Compensation Study

Nature of RFI Minnesota State seeks information from qualified firms to provide guidance on how to conduct a comprehensive compensation study for academic staff who are in the MSUAASF bargaining unit. Employees in this bargaining unit generally perform duties that include providing administrative and service functions to students, the universities, and communities. For example, they perform functions like admissions, financial aid, residential life, and other academic and student affairs functions. The bargaining unit includes positions that are FLSA Exempt and FLSA Non-exempt. The current labor agreement can be found under Buyer Attachments section. The purpose of the study is to ensure competitive, equitable, and compliant compensation practices that align with institutional goals and reflect market trends in higher education. Respondents to this RFI will provide guidance on how to assess current salary placements within individual institutions taking account of the existence of a labor agreement that establishes terms and conditions of employment. Respondents to this RFI should also provide actionable insights to support fair and transparent pay policies. Respondents to this RFI will provide guidance on the development of a compensation study, including providing input on the scope, methodology of study, and relevant data points that should be assessed. Respondents to this RFI are requested to provide details about their experience with similar studies in higher education, methodologies, data sources, and the tools they offer to support compensation management. This RFI aims to gather information to inform the development of a formal Request for Proposal (RFP). Scope of Interest Includes: Through this RFI, we are requesting respondents to provide recommendations on: Key Considerations for a Compensation Study Identification of critical elements that should be analyzed to assess the effectiveness and fairness of our compensation structures, such as: Salary structures and pay scales. Internal equity across roles and departments within defined institutions. Equity and market competitiveness through peer benchmarking. Pay compression and progression trends. Additional factors to consider based on industry best practices and emerging trends. Data Points and/or Variables to Include in the Analysis Respondents are asked to identify and recommend key data points and/or variables necessary for a thorough analysis, including but not limited to: Employee demographics (e.g., range assignments, positions, department). Compensation components. Market data and how it relates to pay within the MSUAASF bargaining unit at the seven state universities Bargaining unit-specific compensation rules and guidelines. Legal and regulatory compliance factors. Proposed Methodology and Approach. Vendors should outline their recommended approach for conducting the compensation study, including: Data collection methods and tools to ensure accuracy and completeness. Market benchmarking methodologies, and the comparison should be within defined institutions. Analytical techniques for pay equity and compliance evaluations. Strategies for stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the study. Best practices for aligning compensation with organizational objectives and bargaining agreements. Compliance with the Bargaining Unit Plan. Respondents should provide insights on how to ensure the study remains compliant with our existing bargaining unit agreement, addressing: Adherence to collective bargaining agreement terms regarding pay scales and adjustments. Identifying potential areas of misalignment and risk mitigation strategies. Communication strategies for working with union representatives and stakeholders. Deliverables and Reporting Recommendations on the format and structure of final reports. Suggested deliverables, such as: Comprehensive written reports with findings and recommendations. Data visualization tools for easy interpretation of results. Executive summaries for leadership teams. Implementation roadmaps and cost impact analyses. Cost Estimate and Budget Considerations. Respondents are asked to provide information on potential costs associated with conducting a comprehensive compensation study. Respondents are encouraged to provide: A preliminary budget estimate based on their recommended approach. Vendors should provide recommendations on how to tailor the compensation study RFP to be within budgetary limitations A breakdown of cost components, including but not limited to: Data collection and analysis. Peer benchmarking services. Reporting and presentation costs. Any additional fees (e.g., software, licenses, travel, etc.). Submission Details: Interested firms are encouraged to share their qualifications, approach, deliverables, and potential costs associated with this service. Your response will help us determine the most qualified partners for a potential engagement. Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered.