Union County Request for Proposals # 2015-030 Employee Survey Services Due Date: April 9, 2015 Time: 2:00pm Receipt Location: Government Center, 500 N. Main Street, Administrative Services, Procurement Division, Suite #709, Monroe, NC 28112 Procurement Contact Person Name: David Shaul Title: Procurement Specialist E-mail: david.shaul@co.union.nc.us Telephone: 704.283.3601 Packet Page No. -246- Action Agenda Item No. 5.
Employee Survey Services: Design, Administer & Evaluate Introduction The Union County Board of Commissioners, hereafter referred to as the Commissioners, is seeking proposals from interested and qualified proposes to conduct an employee survey. County initiatives over the last four years have progressively transformed the organization structure and workplace environment. The objective of the survey(s) is to provide the Commissioners with feedback from Union County employees and a tool for informed decision making. The purpose of the survey is to measure employee engagement, direct organizational growth, provide employees with a voice in the organization and benchmark results to measure improvements. The surveys will also provide information that will be utilized by County management for the structuring of divisional performance measures. By establishing quantitative measures and tracking them over a period of time, the County is more likely to sustain the focus that will be required to accomplish strategic initiatives, foster employee engagement, and improve service delivery. County Union County, North Carolina, established in 1842, is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Carolinas. Situated just southeast of the City of Charlotte, in the Southern Piedmont, Union County has an estimated population of 212,000 with approximately 640 square miles of land. There are 14 municipalities with the county, each with its own governing board and distinctive character. The Board of County Commissioners is the chief policy-making body for Union County Government. This five-member Board is elected at-large with four-year staggered terms. The Commissioners appoint a County Manager to manage the day-to-day operations which includes 8 service areas with 1,100 employees. For additional information see our web site at www.co.union.nc.us. Employee Survey Services Scope of Work Introduction The proposer (or consultant, used interchangeably) will be responsible for meeting the guidelines stated in this request for proposal. The initial employee survey and each successive annual employee survey conducted must meet the following guidelines. The proposers must submit a timeline estimating the completion date of the survey cycle. The consultant is responsible for preparing a final report that provides a thorough analysis of the data and includes a summary of the results. The report should describe the methods used in conducting the survey, the number of UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 2
respondents surveyed, and the number of employees declining to participate. areas should be included to allow for employees to express their thoughts. Several free text The consultant will design, conduct, and evaluate an employee engagement survey for all Union County employees. The employee survey should measure the commitment employees have to the organization and its goals. Each survey should contain between xx-xx questions, and be customized to the Union County organization. Results should be presented in such format that they can be rolled out to all managers and action planning sessions held by work groups in the organization. This survey will evaluate the following factors from which the consultant will develop questions in order to gather information that is most useful to the organization. Resources/Workload perceptions Job-Person Fit/Connection Meaning and Purpose Is your work valued? Does your manager inspire you? Relationship with your immediate supervisor/manager Belief in your senior leadership Impact/Recognition Autonomy/Empowerment/Accountability Cross-Department Cooperation/Teamwork Opportunities for Growth Do you trust the information you receive? Teamwork/Communication Respect for employees The employee survey will include all employees of all major County divisions (estimated 800 employees). Employees of the Union County Sheriff are not included in the estimated number of employees and will not participate in the engagement survey. Survey Guidelines A. Recommend the appropriate instrument to conduct the survey. a. The consultant will recommend and justify the surveying method. The consultant must explain the benefits and limitations of various survey research methods. b. The consultant will discuss survey design, timeframe, analysis and reporting with Commissioner representatives to determine the appropriate approach for the survey. B. Design, test and administer the survey. a. The consultant will develop the survey instrument utilizing the methodology best suited for the goals and objectives of the project. The consultant must document all survey research methods for the final report. The Selection and Development Committee (as defined below) will provide input to the consultant during the development of the survey instrument. b. Once the survey is developed to the satisfaction of the Selection and Development Committee (as defined below), the final version of the survey will be taken to the Board of Commissioners for review and approval before distribution. UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 3
c. The Commissioners reserve the right to include questions in each survey instrument, with the guidance of the consultant regarding question structure. d. The consultant will be responsible for conducting and administering the survey. e. The consultant will provide the staff and equipment to conduct the survey. C. Tabulate and analyze results. a. The consultant must provide a complete statistical analysis of the survey results (frequency distribution, tables, graphs, cumulative percentages, cross-tabulations, geocoding etc.). The Final Report and all statistical analysis including the raw survey results shall be provided to the Commissioners. b. The survey should be summarized in a concise and easy to interpret format. Detailed Submittal Requirements Bid Format Proposers should prepare their bids in accordance with the instructions outlined in this section. Each Proposer is required to submit the bid in a sealed package. Bids should be prepared as simply as possible and provide a straightforward, concise description of the Proposer s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFP. Utmost attention should be given to accuracy, completeness, and clarity of content. All parts, pages, figures, or tables should be numbered and clearly labeled. Response information should be limited to pertinent information only. Marketing and sales type information is not to be included. 1 Executive Summary 2 Staffing An Executive Summary including the name, address, email address, and any other pertinent information about the firm. The summary must be signed by an individual authorized to contractually bind the firm and include an expression of the firm s ability and desire to meet the requirements of the request for proposals. Include a description of the firm s background, its organizational structure, length of time in business, and experience in providing the type of services solicited herein. The name, resume and background of the managing professional and other key individuals, affiliates, and subcontractors to be associated with the services and their length of service with the company. 3 Company Qualifications The ability and capacity of the proposer; the management structure; and the procedures and practices for management of the engagement. UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 4
