submission of scoring reports. The City provides test facilities and parking; meals for subject matter experts are reimbursed up to $10 for breakfast and $25 for dinner with no alcohol. Questions are due September 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. No pre-proposal meeting is mandatory. The contractor is classified as an independent contractor, shall not subcontract, and must comply with Connecticut state law, City ordinances, Federal EEOC guidelines, and Executive Order 11246.