HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdvanced Selections- Fire Apparatus Operator Practical Exam $27,900 Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
CC: Members of Administration and Public Works Committee
From: Paul Polep, Fire Chief
Subject: Authorizing the City Manager to sign a Single-Source Agreement with
Advanced Selections for a Fire Apparatus Operator Practical Exam
Date: March 31, 2025
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign a single-source
agreement for a Fire Apparatus Operator Practical Exam with Advanced Selections (PO Box
1133, Frankfort, IL 60451) in the amount of $27,900. A single-source purchase requires a
two-thirds vote of the City Council.
Funding Source:
Funding will be from Human Resources - Employment Testing Services (Account
100.15.1929.62160) with a budget of $115,000.
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Evanston and the Evanston Fire
Fighters Association Local 742 states that “The City will post new promotional eligible lists no
more than three years after posting the prior list, for Fire Apparatus Operator, a promotional
eligible list shall last for a minimum of two years, unless exhausted.” The current list will
expire this summer. The promotional opportunity notice went out on January 22, 2025, with
the application period from January 22, 2025, to March 24, 2025, the practical exam the week
of April 28th, and the written exam on May 14th. The employees will then be placed on a
promotional list based on the points they achieve from the Practical Exam, Written Exam,
Seniority, Acting Time, and Veterans' Preference points.
The practical examination assesses the member’s abilities to perform the job responsibilities
of a Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) and requires them to perform specific operational
exercises at different stations. Candidates must receive a 70% or higher score to pass and
be placed on the eligibility list. An outside vendor must conduct the exam to maintain
integrity. Advanced Selections is the only authorized vendor to provide such a service on the
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determined dates. Advanced Selections brings over 150 years of combined experience as
chief officers and assessors. The FAO assessment package includes a custom practical on
an engine and aerial apparatus over three days of assessment, with two certified assessors
at each station. Advanced Selections will work closely with the Fire Department through
development meetings, a final project review and orientation, and a candidate feedback
session.
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PO Box 1133 ➧ Frankfort, Illinois 60423 ➧ (630) 537-0702 ➧ www.advancedselections.com
March 10, 2025
Revised: April 7, 2025
Fire Chief Paul Polep
Evanston Fire Department
Direct Phone: 847-866-5935
ppolep@cityofevanston.org
RE: Fire Apparatus Operator Assessment Package
I am pleased to submit our package for the Fire Apparatus Operator assessment project for the EVANSTON
FIRE DEPARTMENT client on behalf of Advanced Selections (AS).
At Advanced Selections, we redefine the traditional approach to assessment centers by offering a more
personalized and comprehensive evaluation of leadership competencies. Our process prioritizes the
candidate's experience, ensuring that each interaction within the assessment center is meaningful and
tailored to provide a thorough review of leadership abilities. Recognizing the limitations of conventional
methods, we have created a more innovative and customized approach. This ensures each candidate is
evaluated as a participant and individual with specific strengths and potential. Our strategy empowers client
organizations to make more informed, strategic decisions when selecting future leaders, aligning with their
long-term goals.
Our leadership team brings over 150 years of combined experience as chief officers and assessors. Each
member contributes a unique skill set and expertise, enhancing our ability to provide clients with the best
possible assessment center process. Our team members specialize in leadership evaluation and assessment,
with every partner and associate serving as chief officers in their respective organizations.
By combining the latest innovations and technology in leadership assessment with the deep-rooted
traditions of the fire service, our approach offers the best of both worlds. Please feel free to contact me if
you require any additional information.
Dave Slivinski, Managing Partner
Project Manager
Advanced Selections
PO Box 1133 Frankfort, IL 60423
(630)-201-6871
dslivinski@advancedselections.com
www.advancedselections.com
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MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Master Agreement for Services (“Agreement”) is made, effective as of this 4th day of, APRIL, 2025 (the
“Effective Date”), by and between the Advanced Selections, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “AS” or
“Provider ”) and the EVANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT (“Client”). AS or Client may be herein referred to as
“Party ” or collectively the “Parties”. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained
herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES.
AS shall provide certain consultant and assessment services (“Services”) and create certain materials in
the performance of the Services (“Derivative Materials”) in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement and further specified in the applicable Statement of Work (“SOW”), together with all
efforts inherent therein, whether any or all the acts, services, tasks, subtasks, deliverables or work are
expressly identified in the applicable SOW.
