HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATION SERVICES

The City of Charlottesville’s Human Rights Department has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP 26-42) seeking qualified professional services to conduct supplemental human rights investigations in accordance with the Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance. Established in 2013, the Office of Human Rights and Human Rights Commission advocate against discrimination and promote equal opportunity within the city, enforcing protections in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and education. While the office maintains a full-time in-house investigator to handle most complaints, this contract aims to secure a third-party investigation provider to assist when caseloads exceed internal capacity, with an expected workload of zero to five cases annually. Proposals are due by January 14, 2026, and services will be performed primarily in Charlottesville, Virginia, using a trauma-informed and person-centered approach that aligns with the City’s policies and statutory requirements under relevant Virginia laws. The contract will be awarded based on a trade-off evaluation focusing on offerors’ methodology (40%), experience (30%), and price (30%), favoring the best overall value rather than lowest cost alone. Offerors must demonstrate at least two years of professional experience in private sector human and civil rights investigations and show the ability to adhere strictly to confidentiality, data privacy, and nondiscrimination mandates. The contract has a base two-year term with optional renewal extensions for up to three additional years, subject to Consumer Price Index adjustments. Investigative reports, the primary deliverable, must be submitted in ADA-compliant formats to the Human Rights Commission Director. The City will provide interview spaces, as well as interpretation and translation services upon request, ensuring accessibility for all participants. Insurance coverage meeting City requirements is mandatory before commencing work, but submission of proof with proposals is not required. Minority business participation is encouraged. The contract terms exclude certain federal acquisition clauses, emphasize confidentiality, and stipulate that payment is contingent upon availability of funds, with invoicing procedures specified by the City. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the City’s OpenGov portal, adhering to detailed format and submission instructions to be considered responsive.