Title
Background Screening and In-Processing/Onboarding Services Contract (Ordinance S-43751)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Verified Volunteers d/b/a Sterling Talent Solutions for background screening and in-processing/onboarding services for employees and volunteers. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item throughout the life of the contract, as necessary.
Report
Summary
The City's current contract for employee and volunteer background screening services expires Jan. 31, 2018. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued early to identify a vendor who could provide both background screening services and in-processing/onboarding services for new employees. There currently is no contract in place for in-processing/onboarding services.
Procurement Information
An RFP was issued on March 9, 2017, with a deadline of April 7, 2017, to submit responses. Ten responses were received and forwarded to a five-member evaluation committee. The committee included two representatives from the Human Resources Department; one representative from the Public Works Department; the Human Resources Officer for the Library Department; and a representative from the Administrative, Supervisory, Professional & Technical Employees Association (ASPTEA). Proposals were reviewed based on the following criteria: qualifications and experience; method of approach; other qualifications; and pricing. The top four vendors were invited to an interview/demonstration process. Based on a consensus of the committee, the scores for the top four vendors, out of 1,000 points possible, are:
Verified Volunteers d/b/a Sterling Talent Solutions: 845 points
CastleBranch: 833 points
First Choice Background Screening: 743 points
ADP: 739 points
Verified Volunteers d/b/a Sterling Talent Solutions is the City's current vendor for background screening services. The committee selected this vendor based on the following: business history; government experience; ability to integrate with the City's human resources information system; "best-in-class" software; onboarding capabilities; and other qualifications. The award recommendation was posted to the public and no protests were received.
Contract Term
The initial contract term will be three years, effective Oct. 1, 2017, with the option to renew for two additional years, in one-year increments, which may be exercised by the City Manager or designee.
Financial Impact
Costs for employee and volunteer background services vary annually and are paid by the departments utilizing these services. The cost for these services is expected not to exceed $400,000 over the five-year life of the contract.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This contract award was recommended for approval by the Sustainability, Housing, Efficiency, and Neighborhoods Subcommittee at its June 20, 2017, meeting by a vote of 3 to 0.
Location
Citywide
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Human Resources Department.