2. PAYMENT AND EXPENSES.
2.1 Payment Terms. In consideration for the performance of the Services, Client hereby agrees to
pay AS the amount specified on the applicable SOW attached hereto as Exhibit A. Client agrees to pay AS
the rates and charges set forth or referenced in the applicable SOW, as full and complete compensation
for Services to be performed, arranged managed by AS. In accordance with Section 2.4 of this
Agreement, Client shall be responsible for payment of any Services not set forth in any issued
statement(s) of work or proposal(s). All rates, charges, or other amounts are stated in U.S. currency and
all rates, charges, or other amounts are payable in U.S. dollars.
Payment Method: Payments can be made via check.
Billing Name: Advanced Selections, LLC
Billing Address: PO Box 1133 Frankfort, IL 60423
Contact Information: Accounting Department, (630) 537-0702)
Contact Information:
For questions regarding this proposal or terms of payment, please contact:
Name: Accounting Department
Phone: (630) 537-0702
Email: finance@advancedselections.com
2.2 Payment Schedule. Upon signing this Agreement, the Client shall pay AS a deposit equal to fifty
percent (50%) of the total project cost. AS will generate an invoice for the deposit at that time. The
remaining balance shall be invoiced by AS and will be due upon completion of the work or project, as
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determined by the terms set forth in this Agreement. All payments shall be made without offsets or
withholdings and are due within thirty (30) days of the Client ’s receipt of the invoice. Failure to make
timely payments will constitute a default under this Agreement.
2.2 Payment Schedule. AS will invoice the Client for services rendered in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement. Payment shall be due upon completion of the work or project, as determined by the
terms set forth herein. All payments shall be made without offsets or withholdings and are due within
thirty (30) days of the Client ’s receipt of the invoice. Payment will be made in accordance with the Illinois
Local Government Prompt Payment Act (50 ILCS 505/1 et seq.). Failure to make timely payments will
constitute a default under this Agreement.
2.3. Costs and Expenses. Clients will be responsible for costs reasonably incurred by AS in connection
with the Services. Expenses will vary in performance of the Services depending upon: (a) AS
Assessor ’s/Consultant’s travel and/or lodging, (b) number of candidates selected by the Client, and (c)
number of days required to complete the Assessment or Consulting Services.
2.4. Additional Costs. If additional work is identified that extends beyond the scope of the original
project, the AS will either bill the additional Services at an hourly rate, plus travel fees; or determine a
fixed price to be agreed upon by Client. However, no work will begin until an agreement with the Client
has been approved delineating the additional Services and the payment terms. In accordance with
Section 2.1, Client shall be responsible for payment of any Services not set forth in any issued
statement(s) of work or proposal(s) when additional Services are required, or charges are incurred by AS
because of incorrect or insufficient information provided to AS by Client.
2.5. Payment for Canceled Services. Client may, at any time, cancel any aspect of the Services upon
prior written notice no less than twenty-one (21) days before the scheduled date of commencement of
consulting Services, or if an Assessment Center project, the date the Assessment Center is scheduled to
begin, as specified on the SOW (referred to therein as the “Assessment Center Date(s)”). In the event of
cancellation of all Services, AS shall be compensated for any Services rendered up to and including the
date of notice to AS of such cancellation, but any compensation allocated to Services which were yet to
be rendered with regard to any canceled aspect of the Services shall then be eliminated, and Client shall
not be obligated to pay for such canceled Services.
2.6. Payment for Candidate(s) Cancellation (Assessments). In the event that the number of
candidates set forth on the applicable SOW changes due to any Candidate’s cancellation on or before the
performance of the Services on the Assessment Center Date, Client shall be liable for the entirety of the
amount due on the SOW, if Client does not provide AS at least fifteen (15) business days written notice of
the changed number of participating candidates.
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3. CONFIDENTIALITY
3.1. Confidential Information. Client and AS each acknowledge and agree that pursuant to this
Agreement, Client, AS, and their respective personnel may have access to confidential and proprietary
information and materials belonging to AS as applicable (“Receiving Party”), whether disclosed
electronically, orally, in writing, or by display which is not generally disclosed to or known by the public,
concerning or pertaining to the business of AS or Client (“Confidential Information”), including, without
limitation, trade secrets, data, reports, methods, techniques, procedures, designs, formulas, processes,
methodologies, forecasts, development, employees, projects, or any information that would reasonably
be considered confidential based upon the circumstances of disclosure and nature of the information,
and that such information is confidential and proprietary or otherwise commercially valuable to the
party disclosing such information (“Disclosing Party ”).
3.2. Ownership. Client agrees that nothing in this Agreement grants to Client any license, right, title
or interest in or to the Confidential Information of AS, except as expressly set forth herein. AS reserves all
rights to its Confidential Information, AS Materials and Derivative Materials not expressly granted in this
Agreement.
