1-RFQL-0649-JUD.pdf

GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQL-0649-JUD

Conflict Attorney Services (Part-time)

Statement of Qualifications Due: 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 30, 2026

Submit Qualifications at:

https://gilariver.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOppurtunities

Gila River Indian Community RFQL-0649-JUD

CONFLICT ATTORNEY SERVICES (PART TIME)

Table of Contents

SECTION I - ADMINSTRATIVE INFORMATION

SECTION II - SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION III - SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION IV - SPECIAL CONDITIONS

EXHIBIT A – REQUEST FOR AWARD OF PREFERENCE POINTS

EXHIBIT B – SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

EXHIBIT C – NON-COLLUSIVE AFFIDAVIT

EXHIBIT D – AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION

SECTION I —

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

A. Purpose:

The purpose of this RFQL is to provide potential responders with adequate information to prepare and submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for consideration by the Gila River Indian Community (“the Community”) Judicial Department (JUD) for Conflict Attorney Services.

B. Introduction:

The Community seeks to identify and retain one (1) part-time qualified conflict attorney to handle misdemeanor and felony criminal, juvenile offender, Adult in Need of Care (AINOC), and Child in Need of Care (CINOC) matters that the Community’s Defense Services Office cannot ethically handle and are required to recuse themselves.

The initial contract period will be for the fiscal year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027. The Department will have the option to renew the contract for 2 additional one-year periods, for a total term not to exceed three years.

C. Location:

The Gila River Indian Community is located in Central Arizona in Maricopa and Pinal Counties. The reservation is south of the Phoenix metropolitan area divided by Interstate

10. The reservation contains approximately 372,000 acres (581 square miles) of which about one third lies in Maricopa County and remainder in Pinal County (Tribally owned land account for about 26 percent). A majority of the land is held by the Federal Government in a Trust status. The Tribal headquarters is located in Sacaton, Arizona, which is about 30 miles southeast of Phoenix. The Tribal government is made up of elected officials who consist of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor and seventeen members of the Community Council. For governmental purposes, the Reservation is organized into seven districts.

D. Timeline:

ISSUE DATE: Thursday July 2, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 4:00pm

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 5:00pm

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Thursday, July 30, 2026 @11:00am

REVIEW AND SELECTION: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

APPROX. NOTIFICATION: Friday, August 14, 2026

E. Inquiries:

Prospective Conflict Attorneys may make written inquiries concerning this RFQL to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time as specified under Item D. Inquiries should be made through the Bonfire Platform. Responses will be provided as an addendum and will be posted on the Bonfire Platform.

F. Addendum or Supplements to Request for Qualifications:

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQL, an addendum will be posted to the Bonfire: https://gilariver.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOppurtunities.

Contact Ileta Meredith if you need instructions on how to access the site. All addendums will be posted after the deadline for questions. It is the responsibility of each Conflict Attorney who received the original RFQL to download and print the addendum(s).

Conflict Attorneys submitting an SOQ must acknowledge receipt of all issued addendums.

G. SOQ Submission:

Conflict Attorneys interested in entering into Agreements with the Community should submit an SOQ, which shall include a cover letter introducing the Conflict Attorney and explaining its ability to conduct the work. Resumes for each key team member shall be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. The cover letter must include the name and telephone number(s) of the primary contact for the proposer, with such contact to be available by telephone between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

SOQ must be received on the Bonfire platform or before the deadline under SECTION 1.D.

H. Propriety Information:

Any restrictions on the use of the data contained within the qualifications must be clearly stated.

I. Response Materials Ownership:

All materials submitted regarding this RFQL will become the property of the Gila River Indian Community and will only be returned to the Conflict Attorney at the Conflict Attorney’s request.

J. Incurring Costs:

The Community is not liable for any cost incurred by Conflict Attorneys prior to issuance of a fully executed contract.

K. Contents of Submittal:

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) shall include the following:

1. Qualifications Statement

Conflict Attorneys shall provide a thorough statement of qualifications that provides the review committee with ample information to determine that the Conflict Attorney can meet the needs of the Community. Qualifications should be presented in a manner that is organized and include information on the following:

a. Conflict Attorney must be in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.

b. The Attorney complies with and can be expected to continue to comply with obligations of lawyers including respect for the courts and professionalism;

continuing legal education; and Gila River Indian Community contract obligations.

c. The Attorney provides, and can be expected to continue to provide skilled, knowledgeable, thorough and conscientious representation to his or her clients, commensurate with the gravity of the changes and the severity of the potential consequences for the defendant.

d. The Attorney meets, and can be expected to continue to meet, the performance and practice standards of the legal profession, especially for the criminal defense bar.

e. Tribal Court experience preferred.

f. 1-3 years’ experience handling felony cases.

