Athabasca University - Pre-qualification Request - IT RECRUITMENT & CONTRACTED SERVICES

The Pool will be the preferred resource of the AU’s Information Technology Department (the Department) for recruitment or project related contractual work (Services) it may require for the next 3 to 5 years. The University anticipates the Services will include, but not limited to: a. The provision of termed IT professionals or non-professionals resources (Contractors), wherein the Agency is expected to: • Verify and warrant the Contractor’s availability to perform the Services within the Department’s timelines. • Verify and warrant the Contractor’s skillsets, certifications and accreditations to meet or exceed the Department’s requirements in the performance of the Services. • Provide the tools and environment required by the Contractor to perform the Services (Note: For security reasons, AU will provide computers (physical or virtual) for Services requiring access to AU’s network. AU may also provide workspaces, if deemed necessary and appropriate.). • Address all employment requisites and concerns of the Contractor. b. Assist in sourcing and placement of permanent or term IT employees, which may involve: • Reviewing the position’s responsibilities and expectations. • Research and implementation of recruiting strategy/methodology. • Drafting of selection criteria (position profile). • Formation and placement of advertisements. • Assisting in the review, assessment and short-listing of applicants. • Drafting interview questions. • Participating in interviews. • Verification/validation of skill sets. • Background screening. • Conducting reference checks and background screening. • Notification of unsuccessful applicant. • At AU’s discretion, reinitiate the recruitment process should the hired individual end his/her employment or was terminated. c. Perform other related Services the University may require. II. Desirable Traits of Pool Members The University anticipates members of the Pool to: • Have extensive experience, success and familiarity in providing similar services, preferably for Canadian universities or public institutions. • Have ample access to IT professionals that can meet or exceed AU’s requirements. • Meet or exceed professional performance standards set by its industry. • Understand specific tech stacks (e.g., AI, cloud, software development) to accurately assess candidate skills and screen for technical proficiency. • Act fast, utilizing, proactive, and tech-driven sourcing methods to reduce "time-to-fill" for critical roles. • Be proactive in providing feedback, outlining challenges, and sharing candidates' expectations honestly. Offer more than a resume database but also provide pre-screened, high-quality candidates through technical assessments and behavioral interviews. • Use key performance indicators (KPIs) like candidate retention rates and quality of hire to measure success and improve results. • Offer client testimonials, case studies, and references to verify their track record within the IT community. • Take the time to understand AU’s culture, operations, and long-term hiring needs. • Have insights into salary benchmarks, candidate availability, and talent trends in the tech sector. • Go beyond job boards to find passive candidates, including developers on GitHub or community forums. • Tailor their recruitment process to AU’s culture and unique needs. • Have fair hiring practices and confidentiality. • Have other relevant qualifications and experiences the University may deem relevant for rendering the Services.