3.3. Permitted Use. Receiving Party agrees and acknowledges that Disclosing Party’s sole purpose in
disclosing Confidential Information to Receiving Party or allowing Receiving Party access to such
information is to aid Receiving Party in performing or receiving performance of the Services hereunder.
Receiving Party agrees to use Confidential Information solely for the purposes of the SOW and pursuant
to the terms of this Agreement and for no other purpose whatsoever. the Receiving Party agrees that
the Receiving Party and each of its personnel will receive and hold such information in the strictest
confidence. Receiving Party shall use its best efforts to protect the confidentiality of the Confidential
Information but in no event less care than Receiving Party takes to protect its own confidential and
proprietary information and will cause others to protect such information no less than to the extent set
forth herein. Receiving Party agrees to provide the Disclosing Party with such further assurances as
requested by the Disclosing Party from time to time.
3.4. Restrictions. Receiving Party further agrees that, without the prior written consent of Disclosing
Party, Receiving Party shall not disclose to third parties or otherwise use except in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, any Confidential Information obtained from or through Disclosing Party in
connection with this Agreement, unless (a) the information is rightfully known to Receiving Party prior to
obtaining the same from Disclosing Party; (b) the information is, at the time of disclosure to Receiving
Party, then in the public domain; or (c) the information is obtained by Receiving Party from a third party
who did not receive the same, directly or indirectly, from Disclosing Party.
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3.5. Obligations after Expiration or Termination. Upon Disclosing Party’s written request or upon
expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Receiving Party will promptly return,
deliver or destroy, at Disclosing Party’s option, all originals and copies of all documents and materials it
has received containing Confidential Information.
4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. As between AS and Client, AS is deemed to solely own (i) all of AS’s
Intellectual Property created prior to (the “AS Materials”) and during the engagement of the Services
(including any Derivative Materials) and any modifications, derivatives, or improvements it makes
thereto, and (ii) any new Intellectual Property it creates independent of it performing the Services or
delivering the Deliverables. No license, use or ownership is granted to Client for any of AS’s Materials or
other material hereunder. AS reserves all rights not expressly granted in this Agreement.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
5.1 Mutual. Each Party represents and warrants that: (a) it has full power, authority and legal
capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations under this Agreement, (b) execution
and performance of this Agreement will not result in a breach of any terms or conditions of any
instrument or agreement to which it is a party; and (c) it shall, if applicable, obtain and maintain all
consent or authority necessary in order to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
6. REMEDIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
6.1 Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default as defined below, the non-breaching
party shall be entitled to: (a) terminate the Agreement in whole, including all SOW(s), or in part; (b)
subject to the terms set forth in Section 6.2 below, seek recovery of damages; and (c) seek any other
rights and remedies that may be available to such Party. If an SOW is partially terminated, promptly
following Client ’s request, the Parties shall work together cooperatively in good faith to re-formulate a
SOW. All remedies set forth in the Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and
remedies that may be available to a Party.
6.2 Liability Limitations. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN SECTION 6.2.1 OF THIS AGREEMENT,
AND REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OF THE UNDERLYING CLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON BREACH OF
CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE), NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS AGREEMENT.
6.2.1. Exceptions. The terms of Section 6.2 shall not apply to, and shall not limit, any of: (a) personal
injury, including death, to the extent caused by a Party or its personnel; (b) damage to real or tangible
personal property, to the extend caused by a Party or its personnel; (c) a Party’s failure to comply with
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its duties, responsibilities or obligations under Section 3 of the Agreement; (d) any indemnity given
under this Agreement; (e) Client ’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud; (f) violation of law
applicable to a Party ’s performance of its obligations under the Agreement that results in regulatory
fines or penalties; or (g) any liability which may not be excluded or limited by applicable law.
7. INDEMNIFICATION.
7.1. General Indemnification. Client agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless AS from and against
any and all damages, losses, liabilities (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred
by AS as a result of any third-party claim, judgment or proceeding against AS, arising out of or in
connection with the Services and/or Derivative Materials hereunder, except to the extent that such loss is
caused by an act or omission of AS (including any act or omission by its Assessors/Consultants). AS
reserves the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter covered by this clause. AS
shall have the right to reject any counsel selection or settlement offer that Client proposes in the
handling of the claim(s).
