SLED Opportunity · ARIZONA · PINAL COUNTY EDUCATION SERVICE AGENCY
AI Summary
RFP issued by Pinal County Education Service Agency for cooperative contracts providing comprehensive staffing and workforce solutions services to public agencies nationwide, including temporary staffing, recruitment, and managed service provider administration.
1GPA is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish competitively awarded cooperative contracts for comprehensive Staffing and Workforce Solutions Services. We invite qualified firms to participate in this opportunity to serve public agencies nationwide, including school districts, municipalities, counties, and other governmental entities.
This contract vehicle is designed to support a broad range of workforce needs, including:
Vendors may propose for one or more service categories and/or geographic regions consistent with their qualifications and capabilities. This is an opportunity to participate in a competitively solicited cooperative contract designed to support public-sector workforce needs with operational integrity and transparency. Qualified firms with experience serving public agencies are encouraged to review the full RFP and submit proposals.
1GPA allows public agencies to use existing contracts to purchase the goods and services they need from local and national vendors. Eligible members include school districts, charter schools, universities, colleges, cities, towns, municipalities, counties, states, local governments, the federal government, Native American communities, fire districts, and any other political subdivision.
All of our contracts are approved and awarded by means of 1GPA’s lead governmental agency. A Lead Agency is a well-established and well-respected government entity that facilitates the competitive bidding process by being a part of the process from start to finish. We issue, evaluate, and award our contracts in a collaborative effort. The Lead Agency contributes its expertise pertaining to the solicitation process to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. The Lead Agency also provides Board/Council Approval for the award of contracts resulting from each solicitation.
Mary C. O'Brien Accommodation School/Pinal County ESA is the lead agency for this procurement.
This contract will replace the current contract #22-09PV Employee Staffing and Leaseback Services upon its expiration on June 30, 2026.
Solicitation Amendment #1
Overall competitiveness, transparency, completeness, and reasonableness across all proposed service categories. Clarity of the pricing methodology, the disclosure of all fees and pass-through costs, and the alignment with the scope of services.
Demonstrated experience, expertise, and qualifications in providing comprehensive staffing and workforce solutions comparable in scope and complexity to those described in this RFP, including relevant public sector experience and project references within the past five (5) years. The qualifications and experience of key personnel; the availability, depth, and capacity of staffing resources to support multiple Members; and organizational stability, financial strength, longevity, and overall ability to sustain high-quality performance.
Overall approach to providing comprehensive staffing and workforce solutions as required by Members, demonstrating a clear understanding of the scope of services described in this RFP and the operational, compliance, and service delivery requirements of the Members.
Understanding of cooperative purchasing, approach to timely and accurate usage reporting, ensuring staff understanding of the contract and promoting awareness of contract benefits to current and potential Members.
Overall responsiveness of the proposal including completeness and timely submission of required information. Acceptance of the terms and conditions of this solicitation that will become the governing document.
Upload a letter of interest in providing the services described in the solicitation. Limit one (1) page.
Provide the name, title, email address and phone number of the person 1GPA should contact with inquiries related to your firm’s submission.
As outlined in this solicitation, the resultant contract may be used by eligible 1GPA Members nationwide. Although this solicitation does not contain detailed specifications for any specific Member, 1GPA requests comprehensive pricing for all products and services offered by the firm that are related to, support, or are reasonably associated with the Scope of Work outlined in this RFP.
Unless otherwise clearly disclosed in the Offeror’s proposal, pricing shall apply uniformly to all eligible 1GPA Members and shall not vary based on Member size, location, or purchasing volume. Members must be able to readily verify that quoted pricing reflects the contract pricing by comparing the Contractor’s current pricing file to the quote provided for their specific project. Contractors may offer lower pricing to individual Members based on project scope, market conditions, or competitive circumstances; however, under no circumstances shall pricing offered to a Member exceed the pricing established under the resulting Contract.
General Pricing Instructions:
Complete the provided Excel form and upload it in its original Excel format. Provide a bundled percentage fee, as applicable by state. The bundled fee shall be expressed as a percentage of the employee’s gross salary and shall be fully inclusive of all Contractor costs and obligations, including payroll taxes, statutory employer contributions, workers’ compensation insurance, compliance costs, administrative expenses, overhead, profit, and 1GPA’s administrative fee of one percent (1%). Supporting documents (Word, Excel, or PDF) may be uploaded as additional attachments in this section.
Complete the provided Excel form and upload it in its original Excel format. Provide a percentage markup over the employee’s gross salary, as applicable by state. The markup percentage shall be fully inclusive of all Contractor costs and obligations, including payroll taxes, statutory employer contributions, workers’ compensation insurance, compliance costs, administrative expenses, overhead, profit, and 1GPA’s administrative fee of one percent (1%). Supporting documents (Word, Excel, or PDF) may be uploaded as additional attachments in this section. This markup model is preferred.
Other pricing structures may be offered, including pay rate plus fixed dollar markup, fixed bill rates or ranges by classification, or other transparent pricing structures. Any alternative pricing structures submitted must clearly disclose all underlying pay rate assumptions and associated costs. Offerors shall provide classifications with descriptions sufficiently detailed to allow Members to understand the scope and qualifications associated with each billing classification. The pricing transparency requirements of this solicitation apply to all pricing structures submitted in this category. Offerors proposing alternative pricing structures shall submit a supporting pricing schedule or rate card in this section, as an attachment (Excel, Word, or PDF), clearly identifying classifications, rate structure, and all associated pricing assumptions.
Complete the provided Excel form and upload it in its original Excel format. Provide a percentage markup over the substitute’s hourly or daily pay rate, as applicable, by state. The markup percentage shall be fully inclusive of all Contractor costs and obligations, including payroll taxes, statutory employer contributions, workers’ compensation insurance, compliance costs, administrative expenses, overhead, profit, and 1GPA’s administrative fee of one percent (1%). Supporting documents (Word, Excel, or PDF) may be uploaded as additional attachments in this section.
Complete the provided Excel form and upload it in its original Excel format. Indicate whether the proposed MSP program will be supplier-funded, client-funded, or hybrid as outlined in the form. Contractor shall maintain transparent rate structures for all contingent staffing engagements. Any markups, administrative fees, supplier management fees, or other pricing components associated with MSP services shall be clearly disclosed. All pricing under the Contract shall be inclusive of the 1GPA administrative fee of one percent (1%), and the Contractor shall not apply undisclosed markups, layered fees, or additional pricing components beyond those established in the Contract. Any fee not expressly identified herein shall be deemed included in the contract pricing. Any technology-enabled solutions or vendor management systems utilized shall provide sufficient credential tracking, reporting transparency, and audit capability to support Member oversight. Upon request, the Contractor shall provide a clear breakdown of the bill rate, including the pay rate, markups, and all applicable fee components. The Contractor shall not reduce the pay rate offered to a contingent worker for the purpose of increasing markups or administrative margins. Any adjustments to pay rates or bill rates must be transparent and clearly documented to ensure the integrity of the rate structure. Supporting documents (Word, Excel, or PDF) may be uploaded as additional attachments in this section.
Provide and disclose all applicable recruitment and placement fee structures. Pricing may include: percentage of first-year salary; flat placement fee; executive search fee structures; and retained search arrangements (if applicable). Fully disclose any and all guarantee periods, replacement policies, or other conditions associated with services under this category.
Disclose any discounts or incentives offered, including early payment discounts, long-term contract discounts, or multi-service discounts, if applicable. Any discounts offered shall apply uniformly to all eligible 1GPA Members unless otherwise clearly identified.
Confirm your firm’s understanding that 1GPA’s 1% administration fee shall be included in the net price. Contractor shall not add the administration fee to approved contract prices or as a separate line.
Offerors shall demonstrate their experience and organizational capability in providing services comparable in scope and complexity to those described in this RFP. Proposals shall be clear, concise, and organized in the order of the evaluation criteria to facilitate equitable scoring. Marketing materials not directly responsive to the evaluation criteria should be limited.
Page limits include all text, tables, graphics, and images contained within the response section. Content placed in appendices, links, or attachments for the purpose of circumventing page limits may not be considered during evaluation.
