TOWN OF SURFSIDE BEACH
PROPOSALS (RFP)
COMPENSATION STUDY
Issue Date: August 11, 2025
Proposal Due Date: October 10, 2025
Contact Information:
Sonia Steigerwald
Human Resources Specialist
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843-913-6339
Town of Surfside Beach 210 Hwy 17 S
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
I.
Introduction
The Town of Surfside Beach (the "Town") is seeking proposals from qualified firms or consultants to conduct a comprehensive compensation study for its workforce of approximately 100 employees. The Town seeks to address issues of internal pay equity and external market competitiveness and ensure the compensation structure is aligned with current market trends and the Town’s organizational objectives.
The compensation study will focus on evaluating internal pay equity among positions, comparing pay against other municipalities or comparable industries within the region, and providing recommendations to adjust salary structures, job classifications, and job descriptions.
II.
Scope of Work
The selected firm or consultant will be required to conduct the following tasks:
1.
Internal Pay Equity Analysis:
o
Review current salary data to identify internal pay disparities.
o
Assess job classifications and corresponding pay to ensure internal equity across all employee groups.
2.
External Market Comparison:
o
Benchmark Town of Surfside Beach employee salaries against other comparable municipalities and industries in the region (e.g., similar-sized cities or local government entities in the state and region).
o
Provide market comparisons for each job classification to evaluate competitiveness in the labor market.
3.
Comprehensive Compensation Report:
o
Prepare a detailed report summarizing findings on internal pay equity and external market comparisons.
o
Include analysis of each job classification and job description and propose salary ranges based on market data.
o
Provide specific recommendations for adjusting salary structures to align with market conditions and internal equity.
4.
Salary Structure & Job Classification System Update:
o
Review and recommend updates to the Town’s salary structure, including the development of a step plan.
o
Provide a revised job classification system, if necessary, to ensure it aligns with the Town’s compensation strategy and employee roles.
5.
Employee Training for Compensation Strategies:
o
Conduct training for key Town personnel (e.g., Administrator, Finance Director, HR Specialist) on how to implement and communicate compensation strategies and practices.
o
Provide guidance on how to maintain equitable pay structures and adjust based on future market trends.
III.
Deliverables
The selected firm or consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:
1.
Draft Report with comprehensive findings, analysis, and recommendations for:
a.
Internal pay equity and external market comparisons for each job classification.
b.
Adjusted salary ranges or pay structures.
c.
Recommendations for benefits and incentives enhancements.
d.
Updated job classification system.
2.
Final Report with adjustments after conversations with Town leadership.
3.
Presentation to Town Council or relevant decision-making body, summarizing findings and recommendations.
4.
Training Materials and sessions for Town leadership staff, focusing on compensation strategies and best practices for implementation.
IV.
Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested firms or consultants must submit the following:
1.
Cover Letter detailing the firm’s qualifications and experience with similar compensation studies, particularly in municipal or public sector environments.
2.
Proposed Methodology outlining the approach for the internal pay equity analysis, market comparison, and overall structure of the study.
3.
Firm Profile including relevant experience, team members assigned to the project, and their qualifications.
4.
Detailed Pricing proposal, broken down by task or deliverable, with a clear outline of costs.
5.
Project Timeline, including the proposed start and completion dates, as well as major milestones.
6.
References from at least three (3) clients for whom similar compensation studies have been conducted.
V.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
•
Experience and Qualifications of the firm or consultant in conducting compensation studies, particularly in municipal or public sector settings.
•
Approach and Methodology proposed for the study, including how well it meets the Town's needs.
•
Cost-Effectiveness and clarity of pricing.
•
Timeline and Availability to complete the project within the proposed schedule.
•
References and prior performance on similar projects.
VI.
Proposal Submission Instructions
Proposals must be received no later than October 10, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST and should be submitted via email to
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or sent to address below. Late proposals will not be considered. Please address proposals to: Sonia Steigerwald, Human Resources Specialist, 210 Hwy 17 S, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
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VII.
Questions and Clarifications
Any questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Sonia Steigerwald, Human Resources Specialist at
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or 843-913-6339. All questions must be submitted by October 10, 2025.
VIII.
Terms and Conditions
•
The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
•
The Town is not responsible for any costs incurred by firms in the preparation or submission of proposals.
•
The Town reserves the right to negotiate terms with the selected firm or consultant, including scope of work, cost, and timeline.
IX.
Conclusion
The Town of Surfside Beach is excited to partner with a qualified consultant or firm to conduct a compensation study that will help ensure its pay practices are equitable, competitive, and aligned with industry standards. We look forward to receiving your proposal.
Town of Surfside Beach
210 Hwy 17 S
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
www.surfsidebeach.org
