HomeMy WebLinkAboutcover memoCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
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DATE : FILE
The Honorable . and Memb June 11, 2004
of t ity Co ' issio SUBJECT :
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Waiving Competitive Bid and
Approving Professional Services
REFERENCESAgreement for Sheldon Zedeck,
Ph.D.
ENCLOSURES:
RECOMMENDATION
It is respectfully requested that the City Commission adopt the attached Resolution, by a
four/fifths (4/5th) affirmative vote of the members of the City Commission, after a duly
advertised public hearing, ratifying, approving and confirming the City Manager's request for
waiving the requirements for competitive sealed bids, and authorizing the negotiation and
execution of a professional services agreement with Dr. Sheldon Zedeck, Ph.D., a non-
minority/non-local vendor located at 15 Windsor Avenue, Kensington, California 94708 for the
provision of Consulting Services in the area of test development, score analysis, job analysis and
review of selection procedures for the classifications of Police Officer, Police Lieutenant, and
Public Service Aide, for a period of two (2) years, with the option to extend for two (2)
additional one (1) year periods, for an annual amount not to exceed $80,000. Funding is available
from the Departments of Employee Relations, Account Code No. 001000.270101.6.270.
BACKGROUND:
On March 29, 1977 the City of Miami entered into a Consent Decree (United States of America
vs. City of Miami), initiated by the United States Justice Department, which alleged
discrimination in employment practices of the City affecting women, Hispanic males and Black
males. The City agreed to remedial practices in the area of recruitment, testing and selection that
were approved by the federal court. The City Commission previously adopted Resolution
Numbers 96-344, 00-308 and 01-483 approving an initial two-year agreement and two one year
extensions of a contract for expert consulting services in an amount not to exceed $80,000
annually with Dr. Sheldon Zedeck, Ph.D. On May 4, 1999, the federal courts issued an Order
that dissolved the Consent Decree with respect to all operating departments of the City except for
the Miami Police Department. The Federal Order grants the United States Department of Justice
rights to oversee activities with respect to sworn entry-level and promotional classifications, as
well as for the classification of Public Service Aide. For continuity, it is critical that we continue
the services of Dr. Zedeck in an effort to acquire the documentation needed to meet the
Department of Justice's requirements to dissolve the Consent Decree.
The Honorable Mayor and Members
of the City Commission
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The Department of Employee Relations is of the opinion that it is most advantageous for the City
of Miami to contract with Dr. Zedeck to continue his provision of services. It would be difficult,
time consuming and costly for another qualified consultant to review the historical data and
issues, and midway the process, begin providing the services Dr. Zedeck has been providing
since 1996. To contract with a different vendor to provide the services currently provided by Dr.
Zedeck could lead to a setback to the City's goal of dissolving the Consent Decree. Dr. Zedeck's
level of expertise and respect among professionals in the field of Industrial/Organizational
Psychology is unrivaled. Additionally, there is no other local, regional or national vendor who
has the familiarity and background about the issues involved in the dissolving the Consent
Decree for the aforementioned classifications.
In an effort to continue to progress and reach our goal, the Department of Employee Relations
respectfully requests your approval to waive a competitive bid process, and the approval to
execute the attached agreement.
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