Title
Fire Personnel Testing and Promotional Process Administration Services
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract with Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. for entry level testing and process administration services for a term of three years, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to two, one-year terms with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Reginald Johnson, Fire
Jeffrey Richardson, Fire
Explanation
§ The Charlotte Fire Department holds promotional processes annually, using a written exam and annual assessment center to ensure a fair and high-quality process for candidates.
§ On May 1, 2026, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP); four responses were received.
§ Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, and responsiveness to RFP requirements.
§ Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. will provide annual testing by developing and implementing testing material for yearly promotional process administration for the ranks of Entry Level Fire Fighters, Captain, Engineer, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief.
§ At renewal, potential price adjustments may be considered based on legitimate and justified increases in the cost of doing business. The ability to consider price adjustments also allows the city to accept decreases, if warranted.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $400,000.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Effective July 1, 2026, Session Law 2026-41 eliminated the authority of North Carolina local governments to use race-conscious and gender-conscious contracting requirements. In compliance with the new law, no MBE/WBE/MWBE/MSBE/WSBE/MWSBE goals or compliance requirements will be included in city contracts. SBE goals are not affected and shall continue to be used in compliance with the CBI program and applicable law.
Small Business Participation
The city negotiates small business contract participation after the proposal selection process. Staff will continue working with Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. throughout the life of the contract to identify qualified SBE firms and pursue opportunities for SBE participation as they become available.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Fire Operating Budget