George Mason University Cobblestone #GMU-DR0709-25-07

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, Fairfax, VA. The awarded vendor is Beyond Consulting Group LLC, doing business as INCompliance, located at 100 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio. The contract is for investigative services, hearing and appeal officer support, and related training services concerning Civil Rights compliance and human resource employment concerns, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and ADA compliance. Key personnel from INCompliance include Laura Anthony, Erin Butcher, Melissa Carleton, Rebecca Joseph, Jeff Knight, Kasey Havekost, Kylie Stryffeler, Erin Heidrich, Kaeleigh Birckelbaw, Eric Butler, Heather Clingerman, Jessica Galanos, Joe Hall, Joel Nielsen, and Kristin Scaduto, with hourly rates ranging from $255 to $375 depending on role and experience. Services include conducting investigations, hearings, appeals, informal resolution facilitation, and customized training sessions such as Title IX training for coordinators, investigators, hearing officers, and appeal officers. Training rates vary, with examples including $12,000 to $15,000 for two-day in-person sessions and $250 per person for six-hour virtual sessions. Travel expenses are reimbursed per George Mason University travel policies and GSA per diem rates, with specific provisions for travel time billing. The contract term is two years from the effective date with four successive two-year renewal options. Unique contract requirements include strict compliance with Virginia Code 2.2-507 prohibiting legal advice without written appointment, detailed data security and confidentiality provisions including a Data Security Addendum, comprehensive background checks for contractor personnel, adherence to university policies including FERPA and ADA, and cooperative procurement allowing other public bodies and educational institutions to access the contract. The contract also includes provisions for contract administration by Thomas Bluestein, Associate Vice President, OACC, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, and detailed terms on contract changes, cancellation, indemnification, insurance, and intellectual property rights. The contract emphasizes neutrality and trauma-informed approaches in investigations and hearings, with a commitment to clear communication and collaboration with George Mason University.

Description

Contract for investigative services, hearings and appeals, and trainings related to Civil Rights compliance and similar human resource employment concerns for the Office of Access, Compliance and Community (OACC) of George Mason University.

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