Active SLED Opportunity · ARIZONA · CITY OF TUCSON
AI Summary
The City of Tucson seeks proposals to develop and administer promotional exams for Fire Captain and Fire Battalion Chief positions. The contractor will conduct job analyses, develop tests, and ensure compliance with USERRA. Proposals may be submitted for one or both positions. Evaluation includes method, experience, and price. Virtual pre-proposal meeting scheduled.
The City of Tucson is seeking proposals from qualified Offerors to develop and administer promotional testing processes for the Tucson Fire Department. The successful Contractor shall perform a job analysis of essential knowledge, skills and abilities and develop and administer promotional testing processes, per the Scope of Work herein, for the positions of Fire Captain and Fire Battalion Chief. These examinations are separate, and shall be conducted independently for each process. The Contractor will be expected to work closely with Fire Department and City of Tucson Human Resources staff. The Contractor selected will be expected to immediately familiarize themselves with the operations and policies of the Tucson Fire Department.
The City of Tucson shall retain responsibility for identifying and developing eligibility requirements for its employees to participate as candidates in these testing processes.
The City is required to comply with the provisions of Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The successful Contractor(s) shall offer testing in accordance with Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
It is the City’s goal that the primary focus of the promotional testing for the position of Fire Captain reflects the first line supervisory nature of that position, as outlined in the current job description. Further, the City desires that the primary focus of the promotional testing for the position of Fire Battalion Chief reflect the managerial nature of that position, as outlined in the current job description. To achieve this goal, interested Offerors may submit a response to Section I – Fire Captain, Section II – Fire Battalion Chief or all Sections, in accordance with the Offeror’s expertise and capacity. Responses to the Sections will be evaluated independently of one another and award of each Section will be made to the Offeror whose submittal is deemed to be most advantageous to the City.
A firm schedule will be set for these promotional processes by the Tucson Fire Department following contract award. Each promotional process is conducted on different calendar years.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
SECTION I – FIRE CAPTAIN:
1. Provide a detailed Method of Approach to the Scope of Work which clearly identifies the services proposed to be performed by the Offeror. This section should confirm Offeror’s understanding of the RFP and the needs of the Tucson Fire Department. This should address in depth how Offeror plans to meet the requirements of each of the services and activities as outlined in the Scope of Work of the RFP. The method and approach for each service should be addressed in a manner that reflects understanding and commitment to providing services as needed in a professional manner in the specified time frame.
2. Detail how the process for Fire Captain will be developed and conducted, recognizing that the City expects efficiencies from the Contractor to minimize and streamline meetings, site visits, costs, etc.
3. Provide a detailed description of the Offeror’s proposed timeline approach to the Scope of Work. Include:
a. A list of milestones and proposed deliverables for each milestone
b. A schedule of work
c. An estimate of Offeror’s staff time for each major step
d. A list and description of needs on-site such as office space, conference rooms, clerical support for meeting arrangement, etc.
4.Describe your approach to working with the City in accomplishing these tasks and delineate the steps involved in accomplishing them. The Offeror shall provide a detailed description of the proposed level of participation by City staff. Include:
a. Type of staff experience
b. Level of staff authority
c. Approximate investment of time by City staff by activity and other assignments
d. Time frames for scoring and final list calculation, etc.
5. Clearly demonstrate an understanding of the first-line supervisory nature of the Fire Captain position, as outlined in the current job description.
6. Detail your proposed approach to achieving compliance with USERRA.
7. Identify potential problem areas and suggest solutions to those problems.
8. If there are additional tasks that you feel were not included in the Scope of Work, thoroughly describe them and provide a detailed pricing proposal for each.
9. Explain how their administrative process will ensure that appropriate levels of attention are given and that work is properly performed.
SECTION II – FIRE BATTALION CHIEF:
1. Prepare a detailed Method of Approach to the Scope of Work which clearly identifies the services proposed to be performed by the Offeror. This section should confirm Offeror’s understanding of the RFP and the needs of the Tucson Fire Department. This should address in depth how Offeror plans to meet the requirements of each of the services and activities as outlined in the Scope of Work of the RFP. The method and approach for each service should be addressed in a manner that reflects understanding and commitment to providing services as needed in a professional manner in the specified time frame.
2. Detail how the process for Fire Battalion Chief will to be developed and conducted, recognizing that the City expects efficiencies from the Contractor to minimize and streamline meetings, site visits, costs, etc.
3. Provide a detailed description of the Offeror’s proposed timeline approach to the Scope of Work. Include:
a. A list of milestones and proposed deliverables for each milestone
b. A schedule of work
c. An estimate of Offeror’s staff time for each major step
d. A list and description of needs on-site such as office space, conference rooms, clerical support
for meeting arrangement, etc.
