RFP for Vacant Property Tax Hearing Services

The City of Oakland, Finance Department, Revenue Management Bureau, is requesting proposals for impartial hearing officer services to conduct administrative proceedings on contested Vacant Property Tax assessments under 2018 Measure W and Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 4.56, with proposals due October 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The scope requires qualified individuals or firms to conduct factual determinations based on submitted materials and testimony; hold hearings via telephonic conference and/or in-person; research and analyze relevant laws and legal precedents; determine liability; and issue written rulings, decisions, and post-hearing correspondence. The hearing officer must render decisions in compliance with applicable City regulations.

The anticipated contract term is three years with an optional two-year extension. The contract amount shall be a not-to-exceed figure established through mutual agreement on scope of services and fee schedule, with the City retaining 10% pending successful completion of work.

Proposals are evaluated on technical merit (70 points maximum), cost/fee proposal (30 points maximum), and Local/Small Local Business Enterprise certified business participation (5 points maximum). The Local/Small Local Business Enterprise participation requirement has been adjusted to 0%.

The contractor must comply with Oakland's Living Wage Ordinance if the contract amount equals or exceeds $25,000, providing prescribed minimum compensation, health benefits, and twelve compensated days off annually for employees. Additional mandatory compliance includes the Minimum Wage Law, Equal Benefits Ordinance, Prompt Payment Ordinance, non-discrimination, and equal employment practices. The contractor must obtain and maintain comprehensive commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance with the City named as additional insured.

The question deadline is October 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Interviews with short-listed firms are anticipated within five working days of notification, with contract negotiations expected between December 2026 and January 2027 and award anticipated for January–February 2027. Electronic submittal is required through the iSupplier portal.