Impartial Hearing Officers - Independent Consultants

Dane County is soliciting proposals under RFP 2026-RFP-058-PR to establish a pool of Impartial Hearing Officers and Independent Consultants to support the Employee Benefit Handbook processes. Impartial Hearing Officers will act as neutral third parties to resolve Step 4 Grievances regarding handbook interpretation, employee rights, and disciplinary actions using a quasi-judicial format. Independent Consultants will facilitate the annual review of the Employee Benefit Handbook in accordance with Dane County Ordinance 18.24(4), providing recommendations to the Personnel and Finance Committee and the County Board. The contract is structured across multiple terms, with specific performance periods spanning from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2031. Eligible applicants include arbitration or mediation firms and individual attorneys operating under an LLC, with a strong preference for those experienced in Wisconsin public-sector employment relations and county-level government. Evaluation is based on a points-system, with 61.9% of the score weighted toward experience, capabilities, and qualifications, while cost is evaluated via a quantitative calculation favoring the lowest score. Local preference points are awarded to vendors in Dane County or adjacent counties. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the County's eProcurement Portal by September 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Selected vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial auto and environmental impairment liability, and must certify compliance with fair labor practices.