Failure of a Conflict Attorney to provide in its SOQ information requested in this RFQL may result in disqualification. The Selection Committee will recommend Conflict Attorneys who have submitted their SOQ and that are responsive to the Community’s needs.

L. Other Criteria:

Submission of the following will help the selection Committee in their determination of who will be recommended for the agreement with the Community.

1. References Please provide a minimum of three letters of professional reference along with a current phone number and/or email address where each reference may be contacted.

2. INDIAN AND MINORITY PREFERENCE, EXHIBIT A

If seeking Indian and Minority Preference points, the Conflict Attorney should complete and submit Exhibit A and supporting documents. If you are not seeking preference points, this document is not required. Factors to be considered in this section include but are not limited to:

a. Conflict Attorney is a community-owned enterprise (15 Points).

b. Conflict Attorney is an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community (10 Points).

c. Conflict Attorney is an enrolled member of a Federally recognized Indian tribe (5 Points).

d. Conflict Attorney is a certified Women, Minority, or Veteran-owned business (5 Points).

3. EXHIBIT B

All Conflict Attorneys must complete Exhibit B – Suspension and Debarment Certification and submit as part of their response.

4. EXHIBIT C

All Conflict Attorneys must complete Exhibit C – Non-Collusive Affidavit and submit as part of their response.

5. EXHIBIT D

All Conflict Attorneys must complete Exhibit D – Authorization to Release Information and submit as part of their response.

6. W9 & INSURANCE CERTIFICATE

Additional documents identified in Section II will be required (W9, Insurance Certificate).

M. Selection/Acceptance:

1. The Selection Committee representing the Department will judge the merits of the SOQ received in accordance with the general criteria described herein.

2. The objective of the Selection Committee will be to recommend Attorneys whose SOQ is most responsive and responsible for the Community’s needs.

3. As part of the final selection process, the Community reserves the right to:

a. Contact a reasonable number of references from among those provided by the Conflict Attorneys.

b. Request an Interview(s) with short-listed Conflict Attorney(s).

4. Each Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) will be evaluated according to the following criteria.

The following criteria shall be evaluated as part of the selection process:

a. Qualifications (40 Net Points):

i. Conflict Attorney must be in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona (10 Points),

ii. The attorney complies with, and can be expected to comply with obligations of lawyers including respect for courts and professionalism;

continuing legal education; and Gila River Indian Community contract obligations (10 Points),

iii. The attorney provides, and can be expected to continue to provide, skilled, knowledgeable, thorough and conscientious representation to his or her clients, commensurate with the gravity of the changes and severity of the potential consequences for the defendant (10 Points), and

iv. The attorney meets, and can be expected to continue to meet, the performance and practice standards of the legal profession, especially for the criminal defense bar (10 Points).

b. Tribal Court experience preferred (30 Points).

c. References: Please provide a minimum of three professional references along with a current phone number and /or email address where each reference may be contacted (15 Points).

d. Native American and Minority Preference:

i. GRIC Owned (15 Points)

ii. Community Member Owned (10 Points)

iii. Native American Owned (5 Points)

iv. Minority/Women Business Owned (5 Points)

Total Maximum Points: 100

N. Award of Agreement/Right to Reject:

The Community will examine all the Proposals. The award of the contract(s), if made, will be made to the most responsible and responsive Conflict Attorney(s); however, the Community shall determine, at its sole discretion, whether a Conflict Attorney is responsible and qualified to perform the contract, and whether it is in the best interests of the Community to accept the Proposal.

The Community reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any informality in the Proposals received.

SECTION II — SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

A. Qualifications must be received by the date and time specified. The e-Procurement portal clock is the official clock for the determination of all deadline dates and times. Without exception, qualifications will not be accepted after the submission deadline regardless of any technical difficulties such as poor internet connections.

B. Conflict Attorneys are solely responsible to ensure timely submission of their bid to the Community via the eProcurement Portal as given in this solicitation. Qualifications must be uploaded, submitted, and finalized prior to the closing date and time listed in this document. It is strongly recommended that Conflict Attorneys give themselves sufficient time and at least one (1) day before the closing date to begin the uploading process and to finalize their submissions.

