BOE #2026-02

The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement, on behalf of the Board of Ethics, is requesting proposals for a preliminary written legal analysis of investigation #2026-02 concerning alleged violations of the City of Detroit ethics ordinance, with proposals due September 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST.

The scope centers on reviewing six specific matters outlined in the Notice of Investigation, providing legal opinions on whether the two-year limitations period has expired, analyzing tax abatement filing requirements, evaluating the propriety of issuing ethics charges before investigation completion, and determining whether the respondent exercised significant authority regarding Lear Corporation matters and family member employment. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of ten years' experience providing legal services, hold State Bar of Michigan membership, demonstrate municipal law competence, provide three professional references, have no conflicts of interest, and cannot have publicly opined on the investigation's subject matter.

The contract term is one year, with the City anticipating one or multiple awards. Evaluation is weighted as follows: demonstrated experience with public sector or specialized legal matters (30 points), capacity including key staff and resources (30 points), strength of proposal (30 points), and pricing (10 points). Detroit Equalization Credits up to 10 additional points are available for certified Detroit-based businesses, headquartered businesses, resident businesses, and small or micro business concerns.

Proposals must include a preliminary project timeline, evidence of State Bar of Michigan membership, a technical approach describing procedures to be followed, and hourly billing rates for Senior Partner, Partner, Associate Attorney, Paralegal, and Administrative or Typing Support positions. Pricing structures and rate periods must be clearly identified. Respondents must disclose any use of artificial intelligence and complete the City's AI Factsheet if applicable. Proposals remain firm for 120 days from the due date. The RFP does not commit the City to award a contract or reimburse proposal preparation costs. Payment follows the City of Detroit Prompt Payment Ordinance at NET 30 days from invoice receipt.