[File Upload – Two (2) Page Limit]: Provide an overview of the organization, including years in operation, core service lines, and experience providing staffing and workforce solutions comparable in scope and complexity to those described in this RFP. Offerors must have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience providing staffing and workforce solutions services to public sector entities or organizations with comparable operational requirements.
[File Upload – Two (2) Page Limit]: Describe your firm’s experience serving public sector entities, educational institutions, governmental agencies, or organizations with similar regulatory and operational requirements.
[File Upload – Two (2) Page Limit]: Provide a minimum of five (5) public sector client references within the past five (5) years for contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity. Each reference shall include the entity name, contact information, services provided, duration of engagement, and approximate contract value.
[File Upload – Two (2) Page Limit]: Describe your firm’s organizational structure and demonstrate sufficient staffing depth, infrastructure, and operational capacity to support multiple Members, including both small and large Members.
[File Upload – Two (2) Page Limit]: Identify key personnel who will be assigned to this Contract and provide summaries of their qualifications, experience, and relevant certifications.
[File Upload]: Demonstrate financial strength and organizational stability sufficient to support payroll obligations, statutory employer responsibilities, and sustained contract performance. Submit financial information sufficient to demonstrate the financial stability of the organization. At a minimum, provide balance sheets and income statements for the most recent two (2) fiscal years. If audited financial statements are available, they are preferred but not required. Financial statements shall reflect the legal entity submitting the proposal and that will enter into the resulting Contract. If the Offeror relies on the financial strength of a parent company, affiliate, or guarantor to support contract performance, the Offeror shall clearly identify the relationship and may be required to provide financial statements for the supporting entity and documentation of the financial guarantee. This section will be kept confidential.
Download, complete and upload the PDF document in PDF format. This form will be kept confidential.
Upload copies of or a list of business registrations, certifications, and/or licenses held by the firm.
The Offeror shall describe its overall approach to providing comprehensive staffing and workforce solutions to participating Members. The response should demonstrate a clear understanding of the scope of services described in this RFP and address how the Offeror will meet the operational, compliance, and service delivery requirements of Members. Offerors should explain their service model, operational capabilities, and strategies for ensuring responsive, compliant, and effective staffing support across the service categories proposed.
Page limits include all text, tables, graphics, and images contained within the response section. Content placed in appendices, links, or attachments for the purpose of circumventing page limits may not be considered during evaluation.
[File Upload – One (1) Page Limit]: Confirm your firm’s clear understanding of the scope of services described in this RFP and the operational, compliance, and service delivery requirements of Members.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: Describe your firm’s recruitment, sourcing, and talent acquisition methodology, including strategies for attracting qualified candidates across various classifications and geographic regions.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: Outline your firm’s processes for background screening, employment eligibility verification, credential validation, fingerprinting (as applicable), and ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure assigned personnel meet all applicable requirements.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: Describe your firm’s approach to onboarding new Members, initiating services, and ensuring timely, responsive, and professional service delivery.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: Explain your firm’s methods for monitoring performance, measuring service quality, addressing performance concerns, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: If proposing MSP services, describe your firm’s methodology for supplier management, requisition workflow administration, rate governance, reporting transparency, and overall program oversight.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: Describe the technology tools and platforms used to support recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, credential tracking, payroll, vendor management (if applicable), and reporting. Address system functionality, integration capabilities, data security safeguards, and Member access features directly supporting staffing and workforce solution services under this contract.
[File Upload – Three (3) Page Limit]: Describe reporting and analytics capabilities used to monitor staffing performance. Identify available dashboards, key performance metrics (such as fill rates, time-to-fill, compliance tracking, and spend visibility), and the tools provided to Members for program oversight.
Confirm your firm’s understanding of cooperative purchasing and the compliance framework supporting cooperative contracts. Describe the benefits to both Members and Vendors.
Describe the process your firm will use for sales tracking and the approach to fulfilling 1GPA’s reporting requirements as described in Uniform Terms and Conditions paragraph 3. Contract Administration and Operations, Items G through I of the RFP.
Describe your firm’s process for communicating contract terms, requirements and benefits to internal staff as well as your approach to educating current and prospective Members about the contract.
Download, complete and upload the following forms:
Upload your company logo in either a .jpg or .eps format.
Provide a 1–2 sentence introduction to your company that is tailored specifically to the products and/or services that will be included under this contract. This introduction will appear on our exclusive Member Portal if awarded and should clearly describe the offerings available through this contract, helping Members quickly identify what is included without confusion about unrelated services.
You may also upload a short (2 minutes or less) introductory video if desired here.
Will this solicitation require a bid bond?
Would you like to have offerors respond to an electronic pricing table through OpenGov?
Choose if:
A. To compare market basket pricing
B. For minimum percentage of discount from a set list of manufacturers
C. Seeking services for hourly rate schedules
D. Other fixed fees
If you are NOT using the Electronic Pricing Table option, will your want offerors to separate a Price Proposal from the rest of the response? You will do this if you want to open the proposals initially WITHOUT showing price,
Will there be an evaluation committee to review proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?
Please select the correct options for this solicitation:
Q (MBE/SBE/DBE/MWBE Preference): Are there specific MBE/SBE/DBE/MWBE preference?
A: The RFP does not establish evaluation criteria or set-aside requirements for MBE/SBE/DBE/MWBE participation. This is a cooperative contract intended for use by a broad range of public agencies, each of which may apply its own requirements at the point of use.
Q (Subcontracting Requirements): Are there any mandatory subcontracting requirements for this solicitation? If yes, what is the percentages of subcontracting goals vendors need to meet?
A: The RFP does not include mandatory subcontracting requirements or percentage goals. Contractors may utilize subcontractors at their discretion; however, the prime contractor remains fully responsible for contract performance.
Q (Active Contractors): How many active contractors are working on this contract currently?
A: There are currently five (5) active contractors under the existing contract 22-09PV for Employee Staffing & Leaseback. Please be advised that the current contract (22-09PV) has a limited scope, covering only employee leaseback, substitute management, and recruitment services. It does not include temporary staffing, MSP, or other service categories outlined in this new RFP.
Q (Annual Budget): Can you please also state the estimated annual budget for each category.
A: The estimated total annual usage across all vendors and categories is approximately $20 million. This figure represents aggregate cooperative usage and is provided for informational purposes only. Actual expenditures and budgets are determined independently by participating Members and are not guaranteed. See RFP page 17, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 21-Quantities.
Q (Names of the Incumbent Vendors): Please provide the names of the Incumbent vendors for this contract?
A: There are currently five (5) active contractors operating under contract 22-09PV for Employee Staffing & Leaseback: - Abacus Corporation - Delta-T Group Phoenix, Inc. - Educational Services LLC - ESS South Central LLC - International Alliance Group LLC. Please be advised that the current contract (22-09PV) has a limited scope, covering only employee leaseback, substitute management, and recruitment services. It does not include temporary staffing, MSP, or other service categories outlined in this new RFP.
Q (Total Spend): What is the total spend per incumbent for the duration of the previous contract?
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #4
Q (Challenges or Pain Points): What are any challenges or pain points with the present contract vendors?
A: Information regarding performance challenges or pain points with prior vendors is not disclosed. Due to the cooperative nature of this contract, performance and vendor relationships are managed independently by each participating Member, and such information is not centrally tracked or maintained by 1GPA.
Q (Budget): What is the new budget for year for this RFP?
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #4
Q (Percentage of Openings/Positions): What percentage of temporary staffing openings/positions does the City expect in the IT/technical labor category vs. administrative, professional, laborers, trade, etc.?
A: Information regarding the distribution of staffing needs by labor category is not centrally tracked or maintained by 1GPA. Due to the cooperative nature of this contract, staffing requirements are determined independently by each participating Member and may vary significantly.
Q (Anticipated Roles): How many roles do you anticipate to recruit for yearly during this contract
A: Member needs vary significantly across the cooperative and cannot be projected centrally. The number of roles to be recruited will be determined independently by each participating Member based on their operational requirements.
Q (Work Schedules): Can you please share the minimum estimated hours per week for all job positions?
