RFSQ Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Related Services

The County of Los Angeles Human Resources Department has issued a Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ) to establish Master Agreements for dispute resolution, mediation, and related services through the DHR Mediation Program. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to provide professional dispute resolution services for County employees, contractors, and departments, specifically addressing employment and workplace issues including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints. Vendors must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in mediation, workplace conflict resolution training, and related services, with the ability to handle complaints filed internally with the County's Equity Oversight Panel or externally with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The solicitation requires vendors to meet specific qualification standards, including professional certifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated expertise in dispute resolution methodologies. The RFSQ was posted on August 31, 2023, with a proposal submission deadline of January 16, 3025, allowing potential vendors an extended period to prepare and submit their qualifications. Selected vendors will be placed on a pre-qualified roster, enabling the County to engage dispute resolution services on an as-needed basis without conducting individual competitive procurements for each engagement.

The procurement includes a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) component, which provides opportunities for minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises to participate in the contracting process. Vendors must complete a comprehensive CBE form documenting business ownership, operational control, and economic disadvantage status to qualify for consideration. The County's procurement approach emphasizes diversity and inclusion, using the CBE certification as a mandatory prerequisite for bid evaluation. While specific award values are not explicitly stated in the available documentation, the Master Agreement structure suggests a potential for multiple vendor selections and ongoing, flexible engagement. The solicitation appears to create a standing roster of qualified dispute resolution providers rather than a single, fixed-value contract. Vendors must be prepared to provide detailed documentation verifying their business status, professional qualifications, and capability to deliver high-quality mediation and conflict resolution services across various County departments and employee populations.