Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy on Sexual Misconduct Investigations Consultant on Retainer

The City University of New York "CUNY" is seeking a qualified firm to provide the services described in this Part 3 of the RFP (the "Services"). The selected Contractor, if any, shall provide four (4) Investigators meeting the qualifications set forth in Part 2 of this RFP, each of whom shall work up to 35 hours per week on an as-needed basis during the Term to support the University's Interim Executive Director for the Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity with investigating, mediating, and resolving complaints alleging discrimination based on protected categories, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, and disability, involving faculty, staff, students and relating to federal and state laws on civil rights, including Title II, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Clery Act, and New York Education Law Article 129 A and 129 B.

The University is not seeking legal representation, nor a Contractor to provide legal services.

Detailed Specifications and Deliverables

Contractor shall provide support across the University's twenty-six constituent schools and colleges and the Central Office, to foster a safe, respectful, supportive, and inclusive learning, living, and working environment through the impartial and comprehensive investigation of allegations of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and other protected categories. Services shall include, but not be limited to, reviewing and drafting documents, producing reports and written recommendations, attending meetings, conducting intake meetings and investigative interviews, drafting investigative reports, and compiling investigative records, and other associated tasks, as required. All Services shall be performed as directed by the University. Contractor may be required to provide all Services described herein, or only some of the Services, at the University's sole discretion.

The Investigators shall serve as the primary individuals who will be providing the following services and deliverables under the direction of the University Interim Executive Director for the Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity.

• The Investigators shall conduct proactive, unbiased, comprehensive, and timely investigations into Title II, Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX allegations, including discrimination based on protected categories under federal, state and local laws, and to ensure remediation of complaints when required under the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy and/or Policy on Sexual Misconduct, by conducting intake meeting, conducting investigative interviews, drafting investigative reports, compiling investigative records, and performing other tasks typically associated with conducting such investigations.
• The Investigators shall assist the University Interim Executive Director for the Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity in managing the University resolution process as outlined in the University's Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy and Policy on Sexual Misconduct, by reviewing and drafting documents, and performing related tasks as directed.
• The Investigators shall create, facilitate, and deliver appropriate education and training as required.
• The Investigators shall respond to inquiries and requests from Chief Diversity Officers, Title IX Coordinators and their teams, as directed by the University Interim Executive Director for the Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity, and identify appropriate external resources as appropriate.
• The Investigators shall monitor University-wide compliance with Title II, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy and the Policy on Sexual Misconduct, as directed by the University Interim Executive Director for the Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity.

Location of Services

All Services shall be provided remotely, including all investigations. Contractor shall provide and use its own equipment for its staff providing the Services.

Submission

For this solicitation, CUNY will be accepting proposals via email. Proposals submitted via e-mail must include scans of original (wet) signatures and notarizations to be considered a valid Proposal. Proposals (including any excel spreadsheets) must be clearly labeled with three (3) separate pdf attachments clearly named for Volume I (Forms), Volume II (Technical Proposal), and Volume III (Price Proposal). Proposals must be due **November 19, 2026 at 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time**.

Contract Term

The initial term of the Contract shall be twelve (12) months (the "Initial Term"), commencing on the date that the Contract is approved by the Attorney General and the New York State Comptroller, as applicable. The Contract may be renewed for an additional six (6) months at the University's sole discretion (the "Renewal Term").

Evaluation

CUNY anticipates awarding up to one (1) contract, which will be awarded, if at all, to the Proposer with the highest scoring Proposal based on an evaluation of best value. Scoring of the Diversity Practices Questionnaire is up to five (5) points and scoring of Volume II: Technical and Management Proposal is 55 points.

Other

CUNY has designated a 0% MWBE/SDVOB participation goal for this solicitation. Contractor shall procure and maintain the types of insurance in the amounts outlined in Part 7.