A: Member needs vary significantly across the cooperative and cannot be projected centrally. Work schedules and hours will be established by each participating Member based on their specific operational requirements.
Q (Requested Positions): What are your most commonly requested positions?
A: Information regarding commonly requested positions is not centrally tracked or maintained by 1GPA. Due to the cooperative nature of this contract, staffing needs are managed independently by each participating Member and may vary widely.
Q (Work Locations): Are the roles you are looking to fill able to work remotely, Hybrid or on site?
A: Member needs vary significantly across the cooperative and cannot be projected centrally. Work location requirements, including remote, hybrid, or on-site arrangements, will be determined independently by each participating Member.
Q (Number of Awards): How many vendors do you intend to award?
A: 1GPA reserves the right to make multiple awards. The number of awards will be determined based on evaluation results and Member needs. See RFP page 16, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 14-Multiple Awards.
Q (Questions): 1. Who are previous incumbents on this project? 2. What was the annual spend for the previous year on this Project? 3. If this is a new contract, what is the anticipated budget for this contract? 4. Is this RFP intended for a single-vendor award or multiple-vendor awards?
A: 1= See answer to Question #5 2= See answers to Questions #3 and #4 3= See answers to Questions #3 and #4 4= See answer to Question #14
Q (FOIA): We are currently pursuing RFP 27-03P For Staffing and Workforce Solutions and would like to submit a FOIA request. Specifically, we respectfully request access to the following information related to the incumbent vendor: a. Incumbent contractor details b. Proposal response(s) submitted by the incumbent c. Incumbent pricing and rate information d. Could you please provide a detailed spend analysis for this contract, including a breakdown of all vendors who performed work under it and the total amount paid to each vendor? e. Please share with us the department wise spend Thank you for your time and support. Please let us know if any additional information or a formal FOIA request form is required from our end.
A: a. b. & c.= Please be advised that the current contract (22-09PV) has a limited scope, covering only employee leaseback, substitute management, and recruitment services. It does not include temporary staffing, MSP, or other service categories outlined in this new RFP. Because the RFP is currently open and proposals are due on April 9, 2026, we are unable to share additional information at this time. To ensure a fair and competitive procurement process, Offerors must develop and submit their proposals and pricing based solely on the requirements outlined in the RFP. d. & e.= See answers to Questions #3 and #4
Q (W-2): Can you confirm whether W-2 employment is a strict requirement for all personnel provided under this contract, or if any exceptions are permitted?
A: For services provided under this contract, personnel supplied through temporary staffing, substitute staffing, staff augmentation, and Employer of Record (EOR) models must be employees of the Contractor, with the Contractor serving as the legal employer and responsible for all payroll, tax, and statutory obligations. As such, these roles are expected to be W-2 employees of the Contractor. Independent contractor (1099) arrangements are not permitted under this solicitation, as 1099 programs are expressly excluded from the scope of work. For direct-hire placements, individuals become employees of the Member, and standard employment practices apply.
Q (State Expansion): If a vendor is awarded the contract for one state, would the vendor have the ability to expand services to additional states under the same contract at a later date, subject to approval by the cooperative/district?
A: Yes. Contractors may expand services to additional states under the same contract. Any expansion of services into additional states must be supported by applicable pricing, if different from the contract pricing, and is subject to review and approval by 1GPA through a formal contract amendment. Contractors are responsible for maintaining all required licenses, registrations, and authorizations in any state or jurisdiction where services are performed. See RFP page 17, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 24-Licenses.
Q (Exceptions): If a vendor needs to propose limited exceptions to certain contractual provisions (for example, indemnification language), will those exceptions be considered during evaluation, and is there a preferred format for submitting them?
A: Offerors may propose exceptions to terms and conditions. All exceptions must be clearly identified and are considered during evaluation. Excessive or material exceptions may impact responsiveness. See RFP, page 21, Uniform Instructions to Offerors, Section 2(D)-Exceptions to Terms and Conditions.
Q (General Questions): • How many resources are currently engaged in the current contract? • Is it mandatory to bid on all positions? Please confirm. • Is there any preference if vendors bid on all positions? • Can you please confirm the most commonly filled positions of this contract? • How many vendors agency is planning to select? • How many positions we can expect under this contract on an annual basis? • What will be the estimated annual budget for this project?
A: See answers to Questions #3, #4, #10, #12 and #14. Additionally, Offerors are not required to propose all service categories. See RFP page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3.
Q (Historical Data): Is this a re-compete RFP? If yes, a. Could you please provide the name of the Current Suppliers (who are currently providing services to the Agency)? b. Could you please share current Suppliers' pricing and Proposals? c. When the existing contract was started, and what is the annual monetary spent value of the current contract since inception? d. How many resources are currently engaged in the current contract? e. Can you please share the no. of positions served in previous years under this contract? f. Can you please share the amount of business each vendor did under this contract in previous years?
A: See answers to Questions #3, #4, #10, #12 and #14.
Q (Pricing): As per Request for Proposal #27-03P – Staffing and Workforce Solutions, the RFP includes the category Temporary Staffing & Staff Augmentation Services. Our company specializes in IT staffing services, providing technical resources such as software developers, system administrators, data analysts, and other IT professionals. We would appreciate your clarification on the following: 1. Since our services focus on IT staff augmentation, may vendors submit pricing only under the “Technical” column in the Temporary Staffing & Staff Augmentation pricing schedule? 2. The pricing form does not specify particular job roles or labor categories. Could you please clarify which job roles or classifications should be considered when preparing the pricing proposal for IT staffing services under Technical? 3. The pricing schedule indicates that pricing should be submitted as a percentage markup over the employee’s gross salary by state. However, IT staffing services are typically quoted on an hourly bill rate basis for specific roles. Could you please confirm whether vendors should: o Provide hourly bill rates for specific IT roles, or o Provide percentage markup rates by state, as requested in the pricing sheet?
A: 1= Yes, Offerors specializing in IT staffing may submit pricing under the “Technical” category within Temporary Staffing & Staff Augmentation Services, provided it aligns with their service offerings. 2= The RFP does not prescribe specific job titles. Offerors should propose relevant IT roles and classifications (e.g., developers, system administrators, data analysts) with sufficient detail to allow Members to understand scope, qualifications, and pricing applicability. 3= The preferred structure is a percentage markup over gross pay by state. However, the RFP allows alternative pricing models, including hourly bill rates by role, provided that the structure is fully transparent, and all underlying pay rate assumptions and cost components are clearly disclosed.
Q (Staffing Categories): Are vendors permitted to propose for specific staffing categories only (such as executive administrative staffing and direct hire recruitment)?
A: Yes. Offerors may propose one or more service categories consistent with their qualifications. See RFP page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3.
Q (Firm Size): Are small or boutique firms encouraged to participate if they specialize in specific workforce categories?
A: Firms of all sizes, including small or specialized firms, are encouraged to participate, provided they meet the minimum qualifications.
Q (Staffing Types): Does 1GPA anticipate executive administrative staffing needs within school districts or municipal leadership offices under this contract?
A: The RFP does not guarantee specific staffing types or roles. Member needs will vary and may include a broad range of positions.
Q (Number of Awards): What is the intended number of awards (approximate number)?
A: See answer to Question #14
Q (Allocated Funds): What are the estimated funds allocated for this contract?
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #4
Q (Work Location): What is the work location of the proposed candidates?
A: See answer to Question #13
Q (Incumbents): Is this a new contract, or are there any incumbents? If there is an incumbent, please provide the incumbent's name and pricing and confirm whether the incumbent is eligible to resubmit the proposal.
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #4. Additionally, all incumbent vendors are eligible to submit a new proposal under this solicitation.
Q (Pain Points): Are there any pain points or issues with the current vendor(s)?
A: See answer to Question #7
Q (Previous Spending): Could you please share the previous spending on this contract, if any?
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #4
Q (Subcontracting Requirements): Is there any mandatory subcontracting requirement for this contract? If yes, is there a specific goal for the subcontracting?
A: See answer to Question #2
Q (Subcontractor): Can we submit good faith efforts if we are unable to find a subcontractor?