Client agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless AS from and against any and all damages, losses,
liabilities (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by AS as a result of any
third-party claim, judgment, or proceeding against AS, arising out of or in connection with the Services
and/or Derivative Materials hereunder, except to the extent that such loss is caused by an act or omission
of AS (including any act or omission by its Assessors/Consultants). Likewise, AS agrees to defend,
indemnify, and hold harmless the Client from and against any and all damages, losses, liabilities
(including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Client as a result of any
third-party claim, judgment, or proceeding against the Client, arising out of or in connection with any act
or omission of AS or its Assessors/Consultants in the performance of the Services under this Agreement,
except to the extent that such loss is caused by an act or omission of the Client. AS reserves the right to
assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter covered by this clause. Each party shall have the
right to reject any counsel selection or settlement offer that the other party proposes in the handling of
such claim(s).
8. TERM AND TERMINATION.
8.1. Term. This Agreement and the Exhibit(s) shall be effective as of the Effective Date or the date AS
has commenced providing Services to Client, whichever is earlier, and will remain in effect until
terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”). The commencement
and termination dates for any applicable SOW(s) or other applicable documents shall be effective as of
the date the applicable written agreement becomes effective. Unless earlier terminated in accordance
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with this Agreement, the Initial Term shall be in full force and effect for the length of any renewal terms
mutually agreed to by the parties in writing.
8.2. Termination for Cause. Each of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default ”:
(a) with respect to AS: (i) AS materially breaches any representation or warranty set forth in
the Agreement, unless AS cures such material breach within forty-five (45) days following its receipt of
written notice of the breach; (ii) AS materially breaches the Agreement, including any Exhibit or SOW, in
a manner not specified in this subsection (a), unless AS cures such material breach within forty-five (45)
days following receipt of written notice of the breach; or (iii) any other event specified in an Exhibit or
SOW; or with respect to Client: (i) Client fails to timely pay material amounts owed to AS under the
Agreement, unless Client cures such failure within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of
such breach (for the avoidance of doubt, re-submission of any AS invoice(s) shall not constitute notice
for this purpose); (ii) Client materially breaches any representation or warranty set forth in the
Agreement, unless Client cures such material breach within thirty (30) days following its receipt of
written notice of the breach; or (iii) Client materially breaches the Agreement, including any Exhibit or
SOW, other than with respect to payment, in a manner not specified above in this subjection (b), unless
Client cures such material breach within thirty (30) days following its receipt of written notice of the
breach.
8.3. Termination for Convenience. AS shall have the right to terminate for its convenience the
Agreement in its entirety (including all Exhibits and SOW) or any portion of the Agreement, Exhibits, or
SOWs by providing written notice to Client thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of
termination. Unless expressly set forth in AS’s notice of termination for convenience, Client’s obligation
to pay for Services rendered up to and to the point of Termination for Convenience will not be
terminated and are subject to payment under this Agreement.
8.4. Return of Materials. Upon expiration or termination of the Agreement, if any AS Materials,
Derivative Materials or other materials were given to Client on a limited-term basis, Client shall return
to AS or destroy such AS Materials, Derivative Materials or other materials. Promptly following AS's
request, Client shall confirm in writing that it has complied with its obligations under this Section.
9. ARBITRATION.
Client and AS agree to settle by binding arbitration any dispute or controversy between Client and AS or
any of AS’s officers, employees, directors, or agents which in any way arises out of or relates to this
Agreement, the Services performed by AS hereunder or the relationship between Client and AS. Such
arbitration shall be conducted in Chicago, Illinois by the American Arbitration Association under the
Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect. Either Client or AS may initiate arbitration by serving or
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mailing a written notice to the other. Any award entered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and judgment
thereon may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
10. NOTICES.
All notices required by or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be in writing and will be
deemed to have been duly given if and when: (i) delivered personally; (ii) mailed by first class certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; (iii) sent by a nationally recognized express courier
service, postage or delivery charges prepaid; or (iv) by email to the Client ’s designated representative
or to AS’s Corporate Office. All notices will be sent to the applicable Party’s Representative as set forth
below:
If to Provider:
Advanced Selections, LLC
sales@advancedselections.com
If to Client:
Notices shall be deemed received on the earliest of personal delivery, upon twenty-four (24) hours
following deposit with a bonded courier or overnight delivery company or electronic notification via
email; or seventy-two (72) hours following deposit in the U.S. Mail as required herein; and in all events
will be deemed given upon actual receipt.
11. GENERAL.
11.1. Exhibits and Addenda. All exhibits and addenda which are referenced herein and appended
hereto or are signed by the Parties on or after the date of this Agreement, are hereby incorporated by
reference. Unless expressly stated in the applicable exhibit or addenda, in the event of any conflict
between the terms of this Agreement and any exhibit or addenda, the terms and conditions of this
Agreement shall govern and prevail.
11.2. Waivers. All waivers hereunder must be in writing, and failure at any time to require the
other Party’s performance of any obligation under this Agreement shall not affect the right
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subsequently to require performance of that obligation.
