RFP_HR_Workplace Investigations

The City of Minneapolis is requesting proposals for workplace investigation services under RFP #0000004229, with proposals due August 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT and questions due by July 31, 2026. The City intends to award between two and four contracts for a three-year term (December 2026 through December 2029) with an option to extend up to five years maximum.

The scope requires investigators to conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough investigations of workplace complaints, including interviews, evidence gathering, and comprehensive investigative reports analyzed on a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Investigations must be completed within 90 calendar days absent extenuating circumstances. The City anticipates approximately 12 externally conducted investigations annually, with roughly 25% involving multiple parties and many including multiple allegations. Most investigative interviews will be conducted via videoconference, though some require in-person meetings. Proposers must demonstrate at least three years of experience investigating workplace complaints, preferably in the public sector. Legal credentials are not required; qualified HR professionals with relevant certifications and experience will be equally considered. Consultants may propose their own investigative report format and staffing structure, including pricing for two-investigator assignments.

Proposals must include executive summaries, detailed scope descriptions, experience and capacity documentation, client references (up to five), personnel listings with resumes, hourly rates and billing increments, financial responsibility information, insurance evidence, and sample investigative reports with confidential information removed. Contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance with employers' liability limits of $100,000, commercial general liability insurance of $2,000,000, professional liability insurance of $2,000,000 per claim and aggregate, and cyber liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Contracts exceeding $100,000 must comply with the Minneapolis Living Wage Ordinance; those exceeding $175,000 must meet Small & Underutilized Business Program requirements. All responses must be submitted electronically through the City's eSupplier Portal. Estimated consultant selection is scheduled for September 8, 2026. Consultant availability, conflict considerations, and department familiarity will influence assignment decisions among selected contractors.