A: See answer to Question #2
Q (Number of Positions): How many positions were used in the previous contract (approximate)?
A: See answer to Question #10, #11, and #12
Q (Number of Positions): How many positions will be required per year or throughout the contract term?
A: See answer to Question #10, #11, and #12
Q (Resources): If the resources we provide at the time of proposal submission are unavailable at the time of a potential contract award, could vendors replace them with equally qualified resources?
A: For purposes of this solicitation, “resources” or personnel referenced in proposal submissions are intended to reflect examples of the types of candidates or staffing capabilities the Offeror can provide, not specific individuals being committed for assignment. Offerors are not required to identify or commit specific personnel at the time of proposal submission, nor are resumes required. Accordingly, if example resources provided in a proposal are unavailable at the time of contract award or during contract performance, the Contractor may provide equally or more qualified personnel, subject to Member approval and applicable requirements. “Key Personnel” identified in Section 3.5 (page 12 of the RFP) refer to the Offeror’s personnel responsible for contract management and oversight, not to candidates or staffing placements. As required in Section 3.5, Offerors must identify such key personnel and provide summaries of their qualifications, experience, and relevant certifications within the specified two (2) page limit.
Q (Hourly Rate): Can we provide hourly rate ranges in the price proposal?
A: Hourly rate structures (including ranges) may be submitted if fully disclosed, aligned with RFP transparency requirements, and all underlying pay rate assumptions and cost components are clearly disclosed.
Q (Price Adjustments): Will the County allow mid-contract price adjustments (e.g., for agency fees or wage rates), and if so, under what conditions?
A: Price adjustments may be considered ONLY after the contract has been in effect for one (1) year and only in conjunction with any subsequent contract extensions. Any requested adjustment must be fully documented, justified, and submitted in writing for review and consideration by 1GPA as part of the contract extension review process. Supporting documentation should provide evidence of verifiable increases in costs directly related to the provision of staffing and workforce services and may include changes in labor market conditions, wage inflation, statutory or regulatory impacts, increases in benefits or payroll-related costs, and relevant economic indices. All requested adjustments must be reasonable, proportional, and limited to the demonstrated cost impact. 1GPA will determine whether the requested price increase or an alternative option is in the best interest of its Members and reserves the right to approve, deny, or negotiate any proposed price adjustment. See RFP page 16, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 18-Price Adjustment.
Q (Price Adjustment Mechanism): If adjustments are permitted, is there a specified mechanism (e.g., annual review, CPI-based increase, or mutual negotiation) that governs such changes?
A: See answer to Question #38
Q (Fixed Pricing ): Should the initial proposal reflect fixed pricing for the entire term, or can adjustments be proposed in advance as part of the contract?
A: Offerors must submit firm, not-to-exceed pricing in their initial proposal. Pricing is expected to remain fixed during the initial term. Price adjustments are not automatic and may only be considered after one (1) year and at the time of contract extension, subject to approval. See answer to Question #38.
Q (Payment Terms): What are the invoice/payment terms (NET 30, NET 45, etc.) and required invoice fields?
A: Payment terms are Net 30, unless otherwise governed by applicable state law. See RFP page 24, Uniform Instructions to Offerors, Section F-Payment.
Q (Reporting Requirements): What are the reporting requirements?
A: Contractors are required to provide regular usage reports (monthly or quarterly) in accordance with contract requirements. See RFP page 27, Uniform Terms and Conditions, Sections 3(G), 3(H), and 3(I).
Q (Work Locations): Is the work entirely onsite, or is there a possibility for remote operations and performance?
A: See answer to Question #13
Q (Resumes): Are resumes required at the time of proposal submission? If yes, do we need to submit the actual resumes for proposed candidates, or can we submit the sample resumes?
A: See answer to Question #36
Q (List of Holidays): Could you please provide the list of holidays? Are there any mandated Paid Time Off, Vacation, etc.?
A: Information regarding holidays, paid time off, or similar benefits is not defined in the RFP and is not centrally tracked or maintained by 1GPA. Due to the cooperative nature of this contract, such policies are established by the Contractor in accordance with applicable laws and may also be subject to the requirements of each participating Member.
Q (Services Covered under Scope of Work ): The scope of work categories are somewhat vague. Would a firm who provides professional services for FEMA disaster recovery and hazard mitigation related services (including hazard mitigation plans as well as mitigation grant application and management) fall under the Staff Augmentation Services category? Or is there another contract more appropriate for these services?
A: The RFP is limited to staffing and workforce solutions, including temporary staffing, substitute staffing, recruitment and direct-hire placement, employer-of-record, and managed service provider models. Services that fall outside of staffing - such as independent contractor 1099 programs, outsourced departmental or operational management, benefits brokerage, payroll services for Member-employed personnel, professional consulting, and technology resale or standalone VMS/software licensing unrelated to staffing program administration - are expressly excluded. See page 4 of the RFP, Scope of Work, Section 3.
Q (Pricing Evaluation): 1.The RFP states 1GPA 'reserves the right to normalize pricing for evaluation purposes.' Please describe the normalization methodology used when comparing vendors who submitted percentage markups against those who submitted fixed bill rates. Will a common benchmark pay rate be assumed, and if so, what is it?
A: The RFP does not prescribe a specific normalization methodology. 1GPA reserves the right to normalize pricing, as necessary, for evaluation purposes to ensure a consistent and equitable comparison of proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria.
Q (Price Increase Request): 2.The RFP permits a fully documented price increase request after the contract has been in effect for one year. Please clarify: (a) what documentation is required to support a price increase request, and (b) whether 1GPA references a specific index — such as CPI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index, or state minimum wage schedules — when evaluating the reasonableness of a requested adjustment.
A: See answer to Question #38
Q (Geographic Coverage Requirements and Evaluation Criteria): 3.Please confirm: (a) whether a vendor proposing services in a limited number of states will be evaluated on equal footing with national vendors within the specific categories proposed, and (b) whether there is a minimum geographic coverage requirement for any service category that would affect responsiveness.
A: All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP. Offerors proposing services in a limited number of states will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and approach within the service categories and geographic areas proposed. There is no minimum geographic coverage requirement. Offerors may propose services in specific states or regions consistent with their capabilities.
Q (State Licenses or Registrations): 4.Several states require staffing agencies to hold specific state licenses or registrations before placing workers (e.g., Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland). Please confirm: is it the vendor's responsibility to obtain all required state staffing licenses prior to accepting a purchase order from a member in that state, and may vendors clearly indicate which states they are currently licensed in as part of their geographic scope disclosure?
A: Offerors are not required to hold all licenses, registrations, or authorizations in every jurisdiction at the time of proposal submission. Upon award, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required licenses, registrations, and authorizations necessary to perform services in any state or jurisdiction where services are provided. Contractors must ensure they are properly licensed and authorized prior to commencing work for any individual Member. Compliance requirements may vary by jurisdiction, and it is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to meet all applicable state and local requirements. See RFP page 17, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 24 – Licenses.
Q (Unsatisfactory Assigned Personnel): 5.Section 4.1 requires the Contractor to remove and replace unsatisfactory assigned personnel within two (2) business days. Please clarify whether this two-business-day obligation applies exclusively to temporary, substitute, and EOR assignments — or whether it also extends to direct-hire placements during the vendor's disclosed guarantee period. If it applies to direct-hire, does the obligation require presenting a new candidate within two business days, or completing the full replacement placement process within that window?
A: The two (2) business day requirement in Section 4.1 applies to assigned personnel under Contractor control, including temporary, substitute, staff augmentation, and EOR/leaseback services. It does not apply to direct-hire placements, as those individuals become employees of the Member rather than assigned personnel. For direct-hire, any replacement obligations are governed by the vendor’s disclosed guarantee period and replacement policy. The RFP does not require a full replacement hire within two (2) business days; rather, vendors are expected to act promptly and provide replacement candidates within a reasonable timeframe consistent with their stated terms.
Q (Historical Spend): What is the historical spend on this contract?
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #4
Q (Incumbents): Are there any incumbents for this bid?
A: See answers to Questions #3 and #5
Q (Incumbent Proposals): How can we obtain incumbent proposals, if available?