11.3. Governing Law. The interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the
laws of the State of Illinois, without the conflict of law principles. Exclusive jurisdiction and venue of any
action arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement, its negotiation or termination, or
Services provided or to be provided by AS, shall be in Chicago, Illinois.
11.4. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If a court of competent
jurisdiction finds that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting
such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed written,
construed, and enforced as limited.
11.5. Survival. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, those provisions of
the Agreement which, by their nature, are intended to survive (including Sections 3, 4, 6, 7, 8.4, 9, 10,
11.3,11.4, and 11.5) shall survive.
11.6. Headings. The various section headings of this Agreement are inserted only for convenience of
reference and are not intended, nor shall they be construed to modify, define, limit or expand the intent
of the Parties as expressed in this Agreement.
11.7. Modifications. Any modification or amendment of the Agreement will be effective only if in
writing and signed by the official representative of Client and a duly authorized representative of AS. The
Parties expressly disclaim the right to claim the enforceability or effectiveness of any oral modifications
to the Agreement or any amendments based on course of dealing, waiver, reliance, estoppel or other
similar legal theory.
11.8 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for a failure or delay in performing any of its
obligations under this Agreement to the extent that such failure or delay is due to causes beyond the
reasonable control of the affected Party, including but not limited to: as a result of acts of God, war,
insurrection, public enemy, labor dispute, strike, terrorism, pandemic, intervention of any government
authority, law, regulation, weather, traffic, road condition, or any other like causes beyond its
reasonable control, the obligations hereunder including any SOW or applicable document shall be
suspended for the duration of such period. If such force majeure event(s) continue for more than sixty
(60) calendar days in the aggregate during any 12-month period, the other party may terminate this
Agreement in its sole discretion by written notice to the affected party.
11.9 Advanced Selections acknowledges that virtual assessment centers rely on stable internet
connectivity for successful participation. While we strive to ensure uninterrupted service, we cannot be
held responsible for any loss of connectivity issues that may occur during the assessment process.
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Clients are encouraged to ensure their internet connection is stable prior to the assessment and provide
a backup solution(s) where appropriate (hot spot, alternative internet access, etc.). Advanced Selections
will make every effort to maintain continuity of the assessment process in the event of connectivity
issues, but cannot guarantee seamless operation under all circumstances.
11.10 Definitions.
“Agreement” is defined on the first page of this document.
“Assessment Center Date(s)” is defined in the applicable Statement of Work.
“Assessment Services” refer to the professional services provided by the Service Provider to
evaluate and assess the qualifications, skills, and competencies of candidates for promotion
within the Client's organization. These services are designed to ensure a fair, objective, and
comprehensive evaluation process, facilitating the selection of the most suitable candidates for
higher-level positions.
“Assessor(s)” is defined as individual(s) provided by the AS or under the direction of AS to
evaluate candidates under the SOW.
“Client” is defined in the opening paragraph of this document.
“Confidential Information” is defined in Section 3.1 of the Master Services Agreement.
“Consulting Services” means services of an advisory and intellectual nature provided by
consultants using their professional skills to study, design, organize, and manage projects,
encompassing multiple activities and disciplines, including the crafting of sector policies and
institutional reforms, specialist advice, legal advice and integrated solutions, change
management and financial advisory services, planning and engineering studies, and architectural
design services, supervision, social and environmental assessments, technical assistance, and
program implementation;
“Derivative Materials” means any tangible or intangible items, materials, reports, data and/or
insights derived, developed, authored, written, produced, or created by AS or its personnel
which are based on, or created or derived from, the performance of the Services, Assessment
Center results or information provided by the Client in connection with the Services.
“Disclosing Party ” means the party disclosing Confidential Information to the other party,
including any Affiliate of such other party. (d) “Receiving Party ” means the party receiving
Confidential Information from the other party, including any Affiliate of such other party.
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“Event of Default” is defined in Section 9.2 of the Master Services Agreement.
“AS” is defined in the opening paragraph of this document.
“AS Materials” means the Services and any documentation and/or other guides and printed
materials made available to Client by AS which are the exclusive property of AS and encompass
all Intellectual Property Rights applicable therein. These materials may be provided to Client
from time to time in connection with the Services.
“Intellectual Property Rights” means all: (a) patents, patent applications, patent disclosures and
inventions (whether patentable or not); (b) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names,
logos, corporate names, Internet domain names and registrations and applications for the
registrations thereof, together with all the goodwill associated therewith; (c) copyrights and
copyrightable works (including computer programs and mask works) and registrations and
applications thereof; (d) trade secrets; (e) waivable or assignable rights of publicity, and waivable
or assignable moral rights; and (f) any other intellectual property or proprietary rights.
