1-2025 - Blanding City Justice Court Defense Counsel Services (2).pdf

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Defense Counsel Services Blanding City Justice Court Issue Date: 09/29/2025 Response Deadline: 10/13/2025

Purpose

Blanding City is seeking proposals from qualified legal professionals or firms to provide defense counsel services for the Blanding City Justice Court. The Firm agrees to perform the duties set forth in Utah Code Annotated § 77-32-301 (1953, as amended) for any criminal defendants assigned by the Blanding City Justice Court. Services will be provided on a flat annual rate, with a minimum of two visits per year included in the rate for trial purposes. Additional travel expenses shall be charged at a rate proposed within this RFP.

In carrying out these services, the City encourages counsel to demonstrate cultural competency, including sensitivity to the needs of Indigenous and other underserved populations who frequently appear before the Justice Court.

Scope of Services

The selected defense counsel shall provide the following services:

1. Legal Representation: Provide competent defense to all defendants on all matters within the jurisdiction of the Blanding City Justice Court, as assigned.

2. Trial Preparation and Attendance: Prepare for and attend trials, hearings, and other required court proceedings. The City anticipates an average caseload requiring 3-5 hours of work per week or ~150 cases annually. A minimum of two in-person court visits per year is required under the base rate.

3. Remote Representation: Appear remotely for hearings, consultations, and case management where permitted by court rules and technology.

4. Case Management: Ensure timely filing, communication with defendants, and compliance with all court timelines and professional standards.

5. Defendant Consultation: Provide legal advice and consultation to indigent defendants, including explanation of rights, plea negotiations, and trial preparation.

6. Cultural Competency: Demonstrate sensitivity and experience in working with Indigenous populations and underserved communities.

Compensation and Invoicing

1. Flat Annual Rate: Proposals shall include a flat annual rate for defense services. This rate should reflect the anticipated workload of 3-5 hours per week or 150 cases annually and include a minimum of two annual in-person visits for trial purposes.

○ For budgetary guidance, the City anticipates a contract range of $25,000–$45,000 annually.

○ Alternative Models: Proposers may suggest a hybrid fee structures (e.g., flat rate for a base number of hours with capped hourly billing for excess cases)

2. Additional Travel Compensation: Any additional in-person trips beyond the two included annual visits will be reimbursed at the proposer’s stated rate. Proposals must itemize travel costs clearly.

3. Invoicing Schedule:

○ Invoices may be submitted monthly or quarterly, reflecting a proportional share of the annual rate plus any approved additional charges.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include the following information:

1. Cover Letter: A brief introduction of the attorney or firm, including experience in criminal defense and any experience with municipal or justice court matters.

2. Professional Qualifications: Details regarding relevant licenses, years of practice, specialization areas, and experience with indigent defense representation.

3. Proposed Fees: Specify the proposed flat annual rate for services and the per-trip rate for any additional visits beyond the two annual trial-related visits included in the base rate.

4. References: Provide at least three references from clients or colleagues familiar with the proposer’s work, preferably in a municipal or justice court setting.

5. Availability: Confirmation of the proposer’s availability to meet the travel and case volume requirements for Blanding City Justice Court.

6. Other Terms: Any other terms or conditions that would be relevant to the proposer’s service offering.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Experience & Qualifications – 40%

○ Demonstrated expertise in criminal defense, indigent representation, and justice/municipal court proceedings.

○ Experience serving underserved populations.

2. Proposed Fees & Cost Transparency – 30%

○ Competitiveness and clarity of proposed annual flat rate, travel costs, and any alternative models.

○ Alignment with the City’s budget range.

○ Fees and Costs should be sent separately, and will be viewed after technical evaluation.

3. References – 15%

○ Strength and relevance of references, preferably from courts, municipalities, or public defense contracts.

4. Availability & Travel – 10%

○ Ability to manage the anticipated caseload and comply with required in-person appearances.

5. Innovation/Value-Added Services – 5%

○ Use of technology to reduce costs, bilingual capacity, training or outreach programs, conflict resolution practices or alternatives to incarceration support, or other enhancements.

A single contract will be awarded to the proposal that scores highly and fits our needs the best.

Submission Requirements and Deadline

Proposals should be submitted via email by 12:00 PM on October 13, 2025 to:

Pratt Redd - Blanding City Manager 50 W 100 S Blanding, UT 84511 Email: predd@blanding-ut.gov

All proposals must be submitted by 12:00 PM on the due date. Late submissions will not be considered.

mailto:predd@blanding-ut.gov

All questions must be in writing, and submitted to Pratt Redd by October 8th at 5:00 pm.

Terms and Conditions

● Blanding City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, waive any minor informalities, and select the proposal that best serves the interests of the city.

● All costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of proposals are the responsibility of the proposer and will not be reimbursed by Blanding City.

● The selected defense counsel will be required to enter into a contract with Blanding City that includes all the terms agreed upon in the proposal and approved by City Council.

● Initial term of 12 months, renewable annually for up to five years upon satisfactory performance and City Council approval.

● Either party may terminate the agreement without cause by providing written notice at least 120 days in advance. This notice period is required to allow the City sufficient time to ensure continuity of defense services for the Justice Court and to allow the selected counsel adequate time to transition open cases. Termination for cause, including failure to perform agreed-upon duties, may be executed with a shorter notice period as determined by the City.