A: Please be advised that the current contract (22-09PV) has a limited scope, covering only employee leaseback, substitute management, and recruitment services. It does not include temporary staffing, MSP, or other service categories outlined in this new RFP. Because the RFP is currently open and proposals are due on April 9, 2026, we are unable to share additional information at this time. To ensure a fair and competitive procurement process, Offerors must develop and submit their proposals and pricing based solely on the requirements outlined in the RFP.
Q (Format for Multiple Categories): If we are proposing for multiple categories, we have to provide separate documents under experience, qualifications, and capacity for each separate category? Or One consolidated file for each category?
A: Submission requirements are outlined in the RFP. Offerors should provide responses aligned with the structure requested; duplication by category is not required unless specified. See RFP pages 9-13, Submittal Requirements and Proposal Format.
Q (Questions): a. Please confirm whether leaseback employees (Employer of Record / retiree rehire engagements) will be exclusively client-referred candidates, or if the Contractor is expected to source, recruit, and present qualified candidates for such roles. b. Please clarify whether a specific leasing license, staffing license, or Employer of Record certification is required to provide leaseback employee services under this contract, and if so, identify the applicable regulatory authority and jurisdiction(s). c. Upon contract award, will the awarded Contractor be authorized to provide services to all current and future 1GPA Members nationwide, or will additional onboarding, approval, or registration processes be required at the individual Member level prior to service delivery? d. The RFP indicates that Offerors may propose services for one or more service categories. Please confirm that it is not mandatory to bid on all service areas. e. Additionally, for service categories not being proposed, please provide guidance on how Offerors should complete the OpenGov submission (e.g., leaving specific forms, pricing sheets, or response sections blank versus marking them as “Not Applicable”).
A: a= Leaseback employee (Employer of Record/Leaseback) engagements are anticipated to be primarily comprised of Member-referred candidates, such as retirees identified by the participating agency. However, Contractors may also be requested to support sourcing, recruitment, and presentation of qualified candidates for such roles if needed by the Member. Accordingly, Contractors should be capable of supporting both Member-referred and Contractor-sourced leaseback engagements. b= See answer to Question 50. c= Upon contract award, the Contractor will be authorized to offer services to all current and future 1GPA Members nationwide. The resulting contract will be available for use by eligible Members at their discretion. However, individual Members may have their own internal procurement policies, onboarding procedures, or approval requirements that must be satisfied prior to initiating services. These requirements vary by entity and are outside the control of 1GPA. Accordingly, while no additional approval from 1GPA is required after contract award, the Contractor should be prepared to coordinate directly with each participating Member to complete any necessary onboarding, compliance, or registration steps required by that Member. d= Offerors are not required to propose all service categories. See RFP page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3. e= Offerors shall mark any service categories, forms, pricing sheets, or response sections that are not being proposed as “Not Applicable” (N/A). Sections should not be left blank. Providing an “N/A” designation ensures clarity for evaluators and confirms that the item was intentionally not addressed.
Q (Licenses): Given that 1GPA contracts are accessible to Members nationwide, please clarify the requirements related to a Contractor’s authorization to conduct business across multiple jurisdictions. 1. Is the awarded Contractor required to be registered, licensed, or otherwise authorized to do business in each state or jurisdiction where services may be provided prior to contract award? 2. Alternatively, may the Contractor obtain such registrations on an as-needed basis upon engagement by individual Members? 3. Are there any minimum jurisdictional coverage expectations or compliance thresholds that must be met at the time of proposal submission?
A: See answer to Question #50
Q (MSP or Staffing Agencies): Are you looking for MSP's or Staffing Agencies to bid on this project?
A: The RFP allows proposals from both Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and staffing agencies, depending on the services proposed.
Q (Vendor Eligibility): I see the Price sheet for Recruitment and Direct-Hire Placement. Could you please confirm if only MSP vendors can bid on this category?
A: Recruitment and direct-hire services are open to qualified Contractors and are not limited to MSP providers.
Q (Resume): # Are Resumes required at the time of proposal submission if so: a) Are live (actual) resumes required at the time of proposal submission? If yes, how many? b) Are sample resumes required at the time of proposal submission? If so, how many should be provided? c) Are key personnel resumes required with the proposal submission ?
A: See answer to Question #36
Q (Required documentation): Kindly confirm whether any business registration, certifications, or licenses are required to be submitted along with the proposal. If so, please specify the applicable state and the required documentation.
A: Yes. This will be addressed in a forthcoming solicitation amendment.
Q (Funding Model): In the MSP price sheet, SECTION A: Funding Model Offered [Select One]. Do we need to put True for the model we select?
A: In SECTION A of the MSP price sheet: Funding Model Offered [Select One], clearly indicate the selected funding model or models offered by either placing an “X” in the applicable box or marking “True.”
Q (Bill Rates): If bill rates are utilized, is it a requirement or preference to disclose pay rates?
A: As outlined in Section 2.2 and reinforced in Section 2.4 of the Cost proposal requirements, pricing transparency is a mandatory requirement under this solicitation. If proposing a bill rate–based pricing structure (e.g., fixed bill rates or rate ranges), Offerors are required to disclose the underlying pay rate assumptions and associated cost components. This includes, at a minimum: the pay rate (or pay rate range), markups or margins applied, any administrative, supplier, or program fees. Specifically Section 2.2 states that “any alternative pricing structures… must clearly disclose all underlying pay rate assumptions and associated costs.” Section 2.4 further requires that, upon request, Contractors must provide “a clear breakdown of the bill rate, including the pay rate, markups, and all applicable fee components.” Accordingly, disclosure of pay rates (or clearly defined pay rate assumptions) is required to ensure transparency and allow Members to validate pricing under the Contract.
Q (MSP Pricing): Must we only select one pricing model for MSP (supplier-funded, client-funded, or hybrid)? Or can we provide models for more than one pricing structure?
A: See answer to Question #62
Q (Drug/alcohol testing): Is drug/alcohol testing required for every employee before hire or can we deviate and conduct upon request or suspicion?
A: The RFP does not establish a universal requirement for drug and/or alcohol testing for all personnel prior to placement. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all assigned personnel meet applicable screening and compliance requirements in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Member-specific policies. Accordingly, requirements for drug and/or alcohol testing may vary by participating Member and applicable jurisdiction. Contractors should be prepared to comply with such requirements as specified by the Member, which may include pre-placement testing, testing upon request, or testing based on reasonable suspicion, as applicable. See page 6 of the RFP, Scope of Work, Section 4.2-Eligibility, Credentialing, and Training.
Q (Financial Statements): Are financial statements required? If we have a signed current bank stability letter, will that suffice? If financial statements are required, can these be made confidential and not subject to FOIA?
A: Financial statements are required per Section 3.6 in OpenGov Vendor Submissions. Offerors must submit balance sheets and income statements for the most recent two (2) fiscal years. A bank letter may be included as supplemental information, but does not replace this requirement. This section will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Q (Pricing escalators): Is it advisable/preferred to include pricing escalators in our original proposal? Or may we utilize annual renewal for any pricing adjustments as needed?
A: See answer to Question #38
Q (Fee reporting to consortium): How is the specific fee in the NTE amount communicated with the consortium for each client/position/candidate since it is specific to the negotiation for the individual fill, based on NTE pricing?
A: Offerors are required to propose maximum not-to-exceed (NTE) pricing structures in their proposal. The specific fee for each client, position, or candidate is determined at the time of engagement and must be provided to the Member as a clear, itemized quote. All pricing must remain within the awarded NTE structure, be fully transparent, and align with the Contractor’s submitted pricing methodology. Individual placement fees do not require separate approval by 1GPA but must be verifiable and consistent with the contract.
Q (State by State Pricing): For the state-by-state pricing required in the Excel forms (Sections 2.1 and 2.2), should Offerors submit pricing only for the states in which they propose to provide services, or must pricing be provided for all 50 states? For states not proposed, should the pricing cells be marked "N/A"?
A: Offerors are not required to submit pricing for all 50 states. Pricing should be provided only for the states in which the Offeror currently operates or proposes to deliver services. See RFP page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3-Scope of Services. For states not proposed, Offerors may leave it blank, indicate “N/A”, or otherwise clearly denote that services are not offered in those states.
