Executive Search Services

Purpose The purpose of this Request for Proposal (the "Request") is to solicit competitive proposals for the retention of an experienced executive search consultant to provide services to the Postal Regulatory Commission ("Commission") as it seeks candidates for the General Counsel position, which will become vacant in January 2014. The General Counsel position is, in terms of salary, roughly the equivalent of an Executive Schedule Level II employee. The Commission would like to make an offer to a new candidate no later than March 2014. This Request is intended to solicit information pertaining to the advantages, quality of services and costs associated with an executive search process. The consultants to be considered will be expected to submit their responses to this Request by November 12, 2013. Following an initial screening, finalists will meet with the Commission at its offices in Washington DC. The anticipated selection date is December 6, 2013. This Request does not commit the Commission to any reimbursements of costs or expenses which may be incurred by the respondent in preparing for this Request or any costs or expenses incurred by the respondent prior to the execution of a contracted agreement. The Commission reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this Request, to negotiate separately with competing respondents, and to accept that proposal which, in its judgment, is in the best interests of the Commission. About the Postal Regulatory Commission The Commission is an independent agency that has exercised regulatory oversight over the Postal Service since its creation by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. Initially, that oversight consisted primarily of conducting public, on-the-record hearings concerning proposed rate, mail classification or major service changes, and recommending decisions for action by the postal Governors. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) enacted on December 20, 2006, significantly strengthened the Commission's authority to serve as a counterbalance to new flexibility granted to the Postal Service in setting postal rates. The Act requires the Commission to develop and maintain regulations for a modern system of rate regulation, consult with the Postal Service on delivery service standards and performance measures, consult with the Department of State on international postal policies, prevent cross-subsidization or other anticompetitive postal practices, promote transparency and accountability, and adjudicate complaints. The law also assigns new and continuing oversight responsibilities to the PRC, including annual determinations of Postal Service compliance with applicable laws, development of accounting practices and procedures for the Postal Service, review of the Universal Service requirement, and assurance of transparency through periodic reports. New enforcement tools include subpoena power, authority to direct the Postal Service to adjust rates and to take other remedial actions, and levying fines in cases of deliberate noncompliance with applicable postal laws. Commission Leadership The Commission is composed of five Commissioners, each of whom is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of six years. A Commissioner may continue to serve after the expiration of his or her term for up to one year or until a successor is confirmed. No more than three members of the Commission may be from one political party. The Chairman is designated by the President and serves as the chief administrator of the agency. Assisting the Commission is a staff with expertise in law, economics, finance, statistics, and cost accounting. The Commission is organized into four operating offices: Accountability and Compliance General Counsel Public Affairs and Government Relations Secretary The Commission maintains an independent office for its Inspector General. The Office of Accountability & Compliance is responsible for technical analysis and formulation of policy recommendations for the Commission in both domestic and international matters. It provides the analytic support for Commission review of rate changes, negotiated service agreements, classifications of new products, post office closings, and other issues. The Office evaluates Postal Service accounting records, financial reports, and other financial data to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards established by the Commission. This includes reports filed pursuant to SEC rules and procedures. The Office assists the Commission in its annual determinations of compliance with service performance standards and the preparation of the annual report to the President and Congress. The Office of General Counsel provides legal assistance on matters involving the Commission's responsibilities, defends Commission decisions before the courts, and manages the formal complaint process. The Office of Public Affairs & Government Relations facilitates prompt and responsive communications for the Commission with the public, Congress and federal agencies, the Postal Service, and information media. The Office of Secretary & Administration records the official actions of the Commission; preserves Commission documents; maintains personnel records; and provides other support services including managing the Commission's library, docket room, and computers. The Office of Inspector General conducts, supervises, and coordinates audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Commission, and identifies and reports fraud and abuse in Commission programs and operations. Scope of Services The Secretary of the Commission has been charged by the Chairman with managing the process for the recruitment and identification of well-qualified finalists for the position of General Counsel. The General Counsel serves at the pleasure of the Commission. The Commissioners will make the final selection for the position. To assist it in performing this duty, the Commission seeks to engage a well-qualified executive search firm with extensive experience in placing high-level government executives in high-performing organizations. From the Commission's perspective, a successful consulting relationship will be characterized by straightforward, creative, independent consulting, accurate information and analyses, timely and informative responses to requests for information and cultural fit. We are anticipating filling the position from a local applicant pool. The selected candidate, in addition to performing the consultative, search, and placement services, will be expected to conduct up to three meetings with Commission leadership to discuss perspectives on the scope of responsibilities and ideal qualities for candidates for the General Counsel position. Up to two meetings with Commission leadership to discuss specific potential candidates will also be conducted.