C. The Community assumes no responsibility for failure of any computer or other equipment to deliver all or a portion of the bid at the time and in the manner required by the solicitation. Neither Bonfire nor the Community warrant that access to, and use of the Bonfire website will be free from interruptions or free from errors, nor shall Bonfire or the Community be responsible for any inadvertent disclosure of proposal repository information or any unauthorized access to proposal repository information by third persons.

D. In the case of disruption of electronic communications or loss of services by Bonfire within two (2) hours prior to the deadline for submissions, the Community will delay the deadline to ensure the ability of potential Contractors to submit proposals. If this occurs, instructions will be communicated to known Plan Holders.

E. Failure of Conflict Attorneys to provide information required in this RFQL will result in disqualification. The Conflict Attorney(s) who has submitted Qualifications are most cost effective, responsible, and responsive to the Community’s needs and in the best interests of the Community will be recommended for award of the Master Agreement.

F. Submission Modifications: Conflict Attorneys will have the ability to modify their submission up to the submission deadline listed for this RFQL directly through Bonfire.

Any submittal may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled date and time set for the opening by clicking un-submit within Bonfire by the proposer or their authorized agent. No response may be withdrawn after the date and time set for the bid opening.

G. Submittal Format: the following documents must be uploaded as prescribed in Bonfire:

1. Statement of Qualifications: See Section I, Item K.1 for details on what is to be included.

2. Three letters of Reference.

3. Exhibit A, Request for Award of Preference.

4. Exhibit B, Suspension and Debarment Certification.

5. Exhibit C, Non-Collusive Affidavit.

6. Exhibit D, Authorization to Release Information.

7. W9, Upload a copy of a W9 with a current signature (Use Version: Rev. Mar. 2024).

8. Insurance Certificate(s). Upload a sample of your Insurance Certificate. If award is made, Conflict Attorneys shall provide an updated certificate which shall meet all requirements listed in this RFQL including the Community being named as an additional insured.

SECTION III — SCOPE OF WORK

A. Scope of Services:

Conflict attorneys are responsible for all phases of criminal defense from providing consultation, conducting interviews of witnesses and police, overseeing investigation, conducting trials to handling appeals. Conflict attorneys will have the opportunity to participate in bench and/or jury trials for a variety of offenses. They will also provide representation in juvenile offender, Adult in Need of Care (AINOC), and Child in Need of Care (CINOC) matters. The conflict attorneys will be handling misdemeanor and felony criminal matters that Defense Services Office cannot ethically handle.

The Judicial Department will hire one part-time Conflict Attorney for the fiscal year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027. The position will be reposted for fiscal year 2028 (FY28) or the Community may elect to extend for additional periods.

The Attorney will be assigned approximately 9 cases per month (with no monthly maximum). Compensation will be as follows:

1. The Part-Time Conflict Attorney will be compensated at a rate of $3,380.00 per month through September 2027.

2. An additional hourly rate may be possible for time-intensive and/or complex assigned felony cases. (This will be at the discretion of the Chief Judge.)

3. Mileage to and from the courthouses will be reimbursed at the IRS standard mileage rate.

B. Conditions:

1. The Community Court shall assign and notify the Conflict Attorney by mail, facsimile, or e-mail of conflict case assignments;

2. The Conflict Attorney shall conduct a conflict-of-interest check upon receipt of an assigned case and notify the Judicial Department Administrator of any conflict of interest within five (5) business days, and if there is a conflict, return all legal documents provided by the Community pertaining to the case;

3. Upon notification of a conflict of interest by the Conflict Attorney, the Judicial

Department shall reassign the case to a different conflict attorney;

4. For cases where a defendant is subject to more than one year of imprisonment per criminal proceeding, the Conflict Attorney shall have practiced in the area of criminal litigation for at least three years immediately preceding the appointment.

5. If submitting for both the part-time and full-time Conflict Attorney please note that only one can be awarded.

SECTION IV — SPECIAL CONDITIONS

A. Contract Requirements:

The Community will require the selected Conflict Attorney(s) to execute an Agreement with the Community. At the sole discretion of the Community, if negotiations are not likely to lead to an executed contract, the Community reserves the right to terminate negotiations with the selected Conflict Attorney.

B. Term of Contract:

The contract period shall commence October 1, 2026, and terminate September 30, 2027.

The Community may authorize renewal of the agreement for two (2) additional one-year periods.

C. Termination:

The Community reserves the right to terminate the services of a Conflict Attorney which is perceived by the Community to be ineffective, unresponsive, incompetent, or who withdraws proposed key personnel without substitution of comparably qualified personnel, as determined by the Community at its sole discretion.

