OPD Contract Attorney

The Montana Office of State Public Defender (OPD) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) soliciting private attorneys to provide contract legal representation in criminal and civil matters under solicitation number OPD-RFP/RFQ-2019-0021. The procurement seeks qualified attorneys who can serve as contract public defenders, with specific documentation requirements including a completed PDF form, current resume, writing sample, proof of professional liability insurance, and most recent Continuing Legal Education (CLE) transcript. Attorneys must indicate their current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) status with OPD, with some flexibility for recently expired agreements. The solicitation falls under Commodity Code 3920 for Professional Services - Legal Services, and interested attorneys must thoroughly complete all required questions and upload specified documentation. The opportunity was initially posted on October 10, 2018, with an extended due date of October 10, 2099, providing a substantial window for potential contractors to apply. The primary contact for this opportunity is Brett Schandelson, who can be reached at Brett.Schandelson@mt.gov or by phone at +1 406-523-5142.

While the document does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it appears to be an open solicitation for qualified private attorneys across Montana. The RFQ does not specify a predetermined award value or comprehensive budget range for these contract legal services. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are specifically identified in the provided documentation. The solicitation seems designed to maintain a flexible pool of contract attorneys who can provide representation in various legal matters, suggesting the state seeks to supplement its public defender resources with qualified private legal professionals. Integration requirements appear minimal, primarily focusing on attorneys' ability to meet professional standards, maintain current licensing, and effectively represent clients in criminal and civil proceedings. Attorneys will need to demonstrate professional competence through the required documentation, including professional liability insurance and recent continuing legal education credentials.