Investigation and Mediation Services

The City of Austin is issuing a solicitation for Investigation and Mediation Services, seeking qualified organizations or individuals with experience in workplace investigations, review of internal reports, and conflict resolution mediation. The contract, governed primarily by the City's Standard Terms and Conditions and Texas law, is an indefinite quantity arrangement with an estimated value between 500,000 and 2 million dollars, and it covers services such as conducting independent investigations into workplace complaints, reviewing internal investigation reports, and facilitating mediations. The scope emphasizes timely engagement, detailed investigative planning, evidence gathering, and comprehensive reporting, with performance standards aligned to City policies. The procurement process involves a competitive sealed proposal approach, with evaluation criteria weighted heavily on Offeror experience and personnel qualifications, supplemented by considerations for local and small business preferences. Pricing submissions must be all-inclusive, using specified forms, with proposals due electronically by November 20, 2025. The contractual framework does not incorporate federal acquisition clauses (FAR clauses) but relies on the City's standard terms, which include provisions for contract modifications through written amendments, confidentiality obligations, background checks for personnel, and strict confidentiality of City information. Payment procedures are outlined to ensure timely invoicing and compliance with appropriated funds, with detailed instructions for submission and administrative oversight. The solicitation documents include comprehensive instructions for proposal formatting, submission via the City’s online portal, and contact points for support. Supporting documents such as the pricing sheets, offer certifications, and the main solicitation package specify the required submittals, with no explicit attachments beyond the core documents. The contract emphasizes transparency, compliance, and the importance of accurate certifications regarding business status and socioeconomic participation, although no specific federal or proprietary attachment files are explicitly referenced. Overall, the contract aims to establish a robust, compliant, and transparent process for engaging qualified providers to support workplace investigations and conflict resolution for the City of Austin.