D. Choice of Law:

Conflict Attorney agrees to comply with all applicable laws and ordinances of the Gila River Indian Community and United States including, but not limited to, obtaining or maintaining a business license pursuant to GRIC Code, Title 13, Chapter 2, and compliance with the Indian preference provisions of Title 12, Chapter 4. The Conflict Attorney must be eligible and admitted to practice in the Gila River Community Courts pursuant to GRIC Code Section 4.107. In addition, in Children’s Court the Conflict Attorney must comply with GRIC Code Section 7.210(B). The Conflict Attorney is aware of the Community’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Ordinance and will provide notice of the ordinance to its employees, and any contractors or any subcontractors who will perform work within the exterior boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community.

Only the contract will govern the relationship between the contractor and the Community; no other supplemental legal agreements will be considered by the Community or requested by the Conflict Attorney during the term of agreement.

E. Payment Terms:

The monthly rate is for approximately ninety (90) cases per year (annually), approximately nine (9) new cases per month; with a variance that may increase to one hundred and five

(105) cases per year. A case means representation of one person on one charging document; after a case is dismissed without prejudice and refiled, the refiling is considered a separate case from the case that was dismissed. Any deviation in the number of cases assigned that is within ninety (90) cases to one hundred and five (105) cases per year shall not result in alteration of the payment owed, and if the number of cases assigned falls below the approximated or variance amount the Community will remain liable for the full monthly amount of Three Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Dollars and Zero Cents ($3,380.00). In no event shall the Conflict Attorney be required to accept cases above the variance of one hundred and five (105) cases per year. The Conflict Attorney agrees he/she will not carry a workload of cases from private practice that by reason of its excessive size, interferes with accepting new cases within the maximum variance, interferes with the rendering of quality representation, endangers the client’s interest in the speedy disposition of charges, or leads to breach of professional obligations.

The Conflict Attorney shall submit monthly invoices for payment of actual services rendered for ongoing services at a billing rate of Three Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Dollars and Zero Cents ($3,380.00) per month. The Community agrees to process invoices for payment within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of the invoice, provided that the Community has no disputes with the submitted invoices. The Community shall review and approve all invoices submitted by the Conflict Attorney prior to payment. The Conflict Attorney is required to submit invoices to the Community’s Finance Department at the following address: Gila River Indian Community, Attn: Finance Department/Accounts Payable, Post Office Box 2160, Sacaton, Arizona 85147 with a courtesy copy to the Department by email.

F. Insurance Requirements:

The Conflict Attorney shall provide documentation of professional accreditation, all licenses, and other certifications as may be required by law or standards of relevant professional communities in relation to services provided pursuant hereto. The Conflict Attorney is required to maintain and shall provide documentation of professional liability insurance. Further, the Conflict Attorney expressly warrants that the Conflict Attorney shall meet all applicable licensing, certification and professional liability insurance requirements throughout the term of the Agreement. The Conflict Attorney stipulates the Conflict Attorney is a fully licensed member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona and, to the best of the Conflict Attorney’s knowledge, no disciplinary proceedings have been instituted against the Conflict Attorney that are unresolved and the Conflict Attorney has not been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law in any jurisdiction in the United States or its territories.

G. Choice of Law:

It is the intention of the parties that performance of the terms of the Agreement shall be in accordance with and pursuant to the laws of the Gila River Indian Community and that any action, special proceeding or other proceeding that may arise from, in connection with or by reason of this Agreement shall be resolved pursuant to the laws of the Gila River Indian Community and exclusively in its courts.

H. Ownership of Work Product:

The Conflict Attorney agrees that any documents or other work product generated on behalf of the Community in connection with any Agreement are property of the Community.

I. Confidentiality:

The Conflict Attorney agrees that neither they nor their agents or representatives shall communicate, whether in writing or verbally, any information concerning work performed in connection with the Agreement except in strict compliance with the terms and conditions of an express authorization by the Community Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, or the General Counsel of the Community.

J. Hold Harmless and Indemnity Clause:

The Conflict Attorney agrees to indemnify the Community from any and all liability, loss or damage arising out of or in any way connected with the Conflict Attorney’s performance of the contract, or the performance of any subcontract by a subcontractor of the Conflict Attorney.

K. Licenses:

Conflict Attorney shall maintain in current status all federal, state and local licenses and permits required for the operation of a business conducted by the Conflict Attorney.