“Initial Term” means the time frame in which the project is to be completed.
“Promotional Testing” means a competitive examination, either conducted by an assessment
center and/or written evaluation, which shall be open to individuals, authorized by the Client
who meet the minimum qualifications for the particular classification for which the examination
is to be held.
“Rank” means a position in the hierarchy of an organization.
“Receiving Party ” means individuals or groups, as applicable, receiving services from the
service-providing party
“Service(s)” means individually or collectively, as applicable, the Assessment Center Testing
Services, AS Teaching Services, Rank Reporting Services, Consulting Services or Assessor
Services as further defined in the applicable SOW.
“Statement of Work” means detailed description of the Services provided by AS that are
tailored to the specifications of the Parties which outlines the Assessment Center Dates,
Service(s) selected by Client, payment (including fees, costs, expenses) amounts, among other
terms and includes any additional attachments. The “SOW” is incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
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This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Services and
Deliverables, and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, representations and agreements, whether
written or oral, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter thereof, including any proposals
or pricing quotes. Each Party acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or
agreements, orally or otherwise have been made by any Party. No other agreement, statement or
promise not contained in this Agreement, and no changes or modifications to this Agreement, will be
effective unless it is in writing and signed by authorized representations of both Parties.
13. Independent Provider Status.
AS shall at all times be considered an independent Provider and not a servant, agent, or employee of
the City. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, or
employment relationship between the parties. AS shall not hold itself out as, nor claim to be acting as,
a servant, agent, or employee of the City. Furthermore, AS is not authorized to and shall not enter into
any agreement, understanding, waiver, or representation on behalf of the City.
AUTHORITY
The following signatures indicate that Client has reviewed this SOW in its entirety and that both AS and Client
accept the terms of this SOW.
[CLIENT]
By:
Signature
Title:
Date:
Advanced Selections, LLC
By:
Signature
Title:
Date:
City Manager
Approved as to form:
Alexandra B. Ruggie
Corporation Counsel
04 / 11 / 202504 / 10 / 2025
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STATEMENT OF WORK
Advanced Selections, LLC (“AS”) will provide services (“Services”) to the “Client” for the project (as
further specified in the SOW below). In performing its services, AS will provide certain materials
(“AS Materials”) and create reports, documents and data analysis (“Derivative Materials”) that will
provide results, ranking, scoring, recommendation and other pertinent information related to the
scope of work/SOW. All terms capitalized used herein shall have the same meaning set forth in the
Master Agreement for Services (“MSA”), unless defined in more detail in this SOW, and shall be
construed in a manner consistent therein. For the avoidance of doubt, any conflicting definition in
the SOW shall supersede any term defined in this MSA.
Assessment Center Overview
Advanced Selections is committed to delivering a comprehensive and professionally structured
assessment center tailored to the specific positions identified by the organization. Our approach
is rooted in extensive industry expertise backed by decades of experience designing and
administering nationwide assessment centers.
Customized Evaluation Approach
The assessment center is strategically crafted to ensure a rigorous, job-relevant evaluation of
candidates. We collaborate closely with department leadership to develop scenario-based
exercises that reflect the organization's unique operational realities, policies, and expectations.
Our goal is to create an objective, competency-driven process that measures the critical skills,
technical knowledge, and leadership capabilities essential for the targeted position.
Process & Implementation
Upon approval, a dedicated Project Manager will initiate the assessment center development
phase, ensuring a structured and efficient process to facilitate promotional testing. Key steps
include:
● Role & Department Analysis – Engaging with leadership to gain insight into
operational needs and position-specific responsibilities.
● Exercise Development – Designing real-world simulations and structured evaluations
tailored to assess decision-making, communication, technical expertise, and
leadership attributes.
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● Expert-Led Assessment – Leveraging a team of experienced assessors to conduct fair,
unbiased evaluations.
By utilizing a proven methodology and customized approach, Advanced Selections ensures that
each assessment center provides a meaningful, equitable, and legally defensible selection
process that aligns with organizational goals and workforce development strategies.
Candidate Orientation and Assessment Center Preparation
A Candidate orientation session can be conducted on-site and last 2 to 4 hours.
The session is designed for all candidates participating in the Assessment Center and should take
place two to three weeks before the event. During the session, candidates will:
● Receive an introduction to the Assessment Center process, including an overview of
the Written Examination (if applicable).
● Review the exercises they will be engaging in at the Assessment Center.
● Gain insights on key competencies being assessed.
● Learn effective study techniques, tips for success, and strategies to excel in the
exercises.
This comprehensive orientation aims to equip candidates with the knowledge and strategies
necessary to perform their best during the assessment process.
Assessment Center Contents
Fire Apparatus Operator Performance Evaluation
At Advanced Selections, we collaborate closely with fire department leadership to create
specialized evaluations for apparatus operators. Recognizing the need for assessments that
accurately reflect real-world challenges, we engage subject matter experts (SMEs) within the
department throughout the design process. Unlike video-based evaluations, our methodology
ensures that candidates are assessed while actively handling apparatus functions—whether
driving, operating pump systems or managing aerial controls. Our assessors only evaluate
candidates at each exercise. The organization must supply the appropriate apparatus and
representatives familiar with apparatus operations to assist with resetting exercises and minor
mechanical troubleshooting. The organization's specific requirements will be thoroughly
reviewed during the development phase.
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We assure fairness and relevance by incorporating department-specific operational protocols
into our scoring framework. SME involvement ensures that each scenario aligns with actual
department procedures, providing an authentic and precise measurement of candidates'
capabilities. With extensive experience in evaluating apparatus operators, we are committed to
delivering structured, job-relevant assessments.
Selected Evaluation Components
Candidates are assessed through various hands-on exercises that mirror essential operational
tasks. Below are the key competencies included for your project (the following may be adjusted
accordingly to match organizational expectations better:
Pump System and Water Supply Management (One (1) Engine Station/Multiple Evolutions)
● Hydrant Connection Procedures
● Managing Pressure Loss Situations
● Coordinating Multiple Hose Lines
● Pressure Regulation and Flow Calculation
● Drafting Techniques for Tank Operations
● Pump System Troubleshooting
Aerial Operations and Equipment Handling (One (1) Aerial Station/Multiple Evolutions)
● Apparatus Positioning for Optimal Effectiveness
● Safe and Efficient Short-Jacking Techniques
● Basket and Ladder Deployment
● Tactical Rescue Operations
● Diagnosing and Resolving Equipment Malfunctions
By designing evaluations that integrate practical skills with situational judgment, we provide
departments with a comprehensive and realistic assessment process that ensures operator
proficiency in high-stakes environments.
Participant Feedback Session
The Assessment Team will allow each Participant to discuss their performance immediately after
each session component. This is an excellent opportunity to review the Participant's strengths
and challenges during the assessment center. This is a one-on-one interview session with an
assessor.
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Advantages of Feedback
Clarity and Immediate Understanding: One-on-one feedback allows for dialogue. If the person
receiving feedback doesn't understand something, they can ask questions for clarification
immediately, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Personalization: One-on-one feedback can be tailored more precisely to the individual's needs
and context. The feedback provider can adjust their tone, examples, and suggestions based on
the recipient's reactions and responses.
Tone and Nuance: Written feedback can sometimes be misinterpreted, especially in tone. In a
face-to-face or verbal interaction, the feedback provider can use body language, facial
expressions, and vocal tone to convey empathy, encouragement, or concern, which can help the
recipient receive the feedback more constructively.
Engagement and Interaction: One-on-one feedback allows for a two-way conversation. The
person receiving feedback can express their thoughts, ask questions, and provide context,
leading to a more collaborative and effective feedback process.
Emotional Support: Providing feedback in person or one-on-one allows the feedback giver to
offer emotional support, address any concerns immediately, and ensure that the feedback is
received in the intended way, which is harder to achieve through written feedback.
Immediate Follow-up: In a one-on-one setting, the person giving feedback can immediately
gauge how the feedback is received and offer further advice, support, or resources if needed.
This immediacy can help in ensuring that the feedback leads to actionable change.
Use of Facilitators - Staff (on-site)
Advanced Selections will provide an on-site certified facilitator(s) for the assessment. The
Facilitators(s) shall be present for the assessment to provide any guidance to
assessors/candidates regarding the process. If something should occur, your project will require
several on-site contact personnel to handle logistics and (equipment/site) troubleshooting. This
will be discussed further in the planning phase.
Use of Assessors
Utilizing Advanced Selections Certified Assessors for your project provides several significant
benefits compared to regular assessors: Four (4) assessors and two (2) Facilitators will be
assigned to your project.
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Consistency and Expertise: Our in-house assessors are fully trained and certified through the
Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal
(OSFM). We require our in-house and associate assessors to complete continuing education
hours exceeding standard requirements. This includes comprehensive training in our unique
assessment process, which ensures standardized and consistent evaluations across all
candidates. Additionally, they possess extensive knowledge of our tools, methodologies, and
expectations, resulting in more accurate and reliable assessments.
