2026-RFP-CB-02-Attachment_A-Scope_of_Work.docx

#2026-RFP-CB-02

Title: Transit Agency Legal Services

SCOPE OF WORK

Summary The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from qualified law firms to provide comprehensive legal services to CityBus under a professional services agreement. Services will be provided on an as-needed basis for an initial one-year term, with four (4) optional one-year renewal periods, subject to satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, and the availability of funding.

The contract awarded under this solicitation is intended to provide CityBus with access to experienced legal counsel capable of supporting the agency across a broad range of legal matters, while delivering responsive service, practical business advice, and value to the organization.

NEORide is issuing and administering this Request for Proposals (RFP) on behalf of CityBus (Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation). This procurement is being conducted exclusively for the benefit of CityBus and is not a cooperative procurement or purchasing agreement. Services resulting from this solicitation will be provided solely to CityBus under a contract executed between CityBus and the selected proposer.

Project Details This procurement is being administered by NEORide in accordance with applicable federal procurement requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 and FTA Circular 4220.1F, on behalf of CityBus. The selected firm shall assist CityBus in achieving the following objectives:

· The selected firm shall provide legal services including, but not limited to, the following areas.A. General Counsel Services

Provide ongoing legal advice regarding the administration and operation of CityBus, including:

· Day-to-day legal consultation

· Legal opinions

· Statutory interpretation

· Legal research

· Review of operational decisions

· Review and drafting of policies and procedures

· Governance issues

· Ethics and conflict-of-interest matters

· Public Records/Open Door Law compliance

· Executive leadership consultation

· Legal services shall be available to the Chief Executive Officer, executive staff, and Board of Directors as authorized by CityBus.B. Labor and Employment Law

Provide legal counsel related to employment matters, including:

· Personnel policies

· Employee discipline

· Workplace investigations

· Employment practices

· ADA compliance

· FMLA

· Title VII

· EEOC matters

· Wage and hour issues

· Drug and alcohol regulations

· Workers' compensation coordination

· Employment litigation

· Administrative proceedings

· Arbitration

· Mediation

· The selected firm shall assist CityBus in minimizing employment-related liability while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and Indiana employment laws.C. Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations

Provide strategic legal assistance during labor negotiations, including:

· Review of existing collective bargaining agreements

· Contract interpretation

· Negotiation strategy

· Development of management proposals

· Attendance at bargaining sessions

· Mediation

· Arbitration

· Grievance interpretation

· Labor dispute resolution

· The selected firm should have demonstrated experience representing management in public-sector labor negotiations.D. Procurement, Contracting, and Federal Compliance

Provide legal services associated with public procurement activities, including:

· Review Invitations for Bid (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ)

· Contract drafting and negotiation

· Cooperative purchasing agreements

· Professional services agreements

· Technology agreements

· Construction contracts

· Contract amendments

· Procurement protest support

· Contract interpretation

· Contract administration guidance

· The selected firm shall possess working knowledge of:

· Federal Transit Administration (FTA) procurement requirements

· 2 CFR Part 200

· FTA Circular 4220.1F (or current successor guidance)

· Buy America requirements

· DBE regulations

· Brooks Act procurement

· Grant-funded contracting

· E. Grant and Regulatory Compliance

Provide legal counsel regarding:

· Federal Transit Administration requirements

· Indiana Department of Transportation requirements

· Grant compliance

· Civil Rights requirements

· ADA regulations

· Title VI

· Drug and Alcohol Program compliance

· Procurement compliance

· Record retention requirements

· Transit Asset Management

· Public transportation regulations

· F. Board Governance

Provide legal support to the Board of Directors including:

· Attendance at Board meetings as requested

· Review and preparation of resolutions

· Governance advice

· Bylaw interpretation

· Ethics guidance

· Conflict-of-interest reviews

· Executive session guidance

· Policy review and development

· G. Litigation and Claims Management

Provide representation or strategic legal support regarding:

· Employment litigation

· Contract disputes

· Administrative hearings

· Insurance claims

· Tort claims

· Personal injury matters

· Property claims

· Commercial disputes

· Appeals

· Where insurance-appointed counsel is involved, the selected firm shall coordinate with insurance carriers and defense counsel to protect CityBus's interests.H. Real Estate and Capital Projects

Provide legal assistance related to:

· Easements

· Property acquisition

· Property disposition

· Facility development

· Construction projects

· Design agreements

· Environmental considerations

· Utility agreements

· Lease agreements

· Right-of-way issues

· I. Strategic Legal Advisory Services

Serve as a trusted legal advisor by:

· Monitoring legislative developments

· Monitoring regulatory changes

· Advising CityBus regarding emerging legal risks

· Assisting with long-range initiatives

· Identifying operational risks before disputes arise

· Providing practical recommendations balancing legal compliance and operational efficiency

· Deliverables:The selected firm shall provide services including, but not limited to:

· Written legal opinions

· Contract review

· Contract drafting

· Procurement review

· Policy review

· Board resolutions

· Memoranda

· Litigation strategy

· Negotiation support

· Attendance at meetings

· Representation before administrative agencies

· Court representation when requested

· QualificationsProposers should demonstrate:

· Minimum of ten (10) years of experience providing legal services to public agencies, governmental entities, or public transportation organizations.

· Demonstrated experience with FTA-funded procurements and grant compliance.

· Experience representing management in labor and employment matters.

· Experience with public procurement and contracting.

· Knowledge of Indiana municipal and public transportation law.

· Ability to provide prompt response times and assign a dedicated lead attorney supported by experienced associates and paralegals.

· The proposal shall include resumes for all key personnel expected to perform services under this contract.

· Performance ExpectationsThe selected firm shall:

· Respond to routine legal requests within one (1) business day.

· Respond to urgent matters on the same business day whenever practical.

· Maintain regular communication with CityBus leadership.

· Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.

· Deliver work products that are timely, accurate, and suitable for public-sector operations.

· Assist CityBus in proactively identifying and mitigating legal and regulatory risks.

Project Administration NEORide has been authorized by CityBus to administer this procurement process, including issuance of the solicitation, receipt of proposals, coordination of communications with proposers, administration of addenda, facilitation of the evaluation process, and assistance with contract negotiations, as requested.

CityBus will serve as the evaluation committee and will independently evaluate all proposals submitted in response to this solicitation. CityBus retains sole authority regarding proposal evaluation, consultant selection, contract award, contract administration, and acceptance of services.

The contract resulting from this solicitation shall be between CityBus and the selected consultant. NEORide shall not be a party to the resulting agreement and assumes no contractual obligations arising from this procurement.

Award Following completion of the evaluation process, CityBus intends to select the proposer determined to provide the best value in accordance with the evaluation criteria established in this RFP. Any recommendation developed during the evaluation process is subject to approval by CityBus. CityBus reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to award a contract in its sole discretion.