Specifications include, but are not limited to: a.Assist the Department with all phases of collective bargaining including preparation, gathering of pertinent information, development of proposals, training of the negotiation teams, development of coordinated bargaining strategies and representing the Department in all aspects of negotiations with both the teachers’ and administrators’ unions; b.Consult with and make recommendations to the Department on matters relating to collective bargaining issues generally and in relation to CTECS’ anticipated separation into a separate state agency;c.Review, analyze, investigate and conduct research necessary to carry out services;d.Hire expert witnesses, consultants, mediators and investigators as may be reasonably and necessarily required and approved in advance by the Department;e.Negotiate and/or engage in mediation and/or arbitration, with the approval of the BOARD, with any and/or all parties necessary to carry out said Services;f.Provide all necessary paralegal and clerical support to carry out said Services;g.Perform all tasks for said Services under this Agreement in coordination with the BOARD; andh.Provide written monthly status reports in a format agreed to by the Department which shall include a summary and status of all matters and details of work completed with breakdown of billable hours by tenths of an hour.