Tailored Approach: Our assessors are specifically selected based on their extensive experience in
leadership evaluation, especially in fire service contexts. This allows them to understand your
organization's needs and challenges better and apply a more tailored approach to evaluating
candidates.
Efficiency and Streamlined Communication: With our in-house team, there is no need for
additional onboarding or briefing, saving time and reducing the risk of miscommunication. Our
assessors are already well-versed in your project goals and can quickly integrate into the process.
Cost-Effectiveness: Fees for Advanced Selections Certified Assessors are already included in the
package investment, avoiding the additional honorariums and travel expenses that may be
required for outside assessors. This ensures a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing
quality.
Using our certified in-house assessors, you can be confident that the project will be executed
professionally, accurately, and aligned with your organization's objectives.
General Terms
If required, any additional administrative time; meetings and/or consulting (responding to
candidate grievances, litigation support, expert witness testimony, depositions, statistical
analyses, attending special meetings, responding to agency or candidate queries after project
deliverables have been provided, etc.) will be billed at our current hourly rate which is $200 per
hour plus any travel required. Requests for copies, scanning, assembly, etc. of paperwork are
billed at an administrative cost of $90.00 per hour.
Any shipping and handling, printing, and travel-related expenses will be kept to a minimum cost
and billed as incurred.
The client organization will designate a contact person for this project and will be responsible for
coordinating activities as designated.
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On-site Assessment Center Logistics
Four (4) assessors and two (2) Facilitators will be assigned to your project. Please provide lunch
to the Team at approximately 1200 hours each day.. This should not be anything elaborate; box
lunches (sandwiches) would be fine. We only have 30 minutes planned for a lunch break. Please
provide the facilitator with a menu at the start of the day for lunch selections.
Additional Information
Advanced Selections strives to become familiar with each client ’s local circumstances. We rely on
contract personnel or the client’s legal counsel to ensure processes and procedures adhere to
local rules (e.g., Fire and Police Commission rules, collective bargaining agreements, etc.).
We will provide the organization's leadership team with a final list of candidates' scores in ranked
order based on their cumulative scores. We intend to assist you with a competency-based
assessment of your personnel. Our deliverable will assist you through the promotional process to
seek the best individual(s) to be promoted to the next leadership position(s).
Advanced Selections will invoice 50% of the contracted amount per rank upon final price
agreement after proposal acceptance (payment due within 30 days). The remaining balance for
each rank will be invoiced upon project completion.
Service Adjustment & Cancellation Policy
To maintain the integrity and efficiency of the assessment process, Advanced Selections enforces
the following policy regarding candidate cancellations or modifications:
Candidate Cancellations & Adjustments
The pricing contained within this Statement of Work covers assessing a range of candidates. If
the number of candidates falls below or exceeds this range, Advanced Selections reserves the
right to adjust pricing accordingly to reflect the additional costs or reduced service needs.
Assessment center pricing accounts for assessment logistics, proctoring, scoring, reporting for
the agreed-upon range of candidates. Any significant deviation in candidate count may require
additional scheduling and administrative coordination, which will be subject to additional fees.
Scope Expansion & Additional Services
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If additional tasks or services extend beyond the original project scope, Advanced Selections will
work closely with the organization to determine an appropriate course of action. Depending on
the nature of the work, these additional services may be invoiced at an hourly rate plus
applicable travel expenses or at a predetermined fixed cost. No additional work will be
undertaken without prior written agreement between Advanced Selections and the client.
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04 / 10 / 2025
Doc ID: 0949125eecbcfbacbc9da03428e760269767746c
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Signed
04 / 09 / 2025
09:39:25 UTC-5
Sent for signature to Alexandra Ruggie
(aruggie@cityofevanston.org), Luke Stowe
(lstowe@cityofevanston.org) and David Slivinsk
(dslivinski@advancedselections.com) from
lthomas@cityofevanston.org
IP: 66.158.65.78
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Viewed by Alexandra Ruggie (aruggie@cityofevanston.org)
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Signed by Alexandra Ruggie (aruggie@cityofevanston.org)
IP: 24.13.226.57
04 / 10 / 2025
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Viewed by Luke Stowe (lstowe@cityofevanston.org)
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Signed by Luke Stowe (lstowe@cityofevanston.org)
IP: 50.171.242.186
04 / 11 / 2025
08:24:32 UTC-5
Viewed by David Slivinsk (dslivinski@advancedselections.com)
IP: 98.223.148.198
04 / 11 / 2025
08:28:29 UTC-5
Signed by David Slivinsk (dslivinski@advancedselections.com)
IP: 98.223.148.198
The document has been completed.04 / 11 / 2025
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