Q (Bundled Percentage): Section 2.1 requests a "bundled percentage fee" for EOR services that includes all Contractor costs. For states where workers' compensation rates vary significantly by job classification or industry code, may the Offeror provide multiple bundled fee tiers (e.g., by classification group or risk category) within a single state, or must the fee be a single percentage regardless of classification?
A: Offerors may propose a bundled percentage fee structure that varies within a state based on job classification, risk category, or similar factors, provided that all pricing is clearly defined, fully transparent, and consistently applied. The pricing structure must allow for equitable evaluation and straightforward application by Members.
Q (Evaluation of Alternative Pricing Structures ): For Temporary Staffing services (Section 2.2), if an Offeror submits both the preferred percentage markup model and an alternative pricing structure (e.g., a rate card by classification), will both be evaluated and available to Members, or will only the preferred model be scored during evaluation?
A: Offerors may submit both the preferred percentage markup model and alternative pricing structures. All submitted pricing structures will be reviewed as part of the evaluation. The percentage markup model is the preferred format for purposes of comparison and consistency; however, alternative pricing structures will be considered provided they meet the transparency and disclosure requirements of the solicitation.
Q (Compliance - Public Retirement Systems ): For EOR/Leaseback services (Section 3.1), are there specific public retirement systems (e.g., ASRS, PSPRS in Arizona, or systems in other states) for which 1GPA Members are currently utilizing or anticipate utilizing post-retirement rehire or leaseback programs? Understanding the volume and systems involved will help us tailor our compliance approach.
A: The solicitation does not identify specific public retirement systems or anticipated volumes related to post-retirement rehire or leaseback programs. Information regarding specific public retirement systems or anticipated volumes is not centrally tracked or maintained by 1GPA. Due to the cooperative nature of this contract, these requirements are determined independently by each participating Member and may vary significantly. Offerors should be prepared to support such programs in compliance with applicable federal, state, and public retirement system requirements. Any requirements related to retiree status, including eligibility, contribution obligations, or restrictions on reemployment, will be governed by the applicable retirement system and the Member’s policies.
Q (Evaluation / Award): The RFP indicates that multiple awards may be made. Will awards be made by individual service category (e.g., a vendor could be awarded for EOR services only), or will a vendor necessarily be awarded across all categories it proposes?
A: Awards may be made to multiple Offerors and may be issued by service category, group of services, geographic region, or other combinations as determined to be in the best interest of 1GPA and its Members. Offerors are not required to be awarded across all categories proposed. See RFP page 16, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 14-Multiple Awards.
Q (Responsiveness Evaluation / Award): For the Responsiveness criterion (50 points), does 1GPA evaluate responsiveness strictly on completeness and timeliness of the submission, or are there additional factors considered beyond what is described on page 8 of the RFP?
A: Responsiveness will be evaluated based on the completeness of the submission, the timely submission of required materials, and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the solicitation, as outlined in the RFP. There are no additional hidden criteria beyond those stated on page 8 of the RFP, but incomplete or noncompliant submissions may negatively affect scoring.
Q (Solicitation Process): The answer to Question #61 references a forthcoming solicitation amendment regarding required documentation. Can 1GPA confirm the anticipated timing of this amendment and whether the proposal due date of April 9, 2026 will be extended to allow Offerors sufficient time to incorporate any changes?
A: The Vendor Submission section in OpenGov has been modified to include the following: Question 3.8 – Business Registration, Certifications, and/or Licenses - Upload copies of or a list of business registrations, certifications, and/or licenses held by the firm. This modification will be included in a formal solicitation amendment to be released on Tuesday, April 1, following the March 30 deadline for questions. At this time, the proposal due date remains unchanged. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the OpenGov Procurement portal for updates.
Q (Requirement to Apply for Arizona): Is it a requirement that all vendors must apply for Arizona, as it is the sponsor of this bid?
A: Offerors are not required to propose services in Arizona. Proposals may be submitted for any geographic regions in which the Offeror is qualified to provide services. See RFP page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3-Scope of Services.
Q (Cooperative Contracts, Pricing Template, Experience, and References): 1. Is experience providing services under a cooperative contract a mandatory requirement to submit a bid for this RFP? If we do not have such experience, will we receive zero points for the “Cooperative Purchasing Understanding and Program” evaluation criterion (worth 100 points)? 2. Page 9, Section 4.2.2 of the RFP document “Staffing_and_Workforce_Solutions” states, “Complete the provided Excel form and upload it in its original Excel format.” However, we were unable to locate this form on OpenGov. Could you please provide the referenced Excel pricing sheet? 3. For the “Recruitment and Direct-Hire Placement” category, is there a specific pricing template that must be used, or may we simply provide a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary as our fee? 4. We do not have five (5) years of experience as a prime contractor providing public sector staffing services. However, we do have more than 5 years of experience placing consultants with public sector clients as a subcontractor, in addition to similar experience in the private sector. Will this combined experience satisfy the requirement outlined on page 10, Section 4.3.1, “Company Background and Experience,” of the RFP document “Staffing_and_Workforce_Solutions”? 5. The RFP requires five (5) public sector client references. Can we submit comparable private sector references either in place of, or alongside, 5 public sector references? 6. May we include public sector engagements in which we served as a subcontractor (i.e., under a prime contractor)? If so, should the reference be provided by the prime contractor, the end client, or either?
A: 1. Experience providing services under a cooperative contract is not a mandatory requirement to submit a proposal. The “Cooperative Purchasing Understanding and Program” evaluation criterion assesses the Offeror’s understanding of cooperative purchasing and ability to support contract utilization. 2. The Excel pricing forms referenced in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 are provided within the OpenGov Procurement portal in the Vendor Submission section (1GPA has verified that these forms are accessible). If an Offeror is unable to locate or access the forms, they should contact OpenGov support for assistance. The forms must be completed and uploaded in their original Excel format as required. 3. There is no required pricing template for Recruitment and Direct-Hire Placement services. Offerors may propose pricing structures such as a percentage of first-year salary, flat fees, or other industry-standard approaches, for any state(s) in which services are proposed, provided all pricing is clearly defined and fully disclosed in accordance with the solicitation requirements. 4. As stated in the RFP, Offerors must have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience providing staffing and workforce solutions services comparable in scope and complexity to those described in this solicitation. Services excluded from this solicitation, including consulting services, will not be considered in meeting the minimum qualification requirement. Experience as a subcontractor may be included if the Offeror performed services consistent with the scope of this RFP (e.g., staffing, employer of record, or workforce solutions). 1GPA will evaluate whether the experience presented satisfies the minimum qualification requirements. 5. Offerors are required to provide a minimum of five (5) public sector client references as specified in the RFP. Comparable private sector references may be included as supplemental information but will not replace the requirement for public sector references. 6. Offerors may include public sector engagements performed as a subcontractor, provided the work is relevant in scope and complexity. Offerors must identify the public sector client for each reference as required by the RFP. References should be able to verify the Offeror’s role and performance on the engagement and may be provided by the prime contractor and/or the end client, as applicable.
Q (Number of awards per category): Understanding that 1GPA could award to multiple vendors, and by service category, is there any target or maximum number of awards contemplated per category?
A: There is no predetermined target or maximum number of awards per category. Awards may be made to multiple Offerors and may be issued by service category, group of services, geographic region, or other combinations as determined to be in the best interest of 1GPA and its Members. See RFP page 16, Special Terms and Conditions, section 14-Multiple Awards.
Q (Anticipated timelines): Can 1GPA provide guidance on the anticipated implementation timeline following award?
A: The anticipated contract start date is July 1, 2026. Implementation timelines will vary by Member and project and will be determined at the Member level following award. See RFP page 15, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 1-Term of Contract.
