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PROPOSAL:

Approve Firm as Prequalified to Provide Classification and Compensation Services

SYNOPSIS:

On July 9, 1999, the Board authorized the release of an RFP to solicit bids from firms interested in being prequalified to provide classification and compensation services to AQMD. This recommendation is to obtain Board approval for this prequalification and for authorization to re-release the RFP as needed to solicit interest from other firms that, based on evaluation of qualifications, can be recommended to the Board at a later time as additional prequalified consultants. This item was reviewed by the Administrative Committee on November 19, 1999, and recommended for approval.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, November 19, 1999, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Approve the firm of Koff & Associates, Inc. as prequalified to provide classification and compensation services, authorize re-release of the RFP as needed to solicit interest from other firms that, based on evaluation of qualifications, can be recommended to the Board at a later time as additional prequalified consultants.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

As a result of organizational changes, past downsizing, and addition of new programs, AQMD is undertaking a comprehensive review of position allocations and job classifications. In July 1999, the Board approved release of an RFP to solicit proposals from consultants interested in being prequalified to perform classification and compensation services.

In accordance with AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids was placed in the following publications:

Additionally, potential bidders were identified using the Los Angeles County MTA Directory of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list; and AQMD Human Recourses’ list of interested classification and compensation consultants. Notice of the RFP was mailed to the B lack and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations and was placed on the Internet at AQMD’s web site [http://www.aqmd.gov, "Business and Job Opportunities" icon] and on AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724.

A total of 296 copies of the RFP were mailed out, and two proposals were received by the close of bidding at 9:00 a.m., August 10, 1999. Because so few proposals were received, the deadline was extended to September 30, 1999, and additional effort was made to identify and contact firms and individuals who perform this type of work. By the close of bidding at 9:00 a.m., September 30, 1999, three additional proposals were received. Of the five bids, two were from local businesses and none were from small businesses or disabled-veteran business enterprises or business subcontracting with same; the highest-scoring proposer was not a local business.

The technical qualifications of bidders and their cost proposals were evaluated based on criteria specified in the RFP. With the exception of one, the firms submitting proposals either lacked experience that was directly relevant to AQMD needs, had significant travel costs because of their locations, or charged labor rates that would not allow AQMD to meet its needs within the amounts authorized in the Budget for classification and compensation studies. Only two proposals meet the technical criteria specified in the RFP. Ratings for these two proposals are listed in Attachment A.

A four-person panel composed of the following AQMD staff reviewed the five proposals: Acting Director of Administrative and Human Resources, Human Resources Manager, Affirmative Action Officer, and Human Resources Analyst. Of these panelists, two were female and two were male; two were African American and two were Caucasian.

Based on the panel’s evaluation, staff recommends prequalifiying Koff & Associates, Inc. to conduct classification and compensation services. A contract with the firm will be awarded at the time particular studies are arranged with the consultant. Staff also recommends re-releasing the RFP as needed to solicit interest from other firms that, based on evaluation of qualifications, can be recommended to the Board at a later time as additional prequalified consultants.

Resource Impacts

Funds for classification and compensation studies are approved in each fiscal year’s budget.

Attachment A – Evaluation of Proposals

ATTACHMENT A

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS FOR RFP #9899-45

Classification and Compensation Services

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