Invitation to Qualify: Federal Litigation Services

The City of Pittsburgh's Office of Management and Budget is conducting an Invitation to Qualify (ITQ #2024-ITQ-123) for Federal Litigation Services, specifically seeking outside counsel to provide legal representation for civil rights defense and 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 claims. The procurement targets attorneys and law firms licensed to practice in Pennsylvania who can provide comprehensive legal services including litigation representation, trial preparation, discovery, motions, appeals, negotiations, and settlement proceedings. Proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis, with a submission deadline of November 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm, and a non-mandatory pre-proposal virtual meeting scheduled for October 7, 2024 at 10:00 am via Microsoft Teams. The evaluation will focus on three primary criteria: firm qualifications and experience (15 points), team qualifications (15 points), and MWDBE/VOSB Good Faith Effort (10 points). Selected attorneys will be retained on an as-needed basis, with the city potentially choosing multiple firms to provide services on a rotating basis when internal staff lacks adequate expertise, personnel, or encounters conflicts of interest.

The solicitation emphasizes diversity and encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQIA+ small businesses, with specific participation goals: 18% for minority groups, 7% for women, 5% for veteran-owned businesses, and 3% for LGBTQIA+ businesses. Proposing firms must detail individual hourly rates, including any discounts from standard rates, with rates expected to be all-inclusive covering operational costs like photocopying, support services, travel, and incidental expenses. The contract will have an initial term of two years with potential for two successive one-year renewals. Attorneys must provide comprehensive documentation including primary attorney qualifications, education, employment history, litigation experience, references, insurance coverage, and professional achievements. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the draft agreement requires counsel to maintain $1 million in commercial general liability, $1 million in automobile liability, and $3 million in professional liability insurance, indicating a substantial potential contract value for qualified legal services.