Kentucky Innocence Project Investigator

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Public Advocacy, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Kentucky Innocence Project Investigator personal service contract. The primary services sought include reviewing and evaluating Kentucky Innocence Project cases, preparing investigative strategies, performing crime scene analysis and reconstruction, assisting criminal defense teams with investigations, and evaluating DNA and blood evidence. Qualified candidates must hold a private investigator license in Kentucky, maintain bonding and insurance, and demonstrate prior internal investigation experience in the criminal justice field. The RFP was posted on July 22, 2024, with proposals due by 1:00 PM Eastern Time on August 14, 2024. The anticipated contract term will run from September 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional two-year periods subject to approval by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee. Evaluation criteria include a technical proposal valued at a maximum of 1,800 points assessing years of experience in crime scene analysis, criminal investigations, innocence project work, Reid Technique training, and deceptive behavior identification, combined with a cost proposal worth a maximum of 400 points based on hourly rate. Oral presentations or demonstrations may be required for the top two highest-ranking vendors and are valued at up to 500 points.

Services are capped at approximately 666 hours, with compensation provided upon invoice submission until the cap is reached, and travel expenses reimbursable with approved receipts. Kentucky resident bidders and qualified bidders may be eligible for preferences under state law. No incumbent vendor is identified for this opportunity. The contract requires compliance with Kentucky procurement statutes, Executive Order 11246 regarding equal employment opportunity, and various tax and employment law disclosures. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are noted in the solicitation materials. The award value is not explicitly stated in the RFP summary, but the service cap of approximately 666 hours combined with the hourly rate structure will determine the total contract value upon award. The contract is not effective until approved by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission.