George Mason University Cobblestone #GMU-DR0709-25-03

Civil Rights Compliance Investigation Services

The government buyer is George Mason University, specifically the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC), located at 4400 University Drive, MS 3C1, Fairfax, VA 22030. The awarded vendor is Evergreen Education Solutions, LLC, a women-owned education consulting firm based at 45 E. City Ave., Unit #830, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Evergreen specializes in civil rights compliance investigations, hearings, appeals, and training services related to Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and similar human resource employment concerns. The contract scope includes investigative services, conducting hearings and appeals, and providing trainings. Pricing is set at $300 per hour for investigations, hearings, appeals, and related advisory services, with fixed prices for training sessions ranging from $3,000 for 2-hour training to $7,000 for 6-hour training, plus customized training at $300 per hour. Travel expenses are reimbursed per George Mason's policies and GSA per diem rates, with travel within 50 miles included in hourly rates. The contract term is two years from the effective date with four successive two-year renewal options. The contract includes strict confidentiality and data security requirements, including a Data Security Addendum mandating encryption, background checks, cyber liability insurance, and compliance with federal and state laws such as FERPA, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Evergreen's partners, Beth Gellman-Beer and Amy Niedzalkoski, both former senior leaders at the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, will perform all services. The contract allows cooperative procurement by other public bodies and educational institutions. Notable contract requirements include prohibition on legal advice without appointment from the Virginia Attorney General, detailed procedures for Statements of Work (SOWs), and extensive terms on data protection, confidentiality, and compliance with university policies. The place of performance is primarily George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. The contract administration is managed by Thomas Bluestein, Associate Vice President, OACC, Title IX and ADA Coordinator. The contract payment method is Paymode-X, Net 30. Evergreen provides additional services such as policy review, advisory support on complex matters, evaluation of accommodation requests, and statutory agency compliance support. The contract emphasizes trauma-informed investigative practices and individualized attention due to the boutique nature of the firm.

Description

This contract is for Civil Rights Compliance Investigation Services with Evergreen Education Solutions, LLC. The current term ends on May 19, 2028, with four renewal options remaining, and the final expiration date is May 19, 2036.

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