Conflict Attorneys will be required to obtain a Gila River Indian Community Business License. The cost of all required inspections, permits and licenses shall be the responsibility of the Conflict Attorney.

L. Non-Exclusive Contract:

The contract will be awarded with the understanding and agreement that it is for the sole convenience of the Community. The Community reserves the right to obtain like services from another source when necessary.

The Community reserves the right to terminate the services of a Conflict Attorney who is perceived by the Community to be ineffective, unresponsive, incompetent, or who withdraws proposed key personnel without substitution of comparably qualified personnel, as determined by the Community at its sole discretion.

By submission of a Proposal, Conflict Attorneys(s) will be deemed, and agree to be so treated, to have actual notice of every term of every contract document.

M. Post Award Meetings:

Upon award, any or all Conflict Attorneys should avail themselves of participating in post award meeting(s) with the Community department users and contract specialists. This meeting(s) will be used to discuss mutual contractual responsibilities and other performance-related items.

EXHIBIT A – REQUEST FOR AWARD OF

PREFERENCE POINTS

Bidder’s Name: Date:

Please Print

Signature

RFQL Name: Bid #:

This Request for Qualifications is not restricted to Native American firms; however, Native American preference will be given to qualified Native American Firms. The prospective Firm agreement is subject to cancellation for failure to comply with Native American preference requirements.

The above signed certifies under oath the truth and correctness of all answers to questions made hereinafter:

1. Firm wishes to qualify for preference for one of the following (circle one):

A. Gila River Indian Community-owned economic enterprises.

B. Gila River Indian Community member-owned enterprises, provided that such Native

American ownership shall constitute not less than fifty-one percent (51%) ownership of the enterprise and that ownership shall encompass active operation and control of the enterprise.

C. Enrolled member(s) of a Native American tribe, provided that such Native American ownership shall constitute not less than fifty-one percent (51%) ownership of the enterprise and that ownership shall encompass active operation and control of the enterprise.

D. Women, Minority Business Owned.

2. Attach list of names for preference, their certification by a tribe or other evidence of enrollment in a federally recognized Native American tribe, as well as evidence of ownership and percentage of Indian ownership in corporation or enterprise of those claiming preference. Based on evidence provided, Firm may be requested to provide additional information.

NOTES:

I. Omission of any information may be cause for this statement not receiving timely and complete consideration.

II. The person signing above certifies that all information in this REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS and the

REQUEST FOR AWARD OF NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE, including exhibits, is true and correct.

EXHIBIT B – SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT

CERTIFICATION

As a matter of its own internal policy, the Community follows Federal Law (A-102 Common Rule and OMB Circular A-133) which prohibits non-federal entities from contracting with or making sub-awards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred or which principals are suspended or debarred. Covered transactions include procurement contracts for goods or services equal to or in excess of $25,000 and all non-procurement transactions (e.g., sub-awards to sub-recipients).

Additionally, the Community does not hire, contract with, or otherwise do business, either directly or indirectly, with contractors or individuals, which have been debarred, suspended, or subjected to a Limited Denial of Participation (LDP) by the U.S. Government.

Before an award of $25,000 or more can be made by your firm, you must certify that your organization and its principals are not suspended, debarred or received a LDP or are subject to by a federal agency.

I, the undersigned agent for the firm named below, certify that neither this firm nor its principals are suspended or debarred by a federal agency.

CONFLICT ATTORNEY’S NAME: ______________________________________________________

Signature of Company Official: ______________________________________________

Date Signed: _________________________________________

Printed name of company official signing above: ________________________________

EXHIBIT C – NON-COLLUSIVE AFFIDAVIT

State of )

County of )

, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

That he is, the party making the foregoing proposal for bid, that such proposal or bid is genuine and not collusive or sham; that said bidder has not colluded, conspired, connived or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any bidder or person, to put in a sham bid or to refrain from bidding, and has not, in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement or collusion, or communication or conference, with any person, to fix the bid price of affiant or of any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of said bid price, or of that of any other bidder, or to secure any advantage against the Owner or any person interested in the proposed contract, and that all statements in said proposal for bid are true.

Project No.

Location

Signature

Name and Title

Date

(Signature shall be notarized.)

Subscribed and sworn before me this day of , .

Notary: Seal:

EXHIBIT D – AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE

INFORMATION

The undersigned hereby authorizes and requests any person, firm or corporation to furnish any information requested by the Community, in verification of the recitals comprising this Statement of Qualification.

Dated this day of 20___

(Name of Responder) By:

(Signature of Responder’s Representative)

(Title)