Project Information

Bid Title

RFP: Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) Search Services

Issuing Agency

Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association

Location

California

Published Date

Mar 2, 2026

Closing Date

Mar 23, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Inquiries

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

RFP: Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) Search Services

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (“LACERA”) is requesting a statement of work and pricing information from vendors with experience performing executive recruitment. Specifically, LACERA is seeking quotes from qualified vendors with substantial and relevant experience recruiting for Ethics and Compliance positions in legal, compliance industry, or governmental agencies, including public and private pension systems, preferably in the recruitment and selection of civil service management positions to lead or support LACERA’s Ethics and Compliance Program and work with LACERA’s governing Boards and Audit, Risk, Compliance, and Ethics (ACRE) Committee, Executive leadership, Internal Audit, Enterprise Risk Management, Legal Division and risk owners and other staff throughout the organization, in building the Ethics and Compliance Program and promote a strong culture of ethics, compliance, and risk awareness within an Aligned Assurance framework.

Scope of Work

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors with substantial and relevant experience in recruiting for Ethics and Compliance positions. LACERA currently has a need to identify qualified candidates to fill a newly created vacant Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer position. Services to recruit a newly created, vacant Deputy Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer position may be added at a later date.

The selected vendor will provide executive search services to LACERA and said services will be coordinated through LACERA’s Human Resources Division.

The services shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Meet with LACERA’s hiring manager to obtain information regarding expectations, requirements, and the responsibilities of the position.
2. Develop detailed ideal candidate profile, job requirements, experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position, including creating the recruitment flyer and brochure.
3. Develop strategy to obtain a diverse, highly qualified candidate pool for consideration by LACERA’s hiring manager.
4. Prepare nationwide recruitment plan with timelines reflecting key milestones.
5. Provide periodic status reports and weekly conference updates, include an ongoing matrix of Candidates and high-level review and categorization, with LACERA’s hiring manager. This includes providing assessments and insights of Candidates to assist LACERA in determining recruitment progress and quality of candidate pool, and, more generally, providing ongoing an assessments and insight of the position of LACERA and its positions in the marketplace that may affect recruitment.
6. Conduct a direct nationwide networking campaign to attract top talent, including personal outreach and executing an active recruiting plan, which may include posting(s) with appropriate journals, publications, websites, and professional associations, as determined through initial meetings with LACERA’s hiring manager
7. Review resumes of applicants, evaluate candidate’s qualifications, and confirm information through individual interviews.
8. Provide a listing of all individuals, including those approached as prospective candidates and interested candidates, to ensure full transparency of the selection process.
9. Conduct interviews to fully assess highly qualified candidates.
10. Prepare written in-depth profiles on highly qualified candidates referred for consideration.
11. Provide a candidate pool of four (4) to eight (8) highly qualified diverse candidates for the position. Candidates should be pre-qualified as to acceptance of LACERA’s compensation/benefits parameters, receptive to relocating to the Los Angeles area (if necessary), and possess a desire for the position.
12. For civil service examinations, recruitments must be in compliance with Los Angeles County Civil Service Rules (CSR), merit system standards, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) standards, Civil Service Rules (CSR), State and Federal laws related to employment, Federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection, and LACERA standards and guidelines.  Procedures (UGESP), and DHR standards and guidelines.  Each recruitment must have a formal exam plan and scored testing components, resulting in a merit-based list of qualified candidates for hire delineated by bands.
13. In conjunction with LACERA, develop and participate in the final selection interview process, including questions, panelists, scheduling, and related matters.
14. Review interview results with the LACERA’s hiring manager and consider additional candidates, if required.
15. Assist in providing such reports as may be necessary to provide to the Boards and ACRE Committee.
16. Provide advice and counsel to LACERA’s hiring manager to ensure that a successful candidate emerges from the group of highly qualified professionals identified for consideration.
17. Conduct in-depth reference checks to verify candidates' employment qualifications, attitudes, and individual strengths.
18. Assist with the development of the Employment Offer and compensation negotiations, as needed.
19. Notify prospective candidates who were not selected.
20. Attend and participate in meetings, as appropriate, to successfully complete the engagement.

