legal assistance services

NorthWest Senior & Disability Services (NWSDS), an intergovernmental agency serving Clatsop, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill Counties in Oregon, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for legal assistance services under the Older Americans Act (OAA). The RFP seeks qualified legal service providers to deliver comprehensive legal support for seniors and individuals with disabilities, focusing on maintaining independence and protecting client rights. Required services include legal advice, community legal education, direct client representation, and targeted outreach in priority areas such as housing, income security, abuse prevention, guardianship defense, healthcare, and long-term care. Proposals are due by February 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with contractor selection anticipated by April 8, 2025. The initial contract period will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential extensions up to four additional 12-month periods through June 30, 2030. Contractors must be licensed to practice law in Oregon and demonstrate substantial experience in elder and poverty law, with no fees charged directly to clients.

The procurement includes two separate contract allocations totaling $44,000 in Older Americans Act Title III-B funds: $20,000 for Clatsop, Tillamook, and Yamhill Counties, and $24,000 for Marion and Polk Counties. Current incumbent vendors include Oregon Law Center (serving Clatsop, Tillamook, Yamhill) and Legal Aid Services of Oregon (serving Marion, Polk). Contractors must have sufficient cash flow to cover 45 days of expenses, as services will be provided on a reimbursement basis. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, providers must be nonprofit legal organizations with expertise in serving vulnerable senior populations. Voluntary client donations are permitted to help extend service capabilities. Proposals will likely be evaluated on factors such as legal expertise, demonstrated capacity to serve target populations, understanding of elder law challenges, and proposed service delivery methodologies.