Q (Historical insights & usage): To the extent information can be shared, can 1GPA provide high‑level historical insights across its cooperative membership for calendar years 2024 and 2025, including: Approximate total contingent workforce spend under management Estimated number of contingent workers engaged (hourly and salaried/staff augmentation) The relative mix of staff augmentation versus statement‑of‑work (SOW) or service‑based engagements
A: As previously stated, historical insight and usage are not centrally tracked or maintained by 1GPA. Due to the cooperative nature of this contract, staffing requirements, spend, and engagement types are determined independently by each participating Member and may vary significantly. For annual usage, see answer to Question #4.
Q (Success metrics): How does 1GPA define success for this cooperative contract? Are there specific performance outcomes or metrics (e.g., time‑to‑fill, candidate submission timelines, compliance, member satisfaction, cost transparency) considered most critical?
A: Success for this contract will be evaluated solely in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFP, page 8, Sections A through E – Evaluation Criteria.
Q (Vendor Management System): Is a Vendor Management System (VMS) currently in place across any portion of the cooperative, or does 1GPA anticipate implementing or standardizing a VMS in the future as part of an MSP or broader workforce strategy? If so, can 1GPA share which system is currently used or under consideration?
A: The RFP does not identify a specific Vendor Management System currently in use across the cooperative, nor does it mandate a standardized system. Offerors may propose or support a VMS or similar technology platform as part of their MSP solution, provided it meets the functional and transparency requirements outlined in the solicitation.
Q (Service Delivery): Describe your firm’s approach to onboarding new Members, initiating services, and ensuring timely, responsive, and professional service delivery. Could you please confirm that this is related onboarding of temporary staff and delivering for projects/assignments? Please elaborate on the asked question in details what exactly GPA is looking for in this question?
A: This question refers to the Offeror’s approach to onboarding 1GPA Members, implementing services, and delivering services upon engagement with a Member, not the onboarding of individual candidates or staff placements.
Q (Scope MSP): As it pertains to scope of work 3.4 (MSP) - Would you entertain options that would allow for the reduction of required highly qualified technology personnel through the delivery of technology managed services?
A: The scope of this solicitation is limited to staffing and workforce solutions as defined in the RFP. Services that involve outsourced operational or departmental management that are not directly related to staffing program administration are outside the scope of this solicitation. See page 4 of the RFP, Scope of Work.
Q (Insurance ): We would like to seek further clarification regarding the requirement for Physical Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, and Sexual Molestation Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per injury, noted as applicable for contracts involving contact with students. Is this a Mandatory requirement? Can this be obtained after award If required!
A: As stated in the RFP, Physical Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, and Sexual Molestation Liability coverage is required for contracts involving contact with students, as applicable to the services provided. Offerors are required to submit proof of insurance in accordance with the submittal requirements of the RFP. Additional insurance requirements, including higher limits or types of coverage, may be required upon engagement with a Member, depending on the nature of the services provided.
Q (Onboarding/background screening): Can 1GPA confirm whether any of the service categories or labor classifications anticipated under this RFP require enhanced onboarding or background screening requirements, such as state‑specific checks, fingerprinting, or security‑cleared personnel (e.g., DOJ/FBI clearances or equivalent)? If so, can 1GPA clarify which service categories and states this applies to, and whether any standardized requirements or cost expectations should be assumed so Offerors may price payrolling and contingent workforce services accurately and compliantly?
A: The Contractor shall ensure all assigned personnel meet applicable background, fingerprinting, screening, licensing, and credential requirements prior to placement and throughout the assignment, as required by law or Member policy. Requirements may vary by state, service category, and Member, and are not standardized under this solicitation. As stated in the General Pricing Instructions, Offerors are responsible for including all costs necessary to fully perform the services described in the RFP, including all applicable federal, state, and local requirements. See RFP, page 6, Scope of Work, Section 4.2-Eligibility, Credentialing, and Training; page 7, Scope of Work, Section 4.5-Compliance with Employment Laws; and page 10, Cost instructions.
Q (Impact of Service Category Scope on Evaluation): If a vendor proposes only Temporary Staffing services, will this impact evaluation scoring compared to vendors offering full-service solutions (EOR, MSP, Recruitment)?
A: Offerors are not required to propose all service categories. Proposals will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFP and within the scope of services proposed by the Offeror.
Q (Work Assignment Distribution): How will work assignments be distributed among awarded vendors?
A: The actual use of any 1GPA Contract and the selection of Contractors will be at the sole discretion of each participating Member.
Q (Pricing Evaluation): Given that Cost carries the highest weight (300 points), how will pricing be evaluated across vendors offering different service scopes?
A: Pricing will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFP. 1GPA reserves the right to normalize pricing, as necessary, to ensure a consistent and equitable comparison of proposals. See answer to Question 47.
Q (Multiple Awards): Will multiple vendors be awarded contracts across different categories and regions?
A: See answer to Question 73
Q (Screening, Background Etc): What are the expectations for candidate screening, background checks, and credential verification for temporary staff?
A: See answer to Question 86
Q (Follow up to #68 NTE clarification): In regards the NTE amount being determined ‘at time of engagement’, what does 1GPA consider this timeline: 1. The point of signed Employer Staffing Agreement (ESA)? If so, is this required to be outlined in the ESA pricing structure? 2. The period for each requisition of a position? 3. The period for each time we place a candidate? 4. Other period specified?
A: The NTE pricing structure is established in the proposal and awarded at the 1GPA contract level; however, the specific rate is determined when a Member engages the Contractor for services. In all cases, pricing provided to the Member must not exceed the contract pricing and must be clear, itemized, fully transparent, and consistent with the established NTE pricing structure. See Question #68 and RFP Page 10-General Pricing Instructions.
Q (Onboarding members ): Could you please elaborate best practices/instructions we need to follow while onboarding members?
A: In accordance with RFP Page 12, Section 4.4, the Contractor shall describe its approach to initiating services and ensuring timely, responsive, and professional service delivery in alignment with Member requirements. This includes supporting the Member from the point services are requested through service delivery and completion. Members may have their own onboarding requirements, policies, or processes, including the execution of supplemental agreements or other documentation, which the Contractor must support. See page 15 of the RFP, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 6.
Q (Referring to Answer #5 on Question #77): As a company that has been operating for over 30 years we have been serving many multi-national clients. We are now expanding into the public sector. Since we do not have any references in the public sector at this time would that make us ineligible to submit for this bid?
A: Per Answer #5 to Question #77 and the RFP requirements, Offerors are required to provide a minimum of five (5) public-sector client references. Private-sector references may be included as supplemental information, but do not replace this requirement. The RFP also states the offeror must have at least five (5) years of demonstrated experience providing staffing and workforce solutions services comparable to those described in this RFP and required by public sector entities.
Q (Q and A for 27-03P): 1. How will you release the requirements through email or a portal? 2. How often will the requirements be released? 3. Is there a local preference for this opportunity? 4. Is there a specific font size required for preparing the RFP? 5. Please confirm is it mandatory to have office in Arizona? 6.Is there a possibility of extending due date for this proposal? 7. How many positions will be required per year or throughout the contract term? 8. Could you confirm if a kickoff meeting will be scheduled after the award?
A: 1= The question as submitted does not provide enough detail for a complete response. 2= The question as submitted does not provide enough detail for a complete response. 3= The RFP does not identify any local preference. The RFP allows offerors to propose services for one or more categories and/or regions consistent with their capabilities. See the RFP, page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3. 4= The RFP gives page limits for many sections, but it does not specify a required font size. See the RFP pages 9-13, Submittal Requirements & Proposal Format. 5= The RFP allows offerors to propose services for one or more categories and/or regions consistent with their capabilities. It does not require an Arizona office. See the RFP, page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3. 6= At this time, the proposal due date remains April 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM MST Arizona Time. 7= Member needs vary significantly across the cooperative and cannot be projected centrally. The number of positions required will be determined independently by each participating Member based on their operational requirements. See answers to questions 10, 11 & 12. 8= 1GPA will hold a virtual vendor training session after contract award. Requirements at the Member level may vary, and any additional kickoff meetings or onboarding activities will be determined by each participating Member based on their individual needs.
Q (Request for clarification - Infojini ): Would the Lead Agency consider extending the proposal due date by one week to allow for a more comprehensive response? Is there a specified page limit, font size, or formatting requirement for the proposal submission?