Solicitation Registration Procedures – LACERA Vendor Gateway PortalAccessing the Vendor Gateway Portal

1. Go to the LACERA Vendor Gateway Portal by clicking on the following link: https://lacera.cobblestone.software/gateway/SolicitationPublicSearch.aspx .

Account Registration

1. Create an account by providing the company information and user details. Complete the account verification process as instructed.

Accessing the Solicitation

1. Look for the login information confirmation email from Contract Insight Alerts and proceed to sign in to the LACERA Vendor Gateway Portal using the provided credentials
2. Navigate to the ‘Solicitations’ tab and select ‘Search All Solicitations’.
3. Locate the specific solicitation by clicking on the View link associated with Secure Access Service Edge

Responding to the Solicitation

1. On the left-hand side, find the ‘Page Actions’ section and select ‘Register as Respondent’.
2. Click the ‘Refresh’ button located above the ‘Register as Respondent’ option to ensure the page is up to date.
3. Scroll down to the ‘Response Status’ section at the bottom of the page. Change the response status to ‘Interested in Responding’ to indicate the intention to bid.
4. Click the ‘Submit’ button to save the response. Then, refresh the page by clicking on ‘Refresh’ on the left-hand side above ‘Page Actions’.
5. If the response status has changed, navigate back to the ‘Response Status’ section on the Opportunity Details page and make any required adjustments.

Additional Information

1. Access all registered solicitations by selecting the ‘My Dashboard’ tab after logging in.
2. Download all necessary solicitation documents from the ‘Public Files’ section located within the Opportunity Details page.

Submission Requirements

Minimum Qualifications submission: Ensure the completed proposal is uploaded to the ‘My Files’ section of the LACERA Vendor Gateway Portal by 5:00 PM PST, March 23, 2026. Proposals received after the designated deadline will not be considered.

Please note: Email, mailed, or faxed submissions will not be accepted unless specified otherwise.

If the proposal requires any confidential information to be exempt from public disclosure, upload an additional electronic copy marked “CONFIDENTIAL”. The redacted copy should exclude all material from the proposal that is believed in good faith to be exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act (Cal. Gov. Code Sections 7920.000, et. Seq.) (described in solicitation). Redactions should appear as blacked out material or blank page(s) with the word “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PROPRIETARY” inserted.

If LACERA receives a request pursuant to the Act for materials that a Respondent has marked “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PROPRIETARY,” and if LACERA agrees that the material requested is not subject to disclosure under the Act, LACERA will deny disclosure of those materials. LACERA will not be held liable, however, for inadvertent disclosure of such materials, data, and information or for disclosure of such materials if deemed appropriate in LACERA’s sole discretion. LACERA retains the right to disclose all information provided by a Respondent and will make its own independent determinations as to what materials are subject to production under the Act without regard to redactions or markings.

Questions Related to This Solicitation

Please submit all questions, inquiries, and requests for additional information regarding this solicitation with the proposal no later than 5:00 PM PST, March 23, 2026. If the Request for Proposal appears unclear to a respondent, that respondent should state its interpretation of the Request for Proposal and answer it accordingly.

