QUESTIONS ANSWERS Q1 Is there any way that the estimated volume can be disclosed? A1 The volume varies by year and need. On average, 150-200 per year. 2014 was a high volume year, with 300 backgrounds entered between Sept 2013 & Aug 2014. Q2 Q3 Q4 Are we required to run all 6 countywide searches on each applicant or should we conduct only the countywide searches that are associated with each individual applicant? How should we handle current employment verifications in which the applicant has requested we not contact their current employer? Should all additional research be including in the package price? A2 A3 A4 The 6-county search should be run for each applicant. If an applicant lists addresses outside of those counties, those additional counties should also be checked In this case, we will ask the applicant to provide proof of employment in the form of a paystub or W2. Q5 How would we be notified if a particular applicant would need additional research on their education verification? A5 PGW will notify the selected vendor by preferred communication Q6 When would the scope of work begin? A6 Appx mid-july 2015 Q7 What is your current average turnaround time for background investigations? A7 3-5 business days Q8 Are you currently using an ATS? A8 - icims
Q9 What is the estimated volume of searches by search type? A9 Q10 What is the current rate being paid? A10 Information not available. Q11 RFP No. 29614 is formatted as a locked PFD file, is it possible for Creative Services, Inc. to receive the RFP as a Word document? This will enable us to utilize the attachment templates. Q12 Section 2.1.1 of the RFP identifies the number of PGW clients; however, there is no discussion of anticipated volumes associated with the services to be provided. Is it possible for Creative Services, Inc. to be provided with anticipated annual volumes? Q13 Section 2.3 of the RFP states an initial term of up to four (4) years. Could you provide clarification of this statement? Q14 Q15 Section 2.4 of the RFP states pricing in a per person/per package format based on the scope of services requested. Would PGW entertain a fixed rate plus fees model? In addition to background investigation services, Creative Services, Inc. provides regulatory and company-mandated drug and alcohol testing for a significant number of our clients. Is PGW currently involved in substance abuse testing of its employees? If so, is substance abuse testing conducted under a separate contract, separate RFP? Would A11 A12 A13 Q14 A15 All PGW contracts are annual contracts with optional annual renewals. At the end of four years, PGW is required to conduct another RFP. Substance abuse testing is handled separately.
PGW consider combining these services under one supplier? Q16 Q17 Given the nature of the work performed and services provided by PGW, is regulatory-based DOT screening (background investigations and substance abuse testing) conducted under a separate contract, separate RFP? Would PGW consider combining these services under one supplier? Can you tell me the approximate number of candidates screened by PGW annually? A16 A17 Not at this time. Q18 Q19 What is your reason for initiating this RFP? For example are you having any issues with your current vendor (if so, what are they), or is your current contract up and you are evaluating vendors per your policy? what is your process for ordering and receiving your background checks right now A18 A19 Evaluating vendors per policy. Q20 Is the process paper-based, fax-based, or electronic? A20 Paper & Electronic Applicants complete a paper-based consent form upon interview. The information is then entered into the background screening company s website/database. Q21 Do you have integration with an online applicant tracking system? A21 Not at this time, but we are interested in integrating with our ATS (icims). Q22 What is your estimated volume of background checks needed on a monthly (or yearly) basis? A22
Q23 Q24 Do you want pricing for a National Criminal Database search included in your package? I see only county court and federal district records search requests. Most often, companies also include a national database search which will pick up any criminal activity (that was reported to the database) outside of the actual counties of history. Without a database product, criminal records could go undetected. Will you want National Sex Offender Search included in the package? This is a common search for most employers. A23 A24 Q25 Will you be providing answers to all questions submitted by participants or simply providing the requested answers to me A25 Answers are provided to all participants. Q26 Section 5.3.4 Refers to the right to terminate negotiations with a selected proposer at any time. Is this in reference to negotiations prior to award only? A26 No. This refers to any time prior to execution of the agreement. Q27 Q28 Section 2.6 Refers to a required commercial activities license. Are all vendors required to have a license in Philadelphia or only those that are physically located in Philadelphia? Section 4.4.1 Refers to disclosure of financial information. Will privately held vendor respondents be disqualified if all of the financial information requested is not provided? Who may request vendor respondent s financial information under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and/or Commonwealth Right to Know Act? A27 A28 The license is required if the vendor is a business as defined in The Philadelphia Code, Section 19-2601. Failure to provide the information will not disqualify a vendor but such failure will impact the amount of information PGW may rely on when determining the winning proposer, potentially negatively impacting the proposer.
Q29 Who is the current vendor provider and how long has the relationship been in place? A29 Information not available. Q30 What prompted the Background/Pre-Employment Screening Services RFP? A30 3 & Q18 Q31 What is the current contract Pricing? A31 Information not available Q32 Who is currently providing PGW s background checks? A32 Information not available Q33 How many checks does PGW anticipate annually? A33 Q34 How many checks were conducted last year and what was the total spent on these checks? A34 Q35 Would a foreign company need to be registered to do business with Pennsylvania at the time that the proposal is submitted, or once the contract is awarded? A35 Once the contract is awarded.