Pre-Employment Background Investigation

San Mateo County's Public Safety Communications department is seeking qualified private investigators or attorneys to perform pre-employment background investigations for Public Safety Dispatcher candidates. The procurement, identified as RFP No. 2026-RFP-00056, requires comprehensive background investigation services that comply with California Penal Code 13510(c) and California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) regulations. Specific deliverables include preparing and verifying background investigation packets, conducting candidate interviews, performing comprehensive investigations, and submitting detailed reports within eight weeks of assignment. The RFP will be evaluated using a 110-point scoring system, with points allocated as follows: project approach (30 points), firm qualifications (25 points), team qualifications (20 points), and pricing (25 points). Proposers must have completed a 32-hour POST certified background investigation course. The RFP was released on September 9, 2025, with proposals due by 5:00 pm on September 25, 2025, and an anticipated contract award date of October 3, 2025. The proposed contract term is five years, with a cooperative procurement approach that may allow other organizations to potentially utilize the resulting contract.

The RFP includes preferential point allocations for local businesses and non-profits, with an additional 10 points available, and potential extra points for small and micro businesses. Proposers must submit responses electronically through the county's eProcurement portal, adhering to specific formatting requirements. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the contract will utilize San Mateo County's standard contract templates for contracts under $200,000, which include comprehensive provisions for insurance, compliance, and intellectual property rights. The contract requires contractors to maintain workers' compensation insurance and liability coverage with minimum $1,000,000 limits for general, motor vehicle, and professional liability. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the standard contract template suggests the procurement is designed for contracts under $200,000. The procurement emphasizes local economic participation and provides opportunities for businesses to engage with San Mateo County's public safety communication infrastructure.