Tentative Timetable

Bid release date

March 02, 2026

RFP Proposals due date

March 23, 2026

Selection Notification (estimate)

April 03, 2026

Commencement of work (estimate)

April 13, 2026

RFP Materials

RFP: Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) Search Services

Attachment Preview

March 02, 2026

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer (CECO) Search Services

Jackson Hsu, Administrative Services Analyst 3

626-346-0084, Jacksonhsu@lacera.gov

300 NORTH LAKE AVENUE, SUITE 650

PASADENA, CA 91101

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

3

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

4

3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

4

4. INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

4

5. NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS REGARDING THE

PUBLIC RECORDS ACT AND RALPH M. BROWN ACT

8

6. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

9

7. NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS REGARDING LACERA

DATA PROTECTION

9

8. CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

10

9. RESERVATIONS BY LACERA

11

EXHIBITS LIST

EXHIBIT A – PROPOSAL COVER PAGE AND CHECKLIST

14

EXHIBIT B - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS CERTIFICATION

15

EXHIBIT C - RESERVED

16

EXHIBIT D - AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES

17

EXHIBIT E - RESERVED

28

EXHIBIT F – RESERVED

29

EXHIBIT G – RESERVED

30

EXHIBIT H – DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

QUESTIONNAIRE

2

LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

CHIEF ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER (CECO) SEARCH SERVICES

MARCH 02, 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose of Request

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (“LACERA”) is requesting a

statement of work and pricing information from vendors with experience performing executive

recruitment. Specifically, LACERA is seeking quotes from qualified vendors with substantial

and relevant experience recruiting for Ethics and Compliance positions in legal, compliance

industry, or governmental agencies, including public and private pension systems, preferably

in the recruitment and selection of civil service management positions to lead or support

LACERA’s Ethics and Compliance Program and work with LACERA’s governing Boards and

Audit, Risk, Compliance, and Ethics (ACRE) Committee, Executive leadership, Internal Audit,

Enterprise Risk Management, Legal Division and risk owners and other staff throughout the

organization, in building the Ethics and Compliance Program and promote a strong culture of

ethics, compliance, and risk awareness within an Aligned Assurance framework.

1.2. Background Information

LACERA administers a defined benefit plan and Other Post-Employment Benefit Program.

LACERA is a tax-qualified defined benefit public pension fund established to administer

retirement, disability, and death benefits for the employees of the County of Los Angeles and

other participating agencies pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937

(CERL) (California Government Code Section 31450, et seq.), the California Public Employees’

Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) (California Government Code Section 7522, et seq.),

Internal Revenue Code, LACERA’s Bylaws and Board Policies, and other applicable California

and federal law. LACERA also administers the County’s medical and dental retiree health

benefits program.

LACERA operates as an independent governmental entity separate and distinct from Los

Angeles County and the other participating agencies. LACERA has approximately 200,000

members, including active, deferred, and retired members. Additionally, retired members and

survivors take part in the medical and dental retiree healthcare programs. In addition to benefits

administration, the fund globally invests in diversified assets to support payment of the

promised pension benefits as well as additional sums to support the retiree healthcare program.

The pension fund currently has assets of approximately $90 billion, and the OPEB Trust to

prefund the retiree healthcare program has assets of approximately $5.5 billion.

The Board of Retirement (BOR) is responsible for the administration of the retirement system,

retiree healthcare program, and the review and processing of disability retirement applications.

The BOR is composed of 12 trustees: four trustees and two alternates elected by members,

four appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and one ex-officio by law. Of

the elected trustees, two are elected by active general members; one regular and one alternate

3

are elected by retired members; and one regular and one alternate are elected by safety

members. Elected and appointed trustees serve three-year terms, and the law requires the

County Treasurer and Tax Collector to serve as the ex-officio trustee. In addition, the Chief

Deputy County Treasurer and Tax Collector serves as the acting ex-officio member, sitting in

for the ex-officio trustee as needed.

The Board of Investments (BOI) is responsible for establishing LACERA’s investment policy

and objectives, as well as exercising authority and control over the investment management of

the pension and benefits trusts. The BOI is composed of 10 trustees: four elected by members,

four appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and one ex-officio by law. Of

the elected trustees, two are elected by active general members, one is elected by retired

members, and one is elected by safety members. Elected and appointed trustees serve three-

year terms, and the law requires the County Treasurer and Tax Collector to serve as the ex-

officio trustee; the Chief Deputy serves when the Treasurer and Tax Collector is unavailable.

