12/22/2025
Question 1: Is this a new contract or a renewal of an existing contract?
Answer 1: Currently, Lake County is using Contract #21022 Executive Recruitment and Employee Leasing to fill this need; however, this RFP will establish a new contract solely for the purpose of Temporary Staffing Services.
Question 2: If there is an existing contract, can you share the names of the current vendors and pricing?
Answer 2: Award information can be found on our website at https://www.lakecountypurchasingportal.com/awarded-contracts/ and additional information not found on our website may be obtained through a FOIA request.
Question 3: In order to be considered responsive for this solicitation, is it mandatory to submit pricing for all listed positions?
Answer 3: Lake County encourages proposers to enter as much information as possible in order to appropriately evaluate vendor’s responses.
Question 4: What is the estimated budget for this contract?
Answer 4: Services under this contract will be provided on an as needed basis, and the County is unable to provide an estimate at this time.
Question 5: Is it mandatory to subcontract?
Answer 5: Lake County is not requiring vendors to subcontract; however, vendors must disclose to the County any subcontractors associated with this contract.
Question 6: Could you please provide information on the daily duration of shifts required for the necessary professions? For example, the number of hours per day?
Answer 6: Most positions will consist of 8 hours of paid work per day, with an unpaid lunch period.
Question 7: Are staffing firms outside of Illinois allowed to submit a proposal?
Answer 7: Yes
Question 8: What is the expected number of hours that each role will work during a 1-year period. Are these roles considered full time or part time?
Answer 8: For the purposes of the price sheet, please consider all positions on Attachment 1 to be full time with the standard 2,080 hours per year. However, during the course of this contract Lake County may require full time and part time positions, depending on the County’s needs.
Question 9: Are all the roles onsite, remote, or on a hybrid schedule?
Answer 9: For the purposes of the price sheet, consider all positions on Attachment 1 to be onsite. However, positions filled by this contract may be onsite, remote, or on a hybrid schedule, depending on the County’s needs.
Question 10: Does Lake County require the Account Representative to manage the contract on site or remotely?
Answer 10: The Account Representative will be expected to manage the contract remotely.
Question 11: Will Temporary Staff have the option to work or take off the listed Floating Holidays? Are County Offices open during Floating Holidays?
Answer 11: County Offices are typically open during Floating Holidays, and Temporary Staff may have the option to work or request off depending on the needs of the assigned department.
Question 12: What is the page limit for the proposal?
Answer 12: There is no page limit for the proposal, however, our software only allows vendors to submit 5 files limited to a max upload limit of 20 MB for each file.
Question 13: Should the Proposal and Price Sheet be submitted separately?
Answer 13: Vendors must fill out and submit the Price Sheet along with their proposal. This can be done as one uploaded file, or multiple files depending on the logistics of the proposer’s response.
Question 14: Should vendors submit Certificates of Insurance with their proposal?
Answer 14: Vendors are welcome to submit Certificates of Insurance with their proposal, however Lake County will require Certificates of Insurance prior to execution of the contract.
Question 15: How many employees will be anticipated to work using this contract?
Answer 15: The County intends to use this RFP to fill positions on an as needed basis, and does not have an anticipated number to provide.
Question 16: How many vendors will be awarded as a result of this solicitation?
Answer 16: Lake County may award to multiple vendors, or a single vendor depending on what is in the best interest of the County.
Question 17: What are the current billable hourly rates or percentage markup rates, and what were those rates at the time of award?
Answer 17: This information can be obtained via a FOIA request.
Question 18: What was the total spend on this service last year?
Answer 18: This information can be obtained via a FOIA request.
Question 19: Is there a Prevailing/Living Wage requirement associated with this project?
Answer 19: Some positions, but not all, filled by this contract may be subject to Federal, State, or local Prevailing Wage requirements depending on the nature of the roles.
Question 20: Are additional points awarded to firms who are or have Minority Business Enterprise partners?
Answer 20: Lake County encourages vendors to fill out the Vendor Certification Form indicating Veteran Owned, Woman Owned, and/or Minority Owned businesses where appropriate, however this information will not be used for selecting vendors.
Question 21: Will there be a public bid opening?
Answer 21: As this is an RFP, there will not be a public bid opening and responses are considered confidential until an award is made.
Question 22: Our firm does not have any experience within Lake County, IL. We would like to confirm whether the requirement stating “Detail your firm’s experience providing temporary employees to similar size customers within Lake County, IL for a minimum of five (5) years” is mandatory for eligibility, or if firms without this specific experience may still be considered responsive and eligible for award.
Answer 22: If your firm does not have any experience within Lake County, please list any related experience your firm may have.
12/23/2025
Question 23: Are listing government references mandatory?
