RFP 2023 Empl Classification & Compensation Survey Okeechobee Utility Authority
Request for Proposal
2023 Employee Classification & Compensation Survey
Request for Proposals
PART 1
1.1 PURPOSE
The Okeechobee Utility Authority is requesting respondents to submit their
qualifications and proposals to provide professional and technical services with
regards to the preparation and submittal of a 2023 Employee Classification &
Compensation Survey. The completion of the survey may lead to follow up
assignments or additional work as identified in the initial survey work.
From the RFP's submitted, each RFP will be evaluated based upon a review of the
content submitted, rank the proposals and to set forth the terms and conditions
whereby the OUA shall contract with the successful proposer to develop a scope of
work and prepare a fee schedule for the work proposed in this RFP.
Ultimately, the OUA will select the consultant who most closely satisfies, in the
opinion of the OUA,the needs of the OUA towards the requirements of this survey.
1.2 ISSUING OFFICE
Okeechobee Utility Authority
100 SW 5th Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34974-4221
863.763.9460 (Tel)
863.763.9036 (Fax)
1.3 INVITATION TO PROPOSE
The Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) is soliciting proposals from responders
to provide professional consulting services or related professional services for the
above referenced project. The project is addressed in general and as outlined in the
Scope of Work.
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March 2023
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1.4 CONTRACT AWARDS
Okeechobee Utility Authority anticipates entering a contract with the respondent
who submits the proposal judged by the OUA Evaluation committee and or the
OUA Board to be the most advantageous to the OUA. The OUA anticipates
awarding a single contract to the respondent selected and approved by the full OUA
Board.
The respondent understands that this request does not constitute an agreement or a
contract with the OUA. An official contract or agreement is not binding until
reviewed and accepted by the OUA Board and executed by all parties. The OUA
reserves the right to reject all proposals,to waive any informality and to solicit and
advertise for other proposals.
1.5 DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Neither the OUA nor their representatives shall be liable for any expenses incurred
in connection with the preparation of a response to this request. Respondents
should prepare their submittals simply and economically, providing a
straightforward and concise description of the respondent's ability to meet the
requirements of the request.
1.6 INQUIRIES
The OUA will not respond to questions posed within two calendar days of
RFQ/RFP bid acceptance. Only questions posed in writing and answered by the
formal written addenda process will be binding. Oral and or other interpretations
or clarifications will be without legal effect. Respondents may submit written
inquires for interpretations of this request to:
Okeechobee Utility Authority
Attn: John Hayford, Executive Director
100 SW 5th Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34974-4221
863-763-9460 (Tel)
863-763-9036 (Fax)
1.7 TIMETABLES
The OUA and respondents shall adhere to the following schedule in all actions
concerning this request:
A. On March 29, 2023, OUA issues this RFP.
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March 2023
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B. From March 29, 2023 to April 16, 2023, the OUA will receive and answer
all inquiries received by mail or e-mail.
C. The OUA shall receive proposals up to 3:00 PM on April 18, 2023, at
which time the proposals will be tabulated, opened and reviewed for
compliance with the requirements to make a submittal.
D. The OUA will review the proposals in a timely manner. The proposals
shall be discussed during the OUA staff/committee review meeting
tentatively scheduled for 11:00 A.M.,April 20, 2023. The staff/committee
will evaluate and produce a preliminary ranking of the proposals.
E. The OUA staff/committee will deliver or make available to the OUA
Board members a copy of each submittal and the staff/committee review
evaluation. The OUA staff/committee may request presentations from up
to the top three ranked firms. If presentations are required,then they will
be scheduled for the next regularly scheduled OUA Board meeting.
Notifications will be sent out in a timely fashion.
F. If the OUA staff/committee elected for presentations, they will be heard at
this meeting and prior to final ranking by the OUA Board. The OUA
Board will review the staff/committee evaluations/ranking and publicly
discuss the submittals at the OUA Board meeting, scheduled to begin at
8:30 AM,Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
G. The OUA Board may elect to postpone the award decision and to request
additional information. If so, the firms will be notified of the request and
a date for the delivery of the material.
H. If a presentation is not required,then, based upon the data provided and
discussions, the OUA Board will determine the final ranking of the RFP's
submitted. The OUA will notify all respondent(s) of the results of the
ranking and review process.
