IRFP# 02-115-26 Legal Counsel Services Related to Ethics Complaints

The Department of Administration, Division of Personnel, on behalf of the Alaska State Personnel Board, is soliciting proposals for attorneys to serve as independent counsel investigating ethics complaints filed against the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General under the Executive Branch Ethics Act, AS 39.52, with proposals due August 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time and questions due August 7, 2026. Alaska bidders meeting residency and business licensing requirements are eligible for a 5% Alaska Bidder Preference; Alaska Veteran and Alaska Military Skills Program preferences may also apply.

The contractor will conduct impartial investigations and make determinations regarding acceptance, dismissal, or other resolution of ethics complaints in accordance with state and federal law. Key deliverables include initial legal sufficiency reviews within five business days of receiving complaints, investigations with findings reported within 45 days of acceptance (unless extended), complaint dismissals where appropriate, service of complaints on named individuals, settlement negotiations, and formal proceedings if necessary. Offerors must demonstrate at least five years of experience in employment law and possess knowledge of the Executive Branch Ethics Act, applicable federal civil rights and employment laws, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000 per claim and annual aggregate is required, along with workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance. Subcontractors and joint ventures are not permitted.

The contract term runs from December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods at the state's discretion. The estimated budget for the entire contract period, including the initial year and all four optional renewal periods, is $63,000 to $70,000, structured as Firm Fixed Price with a single hourly rate covering all direct and indirect costs. Estimated annual performance is 62 hours on an as-needed basis; actual reimbursement is based on hours worked with no guaranteed minimum or maximum.

Evaluation criteria are experience and qualifications (150 points), understanding of the project (150 points), methodology (100 points), management plan (100 points), contract cost (400 points), and Alaska Offeror Preference (100 points), for a total of 1,000 points. Prospective bidders must register with Procurement Officer Taylor Ladner (doa.oppm.procurement@alaska.gov) to receive subsequent amendments and ensure bid acceptance. Offerors must submit at least two client references rating performance across six categories; incomplete forms or fewer than two references may result in proposal rejection.