Bid 218-10-26 EC LEGAL.pdf

The document is a Request for Proposal (RFP #218-10-26) issued by New Hanover County Schools for Legal Services for Special Education. The RFP seeks a legal firm to provide representation for special education legal matters not handled by the Board's general counsel, with services to include advising on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Public School Law, consulting with the Board and Superintendent, representing and negotiating on behalf of the Board, and serving as an advocate for IDEA and Exceptional Children program legal matters. The contract term is from November 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with the option to extend for additional three years in one-year increments. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on October 30, 2025, and questions must be submitted by 1:00 p.m. on October 17, 2025.

The RFP requires interested legal firms to meet specific qualifications, including being licensed to practice law in North Carolina, having demonstrated experience in local government and special education law, and possessing broad general experience in special education law. Firms must provide detailed information in their proposal, including firm details, attorney credentials, years in practice, legal specialties, and current insurance certificates. The fee structure involves monthly invoicing with detailed descriptions of services, and the firm is expected to provide professional fee rates for Partner, Associate, and Paralegal levels. The Board may consider negotiating a monthly retainer agreement to provide predictability to legal expenses. Administrative support and clerical tasks are considered part of the outside counsel's overhead and will not be billed at a paralegal or attorney rate.