I. Upon approval of the final ranking, the highest ranked firm will enter
negotiations for a final scope of work and fee schedule. Upon successful
negotiations, a contract will be prepared for review and execution by all
parties. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the OUA will move on to the
next highest ranked firm.
1.8 DELAYS
The OUA may delay scheduled due dates if it is to the advantage of the OUA to do
so. The OUA will notify respondents of all changes in the scheduled due dates by
written addenda.
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March 2023
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1.9 QUALIFICATION SUBMISSION AND WITHDRAWAL
The OUA will receive proposals at the issuing office address set forth in Paragraph
1.2.
To facilitate processing, please mark the outside of the envelope in the lower left-
hand corner as follows: 2023 Employee Classification & Compensation Survey.
The outside of the envelope shall also include the Respondent's name and return
address in the upper left-hand corner.
Respondents shall submit ten (10) paper copies and one electronic (pdf) of the
proposal in a sealed,opaque envelope marked as noted above. The respondent may
submit the proposals by U.S. mail, express delivery service or deliver in person.
THE OUA MUST RECEIVE THE PROPOSAL BY THE TIME AND DATE
SPECIFIED IN SECTION 1.7
Due to the irregularity of mail service, the OUA cautions respondents to assure
actual delivery of proposals to the issuing office prior to the deadline set forth
above.
Respondents may withdraw their submissions by notifying the OUA in writing at
any time prior to the opening time and date specified. Respondents may withdraw
their submissions in person or via an authorized representative. Respondents and
authorized representatives must provide a letter of withdrawal, picture
identification,and proof of authorization(in the case of authorized representatives.)
Proposals, once opened, become the property of the OUA and will not be returned
to the respondent. Opened proposals become "public records" and are subject to
the provisions of the Florida Public Records Law. As such they are subject to
public disclosure in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statues.
1.10 ADDENDA
If revisions become necessary, the OUA will provide written addenda to all
respondents who receive this Request and have identified themselves to the OUA
as having received this RFQ/RFP.
1.11 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The OUA recognizes fair and open competition as a basic tenet of the public
procurement process and encourages participation by any and all qualified firms or
individuals including those participating as minority and women business
enterprises.
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1.12 INSURANCE
The respondent, if awarded a contract,shall maintain insurance coverage reflecting
the minimum amounts and conditions as required by the State of Florida& OUA.
PART II STATEMENT OF WORK
2.1 SCOPE OF WORK
A. INTRODUCTION
With this request, the OUA is soliciting proposals from consultants for
professional services to evaluate the need for this survey, a review of
existing employee classification and compensation process and what
changes, if any,are needed so that the OUA can best position itself to retain
and hire employees to meet the business needs of the OUA.
B. PROJECT
As stated in this RFP, the OUA has approximately 55 employees filling
multiple job classifications as needed for the water and wastewater utility
business. The selected consultant will analyze & review current OUA
policies and procedures with respect to employee job classifications, pay
and other benefits to retain and hire employees. As a final product, a report
will be generated by the consultant with content and format a result of the
consultant's work.
C. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The work required under this contract by the selected consultant will
include, at a minimum, the following. The proposal submitted under this
RFP should clearly outline how and why your firm should be selected.
Only licensed qualified firms, capable and experienced in performing
compensation(classification, pay and benefits) studies are requested to
submit on the 2023 Employee Classification and Compensation Survey.
The selected firm shall perform all services necessary to provide a
comprehensive classification and compensation survey that will
consider all current OUA job classifications or job descriptions,pay
structure and associated benefits; as well as provide recommendations
of other classification/compensation the OUA should consider for
implementation.
Objectives:
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March 2023
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1. To review content of and completeness of all current job
classification grades;
2. To have an equitable salary and benefit package to retain and
attract qualified employees;
The OUA provides both water and wastewater services to the City
of Okeechobee,portions of Okeechobee County and portions of
Glades County. With respect to water,the OUA owns and operates
two water treatment facilities, several ground storage and elevated
storage tanks and many miles of distribution piping. On the
wastewater side,the OUA owns and operates one regional
wastewater treatment plant and several smaller package treatment
units. There are multiple pump stations, vacuum/pump stations and
many miles of collection and force main piping systems.
Currently,the OUA consists of a Maintenance Department(appx 20
employees), Water Treatment(9 employees), Wastewater
Treatment(8 employees), Meter Reader Department(4 employees)
and Administration(13 employees).
The employee benefit package includes a cafeteria style health care
package (Health, Life, Dental and Vision coverages), a defined
benefit pension plan, health care stipend ($750.00) per month, tuition
assistance,vacation, sick and holiday leave and uniform allowance.
The selected consultant shall provide all labor, material, tools, vehicles,
travel, licenses, insurances, permits and other incidentals required to
perform the survey. Meetings can either be in-person or virtual.
The survey, as briefly noted in the objectives above, shall include a
detailed review of the classification and compensation practices of the
OUA. Classification review will include job description, standards and
work assignments, both current and possible future/additive job
classifications. Additionally, the survey will review, compare and
analyze the standard benefit offerings, including retirement options
(defined contribution plans,defined benefit plans,deferred compensation
plans),medical coverage options, leave plan options(sick,vacation,paid
time off, etc.; accruals and payouts), and other such benefits. It will also
provide best practices and recommendations on how the OUA can
enhance (such as converting all paid leave to paid time off(PTO)) the
benefit and total compensation package competitiveness. The nature of
the market comparison should include both public and private entities.
Compensation data should be allowed for cost of living variances.
The study shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
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March 2023
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• Consultant to review current classification grade
methodology, and propose recommended strategies. Identify
benchmark classifications that represent different levels,different
departments and functions within the organization. Review all
current job classifications, confirm, and recommend changes to
the organization of jobs, including new positions to be
incorporated into the compensation plan.
• Review and analyze job positions descriptions to
determine if work functions and responsibilities are equivalent to
the functions and responsibilities in other public/private sector
market.
• Determine if the current compensation package is
commensurate with the job functions and responsibilities and if
the job positions are allocated to the appropriate pay grade
classifications. Minimum and Maximum for pay grades
associated with each position should be reviewed.
• Perform a compensation survey within the appropriate
public/private sector job market to identify:
➢ Whether or not the current compensation package is
competitive in the public/private sector job market;
and
• Identify any extreme current individual or group
compensation inequities and to provide a recommended
corrective action plan and process to remedy these situations.
• Conduct interviews and/or job surveys with employees to
determine their views on job classification, compensation, safety
or general work conditions/environment. Interviews and/or job
surveys may be conducted individually, in groups or
anonymously as based upon classification.
• Review and make recommendations regarding
appropriate compensation/incentives based on possession or
acquisition of additional skills, training or certifications such as
Certified Public Accountant, Certified Public Manager, Certified
Professional Secretary, technical certifications relevant to the
position and duties performed.
• Provide recommendations regarding the implementation
of a compensation plan,that will fairly and equitably compensate
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March 2023
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current and future employees. This should be based on sound
compensation principles in which internal and external equity are
considered within the pay structure, as well as the concepts of
equal pay for equal work, equal pay for similar work, and equal
pay for comparable work.
• Prepare and provide a comprehensive report,
summarizing and documenting the entire study.In preparation for
this report,the Consultant will make an initial presentation of the
classification and pay plan study process to the appropriate staff.
The Consultant will also meet with the key staff to discuss
preliminary study results related to classification and wage issues,
and determine and incorporate necessary revisions prior to
finalization.A final report including implementation plan will be
submitted and a presentation of the findings and
recommendations will be presented to the OUA Board, upon
completion of the study.
• Provide training and guidance to the OUA staff in the
proper administration and maintenance of the proposed
classification and compensation plan to include reclassifications,
upgrades and salary adjustment criteria.
• Determine appropriate assignment of either exempt or
non-exempt status pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• The Consultant should also review the following benefits
for comparison with other entities in the region:
➢ Short and Long-Term Leaves;
➢ Accrual rates for short-term and long-term leaves
(Vacation, Sick, etc.);
> Maximum accrual banks for long-term leaves;
➢ Options for a buy-down of long-term leaves by
employees (what leave types, how often, for what
purposes, percentage of value eligible for buy-down,
etc.);
➢ Should the earned paid leave be converted to general
paid time off, if so, implementation of such a change;
➢ Health Insurance Benefits:
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March 2023
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i. Coverage for the employee
ii. Cost-Share for Spouse and/or Dependents;
iii. Is the OUA contributed Health Care Stipend
competitive to market conditions for retaining and
hiring employees;
➢ Employer-Sponsored Retirement Benefits:
i. Vesting Period(s)
ii. Type of Plan (401k, Defined Benefit, etc.)
