Comprehensive Compensation and Classification Study for All Employees

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has issued Solicitation Number 4156, seeking proposals from qualified third-party vendors to conduct a comprehensive compensation and classification study covering all employee groups within the district. This initiative primarily addresses issues of salary compression and pay structure alignment and includes a thorough review of job classifications, market competitiveness, and internal equity. The study is expected to deliver a districtwide compensation philosophy intended to guide future pay decisions and recommend potential redesigns of pay and classification frameworks to establish a sustainable, competitive, and market-aligned compensation structure. The contract scope demands a detailed analysis incorporating both quantitative and qualitative assessments, development of a compensation philosophy, recommendations for pay structure redesign, and a final comprehensive report, supported by a project plan outlining timelines and communication strategies. The district employs over 4,000 staff serving approximately 25,500 students and emphasizes compliance with applicable state safety laws and accessibility standards, including Section 508 guidelines for any proposed software or hardware components. Proposals are due by December 23, 2025, with award decisions anticipated in early 2026 following an evaluation process weighted predominantly on deliverables (40%), organizational ability to meet service/support requirements (30%), K-12 experience (15%), cost (10%), and diverse business qualifications (5%). The evaluation process includes compliance checks, reference reviews, interviews, and possible site visits, applying a best-value approach rather than lowest-price acceptance. The contract is governed by Wisconsin state law, requiring vendors to meet affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, and debarment certification requirements as part of their submission. Key contractual provisions specify that the district may terminate the contract with 60 days’ notice, restrict assignment without prior consent, and require indemnification and hold harmless clauses. Vendors must submit detailed cost proposals and provide resumes for key personnel, including subcontractors if applicable. Proposal submission mandates careful packaging and labeling addressed to the district’s purchasing office, with separate submissions for cost proposals to maintain confidentiality during evaluation. The contract term is anticipated to run through December 31, 2026, with options for renewal, and payments will align with project milestones, subject to withholding retainage until satisfactory project completion. Throughout, Madison Metropolitan School District retains sole discretion on acceptance, quality judgement, and equivalency decisions related to deliverables.