Answer 23: RFP Responses must contain references of similar sized clients for whom your firm has provided similar services. These references do not need to be specifically with a government agency.
12/29/2025
Question 24: Where should the “Experience and Qualifications” noted on page 6 under section II (two), subsection I be listed in the RFP response?
Answer 24: This would fall under the “Scope of Services” section of a vendor’s RFP response listed under Submittal Requirements on page 6.
Question 25: Where should “Value Added Services” be listed in the RFP response?
Answer 25: Vendors are welcome to include “Value Added Services” after the Price Proposal in their response, but the precise placement of any items in the response is up to the discretion of the vendor.
Question 26: Are vendors required to have offices in Lake County?
Answer 26: No
Question 27: Will vendors in or near Lake County receive preference points for being local?
Answer 27: No
Question 28: If Lake County awards the contract to multiple vendors, how will positions be distributed between the vendors?
Answer 28: Each position would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Question 29: What is the percentage weight for each of the evaluation criteria?
Answer 29: This information is still to be determined, and Lake County encourages all vendors to consider each criteria of equal importance.
1/12/2026
Question 30: What drug screening will be required of potential employees?
Answer 30: Lake County requires a standard pre-employment drug screening for most positions; however, some positions may require additional random screenings due to variances with departmental functions and safety requirements of the role.
Question 31: Are Cover Letters and Executive Summaries required in a Vendor Response?
Answer 31: Cover Letters are optional; however, responses must include the Cover Sheet to help identify responses (this is the first two pages of the RFP), and an Executive Summary.
Question 32: Should experience listed in Vendor Responses be from any government or public-sector clients, or is this limited to local and/or public sector clients within Illinois?
Answer 32: Lake County would prefer vendors to list experience with similar size customers within Lake County, Illinois. In the absence of said experience, please list experience with similar size customers outside Lake County, Illinois. Listed experience does not need to be public sector but should reflect customers of similar size to Lake County
Question 33: Regarding the pricing sheet, what would the County consider Short Term and Long-Term placement?
Answer 33: Short term should be considered any role less than 1 year, while long term should exceed 1 year
Question 34: Section K. – Temporary Employee No-Show states Vendor is responsible to cover the costs to fill the scheduled work shift. Please detail what these costs might be.
Answer 34: The County does not have any anticipated costs in mind with this scenario, and these costs may vary based on the position. One example of this could be (but is not limited to) overtime paid to a full-time permanent employee to cover a work shift assigned to a temporary employee who did not show or canceled.
1/13/2026
Question 35: Can vendors submit alternate pricing?
Answer 35: Vendors may submit alternate pricing but must also fill out the price sheet contained in the RFP for the purposes of comparison.
Question 36: Is the County open to cooperative agreements?
Answer 36: The County does not intend to “piggyback” off another agency’s agreement to fill this RFP’s need. However, the County is open to other agency’s “piggybacking” off this agreement. See Section III – Submittal Requirements, Subsection Z - Joint Purchasing for additional information.
Question 37: Are there mandatory compliance or regulatory obligations associated with this RFP?
Answer 37: Yes. The selected vendor will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to the provision of temporary staffing services, including but not limited to employment and labor laws, wage and hour requirements, worker classification, taxes, background checks, and workplace safety obligations.
Question 38: What resumes are required for submission?
Answer 38: The County requires resumes for all vendor’s internal key team members who will be working with the County during this contract. The County will not require resumes from a vendor’s talent pool until after a contract is fully executed.
Question 39: Do we need to provide response as per III. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS or IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA If both sections are required, should they be combined into a single response or submitted as separate sections?
Answer 39: Section III – Submittal Requirements discusses the required information, and Section IV – Evaluation Requirements is notifying vendors of how the response will be evaluated.
1/14/2026
Question 40: The RFP allows proposers to submit proposals electronically using either multiple files or a combined submission, subject to the specified file size limits, while the submission portal provides multiple attachment upload options; please confirm whether proposers may submit the complete proposal as a single consolidated document (along with the required redacted copy) and whether the additional attachment options are intended solely to provide flexibility or manage file size rather than require proposal content to be split across multiple files.
Answer 40: Vendors may upload files as a single document, or multiple documents using all 5 upload options if necessary. Please note the file size limitations on the submission screen.
Question 41: Are the hourly rates on the pricing sheet fixed, or can vendors submit their own hourly rates.
Answer 41: For the purposes of the pricing sheet, consider the hourly rates fixed. Vendors are expected to list their markup off the hourly rates given.
Question 42: What can be listed under “All additional services beyond the initial scope of the project” on the Pricing Sheet?
Answer 42: Vendors may list any additional services and pricing that the vendor provides which may be beneficial to the County.
Question 43: Is the County expecting to require more job titles than those listed in the RFP during the term of the contract?
