South Coast Air Quality Management District

Execute Contract for Classification and Compensation Services

SYNOPSIS: 

On August 17, 2001, the Board authorized release of an RFP to solicit proposals from firms interested in providing AQMD classification and compensation consulting services. This action is to execute a three-year contract with Koff & Associates, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $100,000. Funding has been included in the FY 2001-02 Budget.

COMMITTEE: 

Administrative, November 16, 2001, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman of the Board to execute a three-year contract for classification and compensation consulting services with Koff & Associates, Inc. for a total not to exceed $100,000.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As a result of organizational changes, past downsizing, and addition of new programs, AQMD has undertaken a comprehensive review of job classifications and position allocations. In December 1999, the Board prequalified the firm of Koff & Associates, Inc. and, in February 2000, a contract in the amount of $50,000 was executed under the Executive Officer’s authority. In April 2001, the Board approved Koff & Associates, Inc. classification recommendations of several clerical positions and the firm is currently completing a study of AQMD’s professional classifications. On August 17, 2001, the Board approved release of an RFP to solicit proposals from consultants interested in performing classification and compensation services to continue this on-going study.

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids was placed in the following publications:
 

1.	Angeles Mesa Wave, The	11.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	21.	Palm Springs Desert Sun
2.	Antelope Valley Press	12.	Korea Central Daily	22.	Philippine News
3.	Black Voice News	13.	La Opinion	23.	Precinct Reporter
4.	Central News Wave	14	La Prensa Hispana	24.	Rafu Shimpo
5.	Chinese Daily News	15.	La Voz	25.	Press Enterprise
6.	Eastern Group Publications	16.	Los Angeles Daily News	26.	San Bernardino Sun
7.	El Chicano	17.	Los Angeles Sentinel	27.	Santa Clarita Signal
8	El Informador	18.	Los Angeles Times	28.	The Wave
9.	Excelsior, The	19.	M/W/DVBE Source	29.	State of California Contracts
10.	Inland Empire Hispanic News	20.	Orange County Register		Register

Additionally, potential bidders were identified using the Los Angeles County MTA Directory of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Notices of the RFP were mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov "Business and Job Opportunities" icon] and on AQMD’s 24-hour telephone message line for bidders (909) 396-2724. Additional classification and compensation consultants were identified by Human Resources by researching the Internet and through outreach to professional HR organizations.

Bid Evaluation

Eighty-two copies of the RFP were mailed out; four proposals were received by the close of bidding at 9:00 a.m., September 18, 2001. One of the proposals was disqualified for being incomplete and not meeting the requirements of the RFP. Of the remaining three proposals, all were from local businesses and one was from a small business enterprise. None involved subcontracting and none was from a disabled-veteran business enterprise.

Proposals were evaluated based on criteria specified in the RFP. The proposal from Koff & Associates, Inc. was awarded a total of 105 out of a possible 115 points. Neither of the other two proposals met the technical criteria specified in the RFP. The Koff & Associates, Inc. proposal indicated the experience and staff resources to meet AQMD needs, had minimal travel costs because of their location, and charged labor rates that would allow AQMD to meet its needs within the amount authorized in the budget for classification and compensation studies. Additionally, Koff & Associates (which received points both as a small business and a local business) has, through its earlier and current AQMD studies, already acquired considerable knowledge of the agency, which will permit proceeding through the remainder of the study in an efficient and cost-effective manner. As a consequence, the panel recommends executing a three-year contract with Koff & Associates, Inc.

Panel Composition

The evaluation panel consisted of three AQMD staff: a Human Resources Manager, the Affirmative Action Officer, and a Human Resources Analyst. Of these panelists, two were female and one was male; two were African American and one was Caucasian.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds in the amount of $100,000 are available in the FY 2001-02 Administrative and Human Resources Budget.

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