Job Classification and Pay Study

Whitfield County, Georgia ("the County") is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified and experienced professional consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive Job Classification and Pay Study for all County departments. The goal of this engagement is to evaluate the County's existing classification and compensation structures and provide recommendations that promote internal equity, external competitiveness, and long-term sustainability for County operations.

Firms responding to this Request for Proposals (RFP) must demonstrate experience performing similar studies for public-sector organizations, as well as the capacity to evaluate compensation systems, job classification methodologies, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

The County employs approximately 800 employees across more than 200 classifications, spanning administrative, public safety, public works, technical, clerical, and professional occupations.

The selected consultant shall perform a comprehensive review and analysis of Whitfield County's job classification and compensation systems. The County expects a clearly documented, data-driven methodology that incorporates industry best practices, ensures internal equity, supports external competitiveness, and results in a sustainable structure that Human Resources can administer and maintain over time. At a minimum, the Scope of Work shall include the following components:

• Review of Existing Classification and Compensation Systems
• Job Analysis
• Classification System Review and Recommendations
• Job Evaluation Methodology
• Internal Equity Analysis
• External Market Compensation Study
• Market Position Recommendations
• Pay Plan Development
• Classification-to-Grade Assignment
• Individual Employee Pay Analysis
• Implementation Cost Analysis, with at least three scenarios (e.g., full implementation, phased implementation, priority correction)
• Employee Participation
• Human Resources Involvement
• Legal and Compliance Review
• Ongoing Administration and Maintenance, including an electronic Compensation Maintenance Manual
• Optional Annual Salary Survey
• Training
• Required Deliverables

Required deliverables:

• Work plan and schedule
• Detailed methodology
• Job analysis tools and results
• Market survey data
• Internal equity analysis
• Recommended classification and compensation structures
• Employee impact analysis
• Implementation cost scenarios
• Maintenance manual
• Progress reports
• Draft and final reports
• Presentations to County leadership

All proposals must be sealed and delivered to the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners office, Attn: Brian McBrayer, 201 S. Hamilton Street, Dalton, Georgia 30720, no later than **2:00 PM, November 20th, 2026**. The County requires one (1) unbound original, five (5) printed copies, and one (1) electronic copy on a USB drive (PDF format preferred).

Proposals must be clearly marked **#RFP-HR-202601**. Late, faxed, or emailed proposals cannot be considered. Proposals must be signed to be considered.

The Cost Proposal must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope inside the main package, labeled "Cost Proposal – RFP-HR-202601".

Evaluation criteria (100 points):

• Understanding of the Project – 25 Points
• Proposed Methodology – 30 Points
• Firm Qualifications & Experience – 20 Points
• Project Team & Staffing – 15 Points
• Proposed Schedule – 10 Points

Board Award of RFP (Tentative): 6:00 P.M., Monday, December 14th, 2026.