Answer 43: Yes
Question 44: Does Lake County anticipate seasonal spikes or department-specific surges (e.g., Courts, Workforce Development, Facilities) that would materially increase request volume?
Answer 44: No, however Departmental needs may fluctuate.
Question 45: Can the County share the historical conversion rate (temporary to permanent) under prior staffing contracts?
Answer 45: This information may be obtained via a FOIA request.
Question 46: Does Lake County require County-specific drug screening panels, or may vendors use their standard compliant panels?
Answer 46: For most positions, vendors may use their standard pre-employment drug screen; however, some positions may require additional panels or random screenings due to variances with departmental functions and safety requirements of the role.
Question 47: Are assignments under this contract expected to be for staff augmentation or are there any project-based roles?
Answer 47: Most assignments are expected to be for staff augmentation; however, due to variable departmental needs some future project-based roles may be necessary.
Question 48: Does Lake County anticipate simultaneous onboarding of multiple resources, requiring accelerated screening and background checks?
Answer 48: No
Question 49: Can the County clarify what it considers acceptable “value-added services” under this RFP?
Answer 49: Vendors can include any services not covered in the RFP which may be beneficial for the County.
Question 50: Can you please upload a copy of the County's sample agreement for this solicitation to the procurement site?
Answer 50: A sample agreement for this procurement is not available at this time.
1/15/2026
Question 51: As mentioned in the RFP, a Sustainability Statement is referenced as being included as part of the solicitation. Could you please clarify whether this is a specific form that vendors are required to complete, or if vendors are expected to submit their own Sustainability Statement narrative? If a form is required, we are unable to locate it within the RFP documents and would appreciate guidance on where it can be found.
Answer 51: Lake County's Sustainability Statement was errantly left out of this RFP. Please find the Sustainability Statement by clicking this link. The document has also been posted to this RFP's downloadable documents.
Question 52: Are there any specific requirements for background checks for temporary staff under this contract?
Answer 52: Candidate will need to provide a front and back copy of a state issued license or identification card so the Lake County Sheriff’s Office can run a security clearance.
Question 53: For the required drug testing, could you specify the type of panel required (e.g., 5-panel, 10-panel, or other)?
Answer 53: For most positions, vendors may use their standard pre-employment drug screen; however, some positions may require additional panels or random screenings due to variances with departmental functions and safety requirements of the role.
Question 54: Could you please clarify what is meant by “Submittal Number” in the Addendum Acknowledgment form?
Answer 54: This procurement’s submittal number is 26115.
Question 55: As mentioned on page 6 of the RFP under “Experience and Qualifications,” vendors are instructed to complete the Contractor Qualification Form. We were unable to locate this form in the RFP document. Could you please provide guidance on where to access the form?
Answer 55: Please disregard the Contractor Qualifications Form language as this is outdated language from a previous procurement. Vendors must indicate the types of positions and the number of staff and workers (Employee Pool) available for immediate placement.
Question 56: Could you please confirm if being MBE certified through NMSDC allows us to list this certification on the Vendor Certification Form for this RFP?
Answer 56: Yes
Question 57: Could you please clarify the 'Expected Pay' listed for “Attachment 1 Anticipated Positions”? Are these the minimum rates that vendors must provide, the current hourly rates, or the base/pay rates on which vendors are expected to apply their markup percentage?
Answer 57: The “Expected Pay” is the current hourly rates which responding vendors are expected to apply their markup percentage to on the Price Sheet.
Question 58: Could you please clarify what types of training programs are required by Lake County and what expectations exist for the selected vendor? Additionally, does the current or previous vendor provide any training to temporary employees, and if so, what type?
Answer 58: Required training will vary based upon departmental needs and individual roles requested.
Question 59: Should submitted files be in PDF format?
Answer 59: Yes
Question 60: Could you please confirm whether Lake County requires 3 references or 4 references with the proposal?
Answer 60: Lake County requires 3 references; however, vendors are welcome to list a 4th reference.
Question 61: The RFP references compliance with applicable licensing or certification requirements “if required by law.” Please clarify if Lake County require vendors to hold any specific Illinois state registration or license in order to be considered responsive to this RFP?
Answer 61: Lake County is not referring to any specific registration or license for this section. Vendors must comply with all applicable federal and State of Illinois laws and regulations, including any required licensing, registration, or certification relevant to their business operations.
Question 62: Does Lake County anticipate requiring any site visits either before award or post-award as part of this RFP process or contract implementation for Temporary Staffing Services?
Answer 62: No
Question 63: What is the reason for this RFP?
Answer 63: This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks to establish a contract with one or more qualified firms to provide temporary staffing services across a wide range of positions, from general administrative support to professional and certified roles. Lake County is seeking vendors capable of supplying a diverse and highly qualified candidate pool to support both short- and long-term staffing needs across its 26 departments.