A: At this time, the due date remains unchanged: April 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM MST Arizona Time. The RFP includes numerous page limits by response section, but it does not specify a font size requirement. Proposals must be submitted in the format required through OpenGov Procurement. See the RFP pages 9-13, Submittal Requirements & Proposal Format
Q (Request for clarification - Infojini ): How many vendors are currently awarded under Contract 22-09PV, and what was the actual total spend through that contract in the most recent fiscal year? The RFP requires itemized pricing and prohibits lump-sum quotes. Does the Lead Agency provide a standardized quote template or rate sheet to ensure consistency across vendors?
A: 1= See answers to questions 3, and 4 2= The RFP does not establish a standardized quote template or mandatory rate sheet for Member quotes. Quote requirements may vary by participating Member based on their individual procurement processes.
Q (Request for clarification - Infojini ): 1. Since Offerors are not required to bid on all service categories, how will the 300 points allocated to cost be normalized to ensure fair comparison between vendors bidding on fewer categories versus all categories? 2. The RFP requires five public-sector references, including approximate contract values. Will larger contract values carry additional weight in scoring under Experience, Qualifications, and Capacity?
A: 1= See answers to questions 47 and 89 2= While approximate contract values are requested as part of the reference information, the RFP does not assign additional scoring weight based solely on contract size. Evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the criteria outlined in the RFP. See page 8-Evaluation Criteria
Q (Request for clarification - Infojini ): For Recruitment and Direct Hire services, is there a minimum required guarantee period (e.g., 60 or 90 days) for permanent placements? In the event of an award, are there any specific transition timelines or incumbent phase-out requirements that vendors should plan for? Could you please consider extending the due date by a week
A: The RFP does not set a minimum guarantee period for direct-hire placements; instead, offerors must disclose any guarantee periods, replacement policies, or conditions they offer. The RFP does not define specific transition timelines or incumbent phase-out requirements. These may vary by participating Member and will be established at the Member level based on their operational needs. The due date remains unchanged at this time.
Q (Award Structure): How will work be distributed among awarded vendors (tiered, rotational, or open competition)?
A: See answer to question 88. The RFP does not establish a tiered or rotational distribution model.
Q (Ordering Process): Will participating agencies engage vendors directly, or will there be a centralized MSP/VMS that controls job distribution?
A: Members may engage awarded contractors directly. The RFP allows MSP services and a VMS or similar technology platform to be proposed, but it does not establish a single centralized MSP/VMS for all participating agencies. See answers to questions Q82 and Q56(c)
Q (Ordering Process): Are there defined timelines for response times, submittal turnarounds and fill %?
A: The RFP does not prescribe fixed contract-wide timelines for response times, submittal turnaround, or fill-rate percentages. It does require offerors to describe their service delivery, performance monitoring, and analytics/reporting capabilities, including metrics such as fill rates and time-to-fill. See the RFP, page 7, Scope of Work, Section 4.9-Performance Standards, Internal Controls, and Business Continuity; and pages 12–13, Submittal Requirements & Proposal Format, Sections 4.4, 4.5, and 4.8.
Q (Pricing Flexibility): Can bill rates vary by client, geography, and specialty, or are standardized or capped rates required?
A: Unless otherwise clearly disclosed in the proposal, pricing must apply uniformly to all eligible 1GPA Members and may not vary by member size, location, or purchasing volume. However, offerors may propose state-specific pricing, classification-based pricing, or other transparent structures if fully disclosed. Contractors may offer lower pricing to individual Members, but may not exceed the awarded contract pricing.
Q (Service and Specialties): Is there a defined list of required healthcare specialties, or is the expectation full-spectrum staffing coverage?
A: No defined healthcare specialty list is provided. The RFP broadly allows labor categories that may include clinical roles, among others, but it does not require a defined healthcare specialty matrix. Offerors may propose the service categories and labor classifications they support. See the RFP, page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3.2-Temporary Staffing & Staff Augmentation Services
Q (Marketing to Member Organizations): If awarded, can we market our services to the members?
A: Yes. The RFP permits awarded contractors to market their services to Members following contract award (see page 27, Uniform Terms and Conditions, Section 3(E)-Advertising and Promotion of Contract). Additionally, Offerors are required to describe their marketing and outreach approach in their proposal under the OpenGov Vendor Submission Part 5-Cooperative Purchasing Understanding and Program (see RFP Page 13, Submittal Requirements & Proposal Format, Section 5.3-Member Outreach and Education Plan).
Q (Operations & Performance): Will there be any standard SLAs or performance benchmarks expected across participating agencies?
A: The RFP does not establish standardized service level agreements (SLAs) across all Members. Performance expectations are addressed at a high level, and Offerors are required to describe their performance monitoring and reporting approach. Any specific SLAs or performance requirements may be defined by individual Members or through supplemental agreements. See RFP page 7, Scope of Work, Section 4.9-Performance Standards, Internal Controls, and Business Continuity; and pages 12–13, Submittal Requirements & Proposal Format, Section 4.5-Performance Monitoring and Quality Assurance and Section 4.8-Analytics and Reporting Capabilities; and page 15, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 6-Supplemental Agreements.
Q (Experience): If subcontractor, teaming partner, or affiliate references are acceptable, may those same references also be used to support Sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2, provided the Offeror clearly identifies each party’s role and responsibilities?
A: Offerors may include public sector engagements performed as a subcontractor, teaming partner or affiliate provided the work is relevant in scope and complexity. Offerors must identify the public sector client for each reference as required by the RFP. References should be able to verify the Offeror’s role and performance on the engagement and may be provided by the prime contractor and/or the end client, as applicable. This applies not only to references but also to the Offeror’s demonstrated experience with public sector entities or organizations with comparable operational requirements, as required by the RFP. See answer to question #77(6)
Q (Direct-Hire Pricing Format Flexibility ): For Section 4.2.5, Recruitment and Direct-Hire Placement, no Excel pricing template appears to be provided. May Offerors submit a vendor-created pricing schedule/rate card in Excel, Word, or PDF for this category?
A: There is no required pricing template for Recruitment and Direct-Hire Placement services. Offerors may propose pricing structures (in any format-Excel, Word etc) such as a percentage of first-year salary, flat fees, or other industry-standard approaches, for any state(s) in which services are proposed, provided all pricing is clearly defined, fully transparent, and compliant with the RFP requirements. See answer to question #77(3)
Q (Direct-Hire NTE & Administrative Fee ): For Section 4.2.5, should direct-hire pricing be proposed as maximum not-to-exceed fee structures applicable to participating Members, inclusive of the 1GPA administrative fee within the net pricing?
A: Yes. Offerors are required to propose maximum not-to-exceed (NTE) pricing structures in their proposal. Pricing must be inclusive of all costs, including the 1GPA administrative fee, and must be fully transparent and consistent with the Offeror’s proposed pricing methodology. See answer to question #68 and RFP Page 10, Submittal Requirements, General Pricing Instructions.
Q (Geographic Pricing for Direct-Hire ): For direct-hire placement services, does 1GPA require pricing by state, or will a national/regional fee schedule be acceptable if all fees, guarantees, and conditions are fully disclosed?
A: Offerors may propose pricing for the states in which they provide services. A national or regional pricing structure is acceptable, provided all pricing, fees, guarantees, and conditions are fully disclosed and clearly applicable to the proposed geographic scope. See answer to question #69 and RFP Page 5, Scope of Work, Section 3
Q (CAT 2 Requirements): Under Section 4.2.2 – Cost: Temporary Staffing & Staff Augmentation, the CAT 2 pricing template’s Section C asks Offerors to “describe all components included in the bundled percentages listed above.” Please clarify whether 1GPA expects a detailed component-level pricing breakdown or a general narrative summary of the cost elements included in the bundled markup.
A: Offerors may provide either a detailed component-level pricing breakdown or a general narrative summary of the cost elements included in the bundled percentage. In either case, the response must sufficiently identify the key cost components and underlying assumptions (e.g., pay rates, statutory costs, overhead, administrative fees, and other applicable elements) to ensure pricing transparency and allow for proper evaluation. See answer to question 63; and RFP page 10, General Pricing Instructions
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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