4 References A description of past performance and references for services provided to comparable sized counties. Provide a primary contact for each reference. Provide the designated person s name, title, organization, address, telephone number, email address. 5 Implementation Plan 6 Billable Fees An estimate of the man-hours and timelines to perform each task or service and to complete all tasks and services. A statement of billable fees for the services, an estimate of reimbursable expenses and a not to exceed total for all fees and expenses. 7 Sample Documents A sample(s) of survey instrument, survey analysis and final report from previous surveys conducted. 8 Required Signature Forms Proposers should include signed copies of the following documents: Proposal Submission Form, Appendix A Addenda Receipt and Anti-Collusion, Appendix B Evaluation Criteria Selection Participants Evaluation Team. The BOCC Representatives and Human Resources staff (the Selection and Development Committee ) will be responsible for the evaluation and rating of the proposals and demonstrations and for conducting interviews. The Selection and Development Committee is responsible for evaluating software functionality, technology architecture, implementation capabilities, costs, and other selection criteria. The Selection and Development Committee will select the consultant. Evaluation of Proposals Evaluation criteria will be used to assist in determining the finalist vendor. The vendor s proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria below. These criteria are provided for informational purposes and are not intended to represent an order of preference. Experience in providing a similar service Responsiveness of the written proposal to the purpose and scope of services desired Fee structure Client References UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 5
Compliance with the general bidding requirements, general submittal requirements, and detailed submittal requirements of the RFP. Evaluation Selection Process A weighted analysis of the evaluation criteria will be utilized to determine the vendor that represents the best business solution for Union County. Award Procedures The County reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposals received. Therefore, it is important that the proposal be submitted initially on the most favorable terms from both a technical and cost standpoint. It is understood that any proposal submitted will become part of the public record. At a minimum, proposals will be evaluated based upon the criteria above, as well as assessments and comparisons that include evaluations of skills/experience, cost, client service and references, and/or other factors. The County may accept that proposal that best serves its needs, as determined by County officials in their sole discretion. More than one proposal from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names, will not be considered. County may select and enter into negotiations with the next most advantageous Proposer if negotiations with the initially chosen Proposer are not successful. General Conditions and Requirements Terms and Conditions The term of contract shall be for three (3) years, from date of award, with County having the option to renew for two (2) years (in one year increments). All bids submitted in response to this request shall become the property of Union County and as such, are subject to public review. Union County has the right to reject any or all bids, to engage in further negotiations with any firm submitting a bid, and/or to request additional information or clarification. All payroll taxes, liability and worker s compensation are the sole responsibility of the Proposer. The Proposer understands that an employer/employee relationship does not exist under this contract. Sub-Contractor/Partner Disclosure A single firm may propose the entire solution. If the proposal by any firm requires the use of subcontractors, partners, and/or third-party products or services, this must be clearly stated in the UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 6
proposal. The firm submitting the bid shall remain solely responsible for the performance of all work, including work that is done by sub-contractors. Modification or Withdrawal of Proposal Prior to the scheduled closing time for receiving proposals, any Proposer may withdraw their proposal. After the scheduled closing time for receiving proposals, no proposal may be withdrawn for 90 days. Only written requests for the modification or correction of a previously submitted proposal that are addressed in the same manner as proposals and are received by the County prior to the closing time for receiving proposals will be accepted. The proposal will be corrected in accordance with such written requests, provided that any such written request is in a sealed envelope that is plainly marked Modification of Proposal 2015-030 Employee Survey Services. Oral, telephone, or fax modifications or corrections will not be recognized or considered. Insurance Proposer awarded a contract (hereafter Contractor ) shall procure and maintain the following minimum insurances with insurers authorized to do business in North Carolina and rated A-VII or better by A.M. Best. A. WORKERS COMPENSATION Statutory limits covering all employees, including Employer s Liability with limits of: $500,000 Each Accident $500,000 Disease - Each Employee $500,000 Disease - Policy Limit B. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY Covering all operations involved in this Agreement. $2,000,000 General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit $5,000 Medical Expense Limit C. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit - Any Auto D. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY $1,000,000 Per Occurrence Contractor shall provide evidence of continuation or renewal of Professional Liability Insurance for a period of two (2) years following termination of the Agreement. ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 7