Question 64: How are you measuring your current vendors?
Answer 64: Lake County does not currently have a centralized method of measuring their vendors for this need and is left to the discretion of the individual departments.
Question 65: Do you intend to create a tiered supplier structure?
Answer 65: No
Question 66: What is the average length of assignment for your contract employees? Does this vary by skill set and/or location?
Answer 66: This varies by role and departmental need / function.
Question 67: What type of reporting are you interested in seeing from your selected vendor(s)?
Answer 67: This may vary based on Department function and need.
Question 68: Can the County confirm whether markup percentages will be evaluated competitively or used only for benchmarking?
Answer 68: Evaluation criteria can be found under IV-Evaluation Criteria, subsection A.
Question 69: Will Lake County require vendors to support after-hours or weekend staffing?
Answer 69: Lake County may have after hours or weekend staffing needs during the course of this agreement, however, if a vendor is unable to provide this service it will not disqualify them from an award.
Question 70: Does the County anticipate interviews for shortlisted vendors, and will they be virtual or onsite?
Answer 70: Lake County intends to hold interviews for shortlisted vendors. It has not been determined yet whether these will be virtual or onsite interviews.
Question 71: Will pricing carry a specific weighting percentage in the final evaluation?
Answer 71: Yes; however, the weight is still being determined by the evaluation committee.
Question 72: In the event Overtime (OT) is authorized, how should the billing be calculated? Does the County expect the "Markup Percentage" to be applied to the overtime pay rate (1.5x), or is there a separate billing mechanism for OT hours?
Answer 72: This will be addressed during the negotiation phase with the individual vendor(s).
Question 73: Is there a fee associated with the background investigations conducted by the Lake County Sheriff's Office? If so, is this cost the responsibility of the Vendor, or is it covered by the County?
Answer 73: No cost is associated with the Sheriff’s Office Background Check.
Question 74: Will the successful bidder be expected to transition and payroll existing temporary employees currently working at the County under the previous contract? If so, approximately how many employees are currently on assignment that would need to be transitioned?
Answer 74: This will depend on incumbent vendors receiving or not receiving an award.
Question 75: For specialized roles like the Design Manager, will the County provide the technical equipment (laptops, software licenses for CAD/Design tools) required to perform the job, or is the Vendor expected to provide this hardware/software?
Answer 75: Lake County will provide workstation and technical equipment to perform the job.
Question 76: Will the County accept a standard $2,000,000 General Aggregate on the primary CGL policy, provided that the Umbrella/Excess Liability policy covers the remaining difference to meet the $5,000,000 requirement?
Answer 76: This can be listed as an exception taken by Proposer to the terms of this RFP, identified in writing, included in the list of submittals, and addressed during the contract negotiation period.
Question 77: Is the three-month probationary period negotiable? Our firm typically requires a minimum of 480 or 520 hours (approx. 3 months) before conversion fees are waived. Will the County accept an hours-based definition rather than a calendar-month definition to account for part-time workers?
Answer 77: Any and all exceptions taken by Proposer to the terms of this RFP are to be identified in writing and included in the list of submittals.
Question 78: While the Account Representative may work remotely, does the County require them to be available for periodic on-site meetings (e.g., Quarterly Business Reviews) at the Waukegan, IL offices?
Answer 78: No
Question 79: Could you please clarify the expected frequency of project status meetings (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly), or will this be determined after contract award?
Answer 79: This will vary by Department and can be discussed after award.
Question 80: Please confirm whether project status meetings are expected to be conducted in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
Answer 80: This will vary by Department and can be discussed further with the Awarded Vendor(s).
Question 81: Could you please confirm whether the current or previous vendor(s) conduct similar project status and progress meetings as described in Section E (Project Status)?
Answer 81: This varies by Departmental function and need.
Question 82: Is there a tentative project timeline or anticipated start date and duration for this contract that Lake County can share at this time?
Answer 82: Lake County’s anticipated timeline is posted under Section I – General Information of the RFP.
Question 83: Could you please confirm whether staffing services may be required at County locations other than the Waukegan County Building and Libertyville Campus, and how such locations will be communicated to vendors?
Answer 83: It is a possibility that Lake County will have a need to fill a position not at the Waukegan or Libertyville Campuses. This will be discussed with the vendors when a request for a temporary employee is made.
Question 84: For the Implementation Plan, may vendors provide tentative timelines rather than fixed dates, given that specific dates and SLAs are not defined in the RFP and will depend on contract award and County direction?
Answer 84: Yes
Question 85: At contract commencement, should vendors account for any continuity or knowledge-transfer considerations related to personnel as part of their implementation planning?
Answer 85: Yes; however, this will vary based on the role and department.