Fund Defense Panel

The South Bergen Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (SBMJIF) is seeking legal service providers to serve as defense attorneys for its 2026 fund year through Request for Proposals (RFP) #25-02. The procurement is specifically targeting attorneys and law firms with demonstrated experience in providing legal services to joint insurance or self-insured governmental entities, with a particular focus on workers' compensation litigation defense. Proposing firms must electronically submit comprehensive proposals through BidNet by October 28, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., including detailed contact information, minimum qualification statements, staffing plans with attorney resumes, past performance descriptions, cost-saving experiences, and at least five professional references. The Fund will evaluate proposals based on multiple criteria, including the vendor's approach to services, documented experience, key personnel qualifications, and overall capability to successfully complete the engagement. Proposers must participate in a scheduled Zoom meeting and are required to submit mandatory documentation such as a Business Registration Certificate, Non-Collusion Affidavit, and Ownership Disclosure Statement.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified legal service providers without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Proposing firms must comply with New Jersey's anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity regulations. The contract will be awarded through a Fair and Open process, with compensation to be determined by the Board of Fund Commissioners during their annual reorganization meeting. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement suggests a competitive selection process focused on quality of service and cost-effectiveness. The contract will commence on January 1, 2026, or upon official appointment, indicating a potential annual engagement with the possibility of renewal. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation, and there are no explicit references to required technology integration or infrastructure compatibility. Interested legal firms should carefully review the full RFP documentation and ensure complete compliance with all submission requirements and qualifications.