A. Contractor s General Liability policy shall be endorsed, specifically or generally, to include the following as Additional Insured: UNION COUNTY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES ARE INCLUDED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH RESPECT TO THE GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY. B. Before commencement of any work or event, Contractor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance in satisfactory form as evidence of the insurances required above. C. Contractor shall have no right of recovery or subrogation against Union County (including its officers, agents and employees), it being the intention of the parties that the insurance policies so affected shall protect both parties and be primary coverage for any and all losses covered by the above-described insurance. D. Union County shall have no liability with respect to Contractor s personal property whether insured or not insured. Any deductible or self-insured retention is the sole responsibility of Contractor. E. Notwithstanding the notification requirements of the Insurer, Contractor hereby agrees to notify Union County s Risk Manager, at 500 N. Main Street # 130, Monroe, NC 28112, within two (2) days of the cancellation or substantive change of any insurance policy set out herein. Union County, in its sole discretion, may deem failure to provide such notice as a breach of this Agreement. F. The Certificate of Insurance should note in the Description of Operations the following: Department: Contract #: G. Insurance procured by Contractor shall not reduce nor limit Contractor s contractual obligation to indemnify, save harmless and defend Union County for claims made or suits brought which result from or are in connection with the performance of this Agreement. H. Certificate Holder shall be listed as follows: Union County Attention: Risk Manager 500 N. Main Street, Suite #130 Monroe, NC 28112 I. If Contractor is authorized to assign or subcontract any of its rights or duties hereunder and in fact does so, Contractor shall ensure that the assignee or subcontractor satisfies all requirements of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, maintenance of the required insurances coverage and provision of certificate(s) of insurance and additional insured endorsement(s), in proper form prior to commencement of services. Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold Union County, its officers, employees and agents free and harmless from and against any and all losses, penalties, damages, settlements, costs, charges, professional fees or other expenses or liabilities of every kind and character arising out of or relating to any and all claims, liens, demands, obligations, actions, proceedings, or causes UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 8
of action of every kind in connection with or arising out of this agreement and/or the performance hereof that are due, in whole or in part, to the negligence of the Contractor, its officers, employees, subcontractors or agents. Contractor further agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and defend the same at its sole expense and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto. Governing Laws In performing the services described in this RFP, Proposer shall comply with all laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, standards, and orders of any and all governmental bodies, agencies, authorities, and courts having jurisdiction. Financial Information Proposer financial information must be available to Union County upon request. Submittal Deadline and Proposal Addendum Information Bid Submission Deadline Submittals shall be sealed and labeled on the outside RFP # 2015-030, Employee Survey Services. RFP s are to be received by the Union County, Procurement Division by 2:00 p.m., April 9, 2015. Mail or hand-deliver submission packets to: Union County Government Building Administrative Services, Procurement Division 500 North Main Street, Suite #709 Monroe, NC 28112 Attention: David Shaul, Procurement Specialist The proposal must be submitted electronically on non-returnable CD or flash drive, and in printed form. One (1) original (mark ORIGINAL COPY ) plus five (5) hard copies of the proposal must be submitted. The original proposal package must have original signatures and must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the proposing firm. All additional proposal sets may contain photocopies of the original package. Electronic (email) or facsimile submissions will not be accepted. There is no expressed or implied obligation for Union County to reimburse firms for any expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to this request. Questions Submit questions by e-mail to David Shaul at david.shaul@co.union.nc.us by March 26, 2015, at 5 pm EST. The email should identify the RFP number and project title. The County may respond with an addendum within five (5) calendar days to be posted as addenda on www.co.union.nc.us and www.ips.state.nc.us. UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 9
Union County may modify the RFP prior to the date fixed for submission of bids by the issuance of an addendum. Any addenda to these documents shall be issued in writing. No oral statements, explanations, or commitments by anyone shall be of effect unless incorporated in the written addenda. Receipt of Addenda shall be acknowledged by the Proposer on Appendix B, Addenda Receipt and Anti- Collusion form. UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 10
APPENDIX A - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM RFP # 2015-030 Employee Survey Services This Proposal is submitted by: Company Name: Representative (printed): Representative (signed): Address: City/State/Zip: E-Mail Address: Telephone: Facsimile: (Area Code) Telephone Number (Area Code) Fax Number It is understood by the Proposer that Union County reserves the right to reject any and all proposal awards according to the best interest of the County, to waive formalities, technicalities, to recover and rebid this RFP. Proposal is valid for ninety (90) calendar days from the Bid due date. Proposer Date Authorized Signature Please type or print name UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 11
APPENDIX B ADDENDA RECEIPT and ANTI-COLLUSION RFP # 2015-030 Employee Survey Services Please acknowledge receipt of all addenda by including this form with your proposal. Any questions or changes received will be posted as an addendum on www.co.union.nc.us and www.ips.state.nc.us. It is your responsibility to check these sites for this information. ADDENDUM #: DATE ADDENDUM DOWNLOADED I certify that this proposal is made in good faith and without collusion with any other Proposer or officer or employee of Union County. (Please Print Name) Date Authorized Signature Title E-Mail Address Company Name UNION COUNTY, NC RFP # 2015-030 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SERVICES Page 12