➢ Other Employer-Sponsored Benefits, such as
Cafeteria(Section 125)benefits, Dental, Vision, Life,
Short and Long-Term Disability, etc.;
i. Any other pertinent information regarding the
various forms of compensation for employees.
INCLUDED SERVICES
1. Reproduction of report material
2. The Consultant shall provide one hard copy and one digital copy
of the final report. All reports, job descriptions, plans, charts,
tables and other documents will be prepared and reproduced at
the expense of the Consultant.
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO THE CONSULTANT
The OUA will provide applicable records or documents,such as:pension
plan, health care options, pay scale, or similar documents necessary to
complete the survey. The Executive Director, Finance Director and the
Human Resources contact will serve as the staff liaison for this project.
PART III INSTRUCTION FOR PREPARING SUBMISSIONS
3.1 RULES FOR SUBMISSIONS
The submittal must name all persons or entities interested in the or participating in
the submission. The proposal must declare that it is made without collusion with
any other person or entity submitting a proposal.
SUBMISSION FORMAT
A. Letter of Transmittal
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March 2023
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This letter will summarize in a brief and concise statement the Respondent's
proposal. An official authorized to negotiate for the respondent must sign
the letter of transmittal. The letter should not exceed five(5)pages in length.
All subcontractors and percentage of work shall be clearly identified.
B. Location and Personnel
The location of the Respondent's office(s) that will be responsible for the
actual production of the work shall be identified. The key personnel in that
office(s) who will be responsible for the completion of the work must also
be identified.
C. Project References
This section may be submitted by the respondent to aid in the review of the
respondent's capabilities. If submitted,the submission must include a list of
no more than five(5)representative reports/studies/projects of a similar type
that have been completed within the last ten (10) years. For each
report/study/project, identify the responsible office(s) and key individual(s)
that completed these submittals. For review purposes,the list should include
at a minimum,the following items:
1. A brief description of the submittal including all costs and
time allowed for the proposed work.
2. List any work directives, change orders, etc. that were
issued and reason for same.
3. Total final cost and time.
4. Owner of the project.
5. The name and telephone number of a contact person for the
Owner.
6. The dates the project was initiated and completed.
Similar type reports/studies/projects shall mean the key elements of the work
items identified in this RFP Scope of Work or in the Respondents Scope of
Work submittal.
D. Proposed Schedule of Work,Investigations, Milestones and Results
Provide a proposed Table of Contents with brief description of the work
intended, project approach and knowledge of the project scope. The
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March 2023
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proposed work should meet or exceed the guidelines proposed within this
RFP.
E. Other Information
This section can include key staff members who will actually oversee,assist
in or conduct the work (these members should be clearly identified as to
their expected work assignments), workload projections, and any other
information the respondent wishes to include for consideration.
PART IV EVALUATION OF SUBMISSIONS
4.1 EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA
A. General
The OUA shall be the sole judge of its' own best interest,the submittal,and
the resulting negotiated agreement. In all instances the OUA's decisions
will be final.
The OUA's evaluation criteria will include, but not be limited to,
consideration of the following:
1. Familiarity with the Okeechobee Utility Authority's
Standards and Specifications.
2. Experience with similar type reports/studies/projects.
3. Key personnel's experience with similar projects and their
availability to work on this project.
4. Knowledge of project scope and intent.
5. References from other related projects.
6. Project approach.
B. Selection
The OUA shall review,discuss and evaluate the written proposals submitted
for proposed project. The OUA may choose to conduct interviews and
schedule presentations prior to making a final decision. The OUA Board
will make the final selection.
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C. Negotiations
The OUA Board will select and rank the submittals based upon the
qualifications and certifications listed in the submittals. Staff will negotiate
with the top ranked firm to clearly define a scope of work, project work
schedule and a compensation package. Should these negotiations fail,then
the negotiations with this firm will be terminated and staff will begin
discussions with the next firm on the list.
As stated in Paragraph 1.4 above, the OUA reserves the right to reject any
or all proposals, and to waive any irregularities.
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