4. Describe your approach to working with the City in accomplishing these tasks and delineate the steps involved in accomplishing them. The Offeror shall provide a detailed description of the proposed level of participation by City staff. Include:
a. Type of staff experience
b. Level of staff authority
c. Approximate investment of time by City staff by activity and other assignments
5. Provide a detailed description of your plan for customer support and your ability to offer assistance to the City of Tucson in each phase of the test development and examination processes. Include:
a. Information on its staffing, experience, ability to offer on-site staff during examinations
b. Expectations of types and levels of assistance from City of Tucson staff during process administration
c. Time frames for scoring and final list calculation, etc.
6. Clearly demonstrate its understanding of the first-line supervisory nature of the Fire Sergeant position, as outlined in the current job description.
7. Detail your proposed approach to achieving compliance with USERRA.
8. Identify potential problem areas and suggest solutions to those problems.
9. If there are additional tasks that you feel were not included in the Scope of Work, thoroughly describe them and provide a detailed pricing proposal for each.
10. Explain how their administrative process will ensure that appropriate levels of attention are given and that work is properly performed.
SECTION I – FIRE CAPTAIN:
Evaluation will examine the Offeror’s qualifications and experience in conducting job analysis and examination processes for similar positions. Offeror’s response to this section should include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. A brief history of the Contractor’s firm, including number of years in business in this capacity.
2. A list of specific qualifications the Offeror, staff or subcontractor, has in supplying the services listed in this proposal, including any professional designations and affiliations, certifications or licenses, etc. Offeror must submit the names and resumes of the key personnel that will perform the functions of each proposed service or task. Resumes of subcontractors shall also be submitted, if applicable.
3. A list of previous and current contracts, if any, which are considered identical or similar to the Scope of Work herein. Include all public agencies served. For each agency listed, please include the name and phone number of a reference who should be able to comment on the related experience.
4. Provide any brochures or materials about your company that will help the City determine whether the Offeror has expertise in dealing with law enforcement, public safety or criminal justice entities, knowledge and expertise in statistical design/analysis and organizational design/development.
5. A list of subcontractors (if applicable), and their respective qualifications to be used in performing the services requested. The City reserves the right to approve or deny proposed subcontractors.
SECTION II – FIRE BATTALION CHIEF: Qualifications and Experience
Evaluation will examine the Offeror’s qualifications and experience in conducting job analysis and examination processes for similar positions. Offeror’s response to this section should include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. A brief history of the Contractor’s firm, including number of years in business in this capacity.
2. A list of specific qualifications the Offeror, staff or subcontractor, has in supplying the services listed in this proposal, including any professional designations and affiliations, certifications or licenses, etc. Offeror must submit the names and resumes of the key personnel that will perform the functions of each proposed service or task. Resumes of subcontractors shall also be submitted, if applicable.
3. A list of previous and current contracts, if any, which are considered identical or similar to the Scope of Work herein. Include all public agencies served. For each agency listed, please include the name and phone number of a reference who should be able to comment on the related experience.
4. Provide any brochures or materials about your company that will help the City determine whether the Offeror has expertise in dealing with law enforcement, public safety or criminal justice entities, knowledge and expertise in statistical design/analysis and organizational design/development.
5. A list of subcontractors (if applicable), and their respective qualifications to be used in performing the services requested. The City reserves the right to approve or deny proposed subcontractors.
Please complete Attachment C - Price Sheet
As stated in the Instructions to Offerors. Discounts, the price(s) herein can be discounted by _______%, if payment is made within ______ days. These payment terms shall apply to all purchases and to all payment methods.
Cooperative Purchasing allows other public agencies to piggyback on the City of Tucson’s contracts. Will your firm provide the City of Tucson, as the lead agency on this regional contract, a rebate in the form of a percentage of sales based upon the other agencies sales?
Please ensure that all required information is included with your response.
Please upload your response to the Evaluation Criteria.
Please upload your Pricing Proposal (if applicable).
Please upload your signed Offer and Acceptance form.
Please note: The City of Tucson is a public agency subject to public records laws. Therefore, all requests to withhold information from the public record must be accompanied by justification. Pricing will not be held confidential.
If you answered yes, then you must use this field to identify the sections of your submittal that you are requesting be withheld from public record.
If sections are not identified as confidential in this field, your request to hold information confidential may not be accepted.
Please note: The City of Tucson is a public agency subject to public records laws. Therefore, all requests to withhold information from the public record must be accompanied by justification. Pricing will not be held confidential.
