Removal Defense Limited-Scope Legal Services

The County of San Mateo, Office of Community Affairs, is issuing a Request for Proposals for a Master Agreement to provide Limited-Scope Removal Defense Legal Services to San Mateo County residents facing deportation and removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The procurement seeks qualified firms and individuals to deliver matter-based legal representation on a per-matter basis, including services such as master calendar hearings, pre-hearing preparation, bond proceedings, motions, evidence packet preparation, brief preparation, Freedom of Information Act requests, and pro se coaching. All proposers must maintain active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California and demonstrate at least five years of experience handling removal defense cases, with some work completed within the past seven years. The County anticipates selecting providers capable of completing a combined minimum of 300 limited-scope matters per year under an initial two-year contract term with one optional three-year extension exercisable at the County's discretion. Proposals will be evaluated based on limited-scope model quality (33 percent), staffing and qualifications (28 percent), coordination plan (22 percent), and budget and cost effectiveness (17 percent). The RFP was released on March 19, 2026, with a proposal submission deadline of April 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM via the eProcurement portal; the deadline for questions and comments is April 3, 2026, with responses due April 10, 2026. No pre-proposal conference or site visit is scheduled.

The County applies its Procurement Preference for Local Businesses Ordinance, providing preference to local businesses, non-profits, and small businesses headquartered in San Mateo County. Successful proposers must register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and coordinate with Rapid Response Providers, Affirmative Legal Services Providers, and community-based organizations, while participating in recurring coordination meetings and providing monthly technical assistance and training on immigration law updates. The County will consider two billing models: fixed fees per matter or time-and-materials billing with a not-to-exceed amount per matter, both requiring written pre-authorization and County approval. Contractors must maintain comprehensive general liability, motor vehicle liability, and professional liability insurance each at $1,000,000, with the County named as additional insured, and comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws, including HIPAA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and San Mateo County's Living Wage Ordinance. No specific incumbent vendors or budget range has been identified in the solicitation documents. The County bears no financial responsibility for proposal preparation costs.