The Boards and their trustees have fiduciary duties as defined in Article XVI, Section 17 of the

California Constitution and CERL, with duties owed to the plan members and their beneficiaries

taking precedence over any other duties.

LACERA has 540 budgeted positions for Fiscal year 2025-2026. Presently, there are two

Collective Bargaining Units representing a majority of full-time employees, excluding

management, some supervisors, and confidential employees. Overall, 95 classifications, of

which 51 are represented.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) is seeking proposals

from qualified vendors with substantial and relevant experience in recruiting for Ethics and

Compliance positions. LACERA currently has a need to identify qualified candidates to fill a

newly created vacant Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer position. Services to recruit a newly

created, vacant Deputy Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer position may be added at a later

date.

The selected vendor will provide executive search services to LACERA and said services will

be coordinated through LACERA’s Human Resources Division.

The services shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Meet with LACERA’s hiring manager to obtain information regarding expectations,

requirements, and the responsibilities of the position.

b. Develop detailed ideal candidate profile, job requirements, experience, education,

knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position, including creating the recruitment

flyer and brochure.

c. Develop strategy to obtain a diverse, highly qualified candidate pool for consideration

by LACERA’s hiring manager.

d. Prepare nationwide recruitment plan with timelines reflecting key milestones.

e. Provide periodic status reports and weekly conference updates, include an ongoing

matrix of Candidates and high-level review and categorization, with LACERA’s hiring

4

manager. This includes providing assessments and insights of Candidates to assist

LACERA in determining recruitment progress and quality of candidate pool, and, more

generally, providing ongoing an assessments and insight of the position of LACERA and

its positions in the marketplace that may affect recruitment.

f. Conduct a direct nationwide networking campaign to attract top talent, including

personal outreach and executing an active recruiting plan, which may include posting(s)

with appropriate journals, publications, websites, and professional associations, as

determined through initial meetings with LACERA’s hiring manager

g. Review resumes of applicants, evaluate candidate’s qualifications, and confirm

information through individual interviews.

h. Provide a listing of all individuals, including those approached as prospective candidates

and interested candidates, to ensure full transparency of the selection process.

i. Conduct interviews to fully assess highly qualified candidates.

j. Prepare written in-depth profiles on highly qualified candidates referred for

consideration.

k. Provide a candidate pool of four (4) to eight (8) highly qualified diverse candidates for

the position. Candidates should be pre-qualified as to acceptance of LACERA’s

compensation/benefits parameters, receptive to relocating to the Los Angeles area (if

necessary), and possess a desire for the position.

l. For civil service examinations, recruitments must be in compliance with Los Angeles

County Civil Service Rules (CSR), merit system standards, Equal Employment

Opportunity (EEO) standards, Civil Service Rules (CSR), State and Federal laws related

to employment, Federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection, and LACERA

standards and guidelines. Procedures (UGESP), and DHR standards and guidelines.

Each recruitment must have a formal exam plan and scored testing components,

resulting in a merit-based list of qualified candidates for hire delineated by bands.

m. In conjunction with LACERA, develop and participate in the final selection interview

process, including questions, panelists, scheduling, and related matters.

n. Review interview results with the LACERA’s hiring manager and consider additional

candidates, if required.

o. Assist in providing such reports as may be necessary to provide to the Boards and

ACRE Committee.

p. Provide advice and counsel to LACERA’s hiring manager to ensure that a successful

candidate emerges from the group of highly qualified professionals identified for

consideration.

q. Conduct in-depth reference checks to verify candidates' employment qualifications,

attitudes, and individual strengths.

r. Assist with the development of the Employment Offer and compensation negotiations,

as needed.

s. Notify prospective candidates who were not selected.

t. Attend and participate in meetings, as appropriate, to successfully complete the

engagement.

3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

All Respondents must clearly show and document in the proposal the following minimum

qualifications:

5

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541618Other Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 561612Security Guards and Patrol Services

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