30-25366-OGC-RD2 Legal Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Office of General Counsel is requesting proposals for immigration law services to support the Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program, with proposals due August 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET and written questions due June 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The solicitation encourages HUB participation with a 10% utilization goal for diverse firms as subcontractors.

The scope covers legal advice and representation on an as-needed basis for foreign medical graduate visa and work authorization matters, including J-1 Visa Waiver applications, H-1B Visa applications, U.S. Permanent Residence cases, work authorization and travel applications, and cross-border employee movement services. The estimated demand over the initial three-year term is 15 applications for completion and submission, 15 approvals for documented immigration status confirmation, and one introductory training session annually. Vendor pricing must be submitted as unit prices per deliverable category on Attachment A without designated confidentiality restrictions.

Vendors must hold membership with the North Carolina State Bar, maintain registration with North Carolina as vendors in good standing, certify financial stability and E-Verify compliance, and demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant experience in J-1 Visa Waiver and H-1B Visa applications. Applicants must provide evidence of professional standing or peer review within the last five years and submit at least three customer references. Project organization must identify personnel responsibilities.

Evaluation employs a Best Value methodology in descending order of importance: Experience and Qualifications, Technical Approach, Project Organization, and Pricing. The initial contract term begins October 1, 2026 for three years, with two optional one-year renewal terms available at the State's discretion. Contract award is anticipated in October 2026. The State reserves the right to negotiate with one or more vendors, request Best and Final Offers, or reject all proposals if deemed in the State's best interest.