Impartial Hearing Officers - Independent Consultants

Dane County Purchasing Division is requesting proposals to establish a pool of Impartial Hearing Officers and Independent Consultants, with proposals due September 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via the County's eProcurement Portal and a question deadline of August 19, 2026. A local-vendor preference of 5 points applies to vendors in Dane County; vendors in adjacent counties receive 2 points.

The scope comprises two services: impartial hearing officer services for Step 4 employee grievances under the Employee Benefit Handbook, and independent consultant services during the annual review and revision process of the handbook. Qualified candidates must demonstrate significant experience in alternative dispute resolution, employment law, civil service commission service, or judicial experience. Preference is given to those affiliated with professional organizations such as the National Academy of Arbitrators or Wisconsin Employment Relations Council. Respondents may be arbitration/mediation firms or individual attorneys operating under an LLC.

The contract term begins January 1, 2027 and includes five one-year renewal options extending through December 31, 2031. Pricing is submitted on an hourly rate basis for both roles; the County will not reimburse travel expenses including mileage, airfare, lodging, meals, parking, tolls, or rental vehicles. All labor and delivery costs are included in the quoted hourly rates.

Evaluation weights are Experience, Capabilities, and Qualifications (65 points), Conflicts of Interest (10 points), Cost (25 points), and Local Vendor Preference (5 points). Awardees must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence, provide fair labor practice certifications, and comply with all Dane County ordinances. A Certificate of Insurance must be submitted prior to purchase order issuance. No site visits or bidders' conferences are mandatory.