In accordance with Instructions to Offerors - Exceptions to Contract Provisions, any exceptions that an offeror wishes to submit for the City's consideration must be indicated here in order to be considered.
Will Living Wage Requirements be a part of the resulting contract?
Please select the required language that should be included under Special Terms and Conditions for this project. Please select all that apply.
Please select the additional insurance coverages required for this project. Please select all that apply.
What is the initial term of the contract?
Please use the following format: one (1)
Even if you selected auto renewal, you need to add the initial term, i.e. one (1)
Will renewal options be given with this contract?
If you selected Auto Renewal, select No.
What is the renewal term of the contract?
Please use the following format: four (4)
If no extension options will be given or you selected automatic renewals, please enter "N/A".
Will you build the pricing table in OpenGov Procurement?
If you will be requesting the pricing to be provided by the vendor outside of the OpenGov system, have you attached the required document to this solicitation?
Do you have any attachments?
Q (Business License):
A: On page 16, D.16. Vendor Registration; Business License, it states that we need to obtain a Tucson Business License or a written determination from the City’s Business License Section that a license is not required. We are asking if it is possible for us to apply and submit for the Business License once we are awarded? If selected for award, the Offeror must obtain a business license or a written determination before the contract is awarded.
Q (Assessor Cost): Who will be responsible for Assessor cost?
A: City of Tucson
Q (Contract Amount): Please provide the dollar amount of the most recent contract for these services.
A: The estimated dollar amount of the most recent contract was $ 200,000.00.
Q (Consultant): Please provide the name of the consultant/vendor who conducted the most recent testing services.
A: The current vendor is CPS HR Consulting.
Q (Eligible Candidates): Please provide the number of eligible candidates for the testing ranks. If the number eligible to test is not available, please provide the number of candidates who tested for each rank during the most recent test administration and the year of this testing.
A: During the most recent test administration for Captain's there were 18 that tested and 15 actually made the list. For Battalion Chief, 6 tested and 4 made the list. Both tests were administered in 2025
Q (Number of Candidates): How many candidates participated in the previous promotional process for each rank? Captain? Battalion Chief?
A: In 2025, the Fire Captain’s promotional process had 15 make the list and 18 that went through the process, with three not making the list. The Battalion Chief Process yielded a list of four, with 6 testing.
Q (Testing Facilities): Will the City provide all facilities for the promotional testing administrations?
A: Yes.
Q (Testing Schedule): Does the City want the Captain and Battalion Chief testing processes to run concurrently?
A: They have in the past but they are oftentimes run separately.
Q (Testing Timeline): When does the City want the promotional process completed for each rank?
A: Promotional opportunities are driven by vacancies as they occur. Generally, promotional lists remain valid for two years, but their use is determined by personnel changes.
Q (Candidate Orientations): How many candidate orientation sessions does the City want for each rank?
A: There would be less than three, it is dependent upon coordination between the vendor and City of Tucson Human Resources.
Q (Testing Process): Does any part of the testing process function as a hurdle, in that only those that pass continue on to the next portion of the testing process?
A: No. Once they complete the internal certification process they can advance to the date of testing.
Q (Written Exam): Does the City want the vendor present for the administration of the written exams?
A: It depends on the test, in some situations a written test may not be required, that portion is often addressed in the certification.
Q (Oral Board): How many questions did the previous oral board consist of for each rank? Captain? Battalion Chief?
A: Less than 10 questions.
Q (Assessors): Who has the City used as assessors for the oral board?
A: Regional partners, sometimes from in state and sometimes from out of state.
Q (No subject): Does the City have any security concerns that would require all candidates to go through all assessment center exercises in one day?
A: No.
Q (Assessors): Do assessment center assessors have to be from out of state?
A: The assessors will be brought in from partnering agencies within Arizona. In the past, we've used outside assessors as well but we're trying to keep our costs down and have enough assistance inside Arizona
Q (Assessor Compensation): Who will be responsible for compensating assessors for travel to the assessment center?
A: The City of Tucson, travel expense allowances are covered in that section of the special terms and conditions.
Q (No subject): Over how many days was the previous assessment center conducted for each rank?
A: The assessment was done in one day, usually requiring about four hours for the candidate to complete four exercises.
Q (Previous Assessment Center): How many exercises were used in the previous assessment center for each rank? Captain? Battalion Chief?
A: Each assessment consisted of four exercises.
Q (Oral Board and AC Schedule): In the past was the oral board administered at a different time than the assessment center?
A: Each test is a little different, but generally, we do four different assessment centers on the same day. The candidates are usually scheduled in a four-hour block to get done with all four components of the test.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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