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A Resolution Approving a One-Year Professional Services Agreement with Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. for Sworn Fire and Police Department Testing Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $153,460.00 and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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The Village uses an independent service provider who specializes in public safety recruitment to conduct standardized testing and assessment in the establishment of sworn police and fire eligibility lists. This is the first one-year renewal of a three-year professional services agreement with Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc (IOSolutions) that was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2023.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On January 17, 2023, the Board adopted RES 23-40 approving a three-year professional services agreement with IO Solutions for Sworn Testing Services for Fire and Police Departments.
Background
The Village utilizes a third-party testing provider to efficiently administer the Village’s testing and assessment services for sworn police and fire positions. In 2022, the Village issued a Request for Proposals for sworn testing services and awarded the contract to IO Solutions on January 17, 2023. The contract was for a three-year term, expiring December 31, 2025, and included the option to renew for two (2) one-year terms. This is the first renewal.
The Village anticipates conducting promotional testing for Police Sergeants, Fire Lieutenants, and Fire Battalion Chiefs in 2026. In addition to administering a written exam, this agreement includes the costs of the extensive assessment center process, which is designed to simulate the real demands of the job, including components such as written in-basket exercises and situational role-playing scenarios.
IOSolutions will no longer be conducting sworn entry-level written testing for the Village moving forward. However, they will continue to conduct all psychological exams for sworn entry-level positions, in addition to psychological exams and leadership assessments for sworn promotional positions in the Village.
As of the drafting of this agenda item, the Village has approximately 27 vacancies in the sworn police and fire ranks, in addition to six (6) over-hires in the fire department that were approved by the Village Board on December 9, 2025.
Timing Considerations
The Village has a Fire Battalion Chief assessment center scheduled for March 5, 2026. An agreement needs to be in place to continue planning and organizing this promotional process. Following the Fire Battalion Chiefs, the Village has additional sworn testing to be mapped out for the remainder of the year.
Budget Impact
This item is budgeted in External Support (Public Safety) Account No. 1001.41080.134.530667 which includes a carryforward from 2025.
Operating Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. This item aligns with Human Resources core service delivery, however delays to promotion and hiring impacts public safety departments.
DEI Impact
Using a third-party provider for sworn police and fire promotional testing can have a positive DEI impact by increasing consistency, objectivity and legal defensibility through professionally validated assessments that reduce reliance on subjective internal decision-making. When done well, external providers may help minimize bias in test design and scoring. However, DEI benefits are not automatic and require up-to-date analysis and well-trained assessors.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• This action continues a partnership with the current provider to ensure consistency and reduce transitional challenges
Disadvantages:
• The Village last conducted an RFP in 2022, making the current state of the sworn testing market less understood. A less expensive option may be available.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village could elect to conduct an RFP for sworn testing services in 2026
Advantages:
• This action would grant the Village a greater understanding of the current marketplace for sworn promotional and entry-level testing.
Disadvantages:
• This action could delay sworn entry-level and promotional hiring.
Anticipated Future Actions
Should the Board adopt the resolution, staff will likely return to the Board in 2027 to utilize the second one-year renewal with IO Solutions.
Prepared By: Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Agreement
3. Exhibit A (Proposal)
4. 2023-2025 Agreement