Subcommittee approves consultant contract with WorkEd Consulting for workforce study, $158,000 maximum

The subcommittee voted to move forward with a consultant services agreement with WorkEd Consulting LLC to support the subcommittee's study under Act 145 of 2025.

Jill Thayer of the Bureau of Legislative Research presented the draft agreement and summarized key terms: the contract would be effective March 20 if the executive subcommittee and the full Legislative Council approve it, run through June 30, 2027, and carry a maximum amount of $158,000 billed monthly on actual hours and expenses. Thayer said the contract allows the committee to request up to an additional 10% for services outside the statement of work, subject to approval by legislative council chairs, and listed several subcontractors, including members of the Georgia Center for Opportunity team that assisted with the audit.

Senator Sullivan asked whether return-on-investment (ROI) reporting and ongoing cost estimates would be deliverables. Mr. Bishop, the consultant representative, said ROI updates could be provided and that he has experience in other states delivering similar services. Jill Thayer said that if the subcommittee wants ROI language included it can be added to the statement of work presented to the executive subcommittee.

Representative Beck moved to advance the contract and Senator Sullivan seconded the motion. The chair asked those in favor to say "aye"; an "Aye" was recorded in the transcript and the chair declared the contract would move forward. The transcript records a voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided.

The contract now proceeds to the executive subcommittee and then to the full Legislative Council for final approval; if both approve, the contract would be effective March 20 and the Bureau of Legislative Research indicated the consultant could assist the subcommittee through the next regular session and with any resulting legislation.