Request for Proposals - EC Legal Serivces

The New Hanover County Board of Education is seeking a legal firm to provide specialized legal representation for special education matters not currently handled by their general counsel. This Request for Proposal (RFP #218-10-26) requires a qualified legal firm licensed to practice in North Carolina with demonstrated experience in local government and special education law. The selected vendor will be responsible for advising on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Public School Law, consulting with the Board and Superintendent, negotiating on behalf of the Board, and serving as an advocate for IDEA and Exceptional Children program legal matters. The contract will be effective from November 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential extensions for up to three additional one-year periods. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on October 30, 2025, with a mandatory deadline for questions set at 1:00 p.m. on October 17, 2025. Interested firms must submit comprehensive proposals detailing firm information, attorney credentials, years of practice, legal specialties, and current insurance certificates.

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The fee structure will involve monthly invoicing with detailed service descriptions, and firms are expected to provide professional fee rates for Partner, Associate, and Paralegal levels. The Board may consider negotiating a monthly retainer agreement to provide more predictable legal expenses. Administrative support and clerical tasks are considered part of the outside counsel's overhead and will not be billable at attorney or paralegal rates. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement suggests the Board is seeking a comprehensive legal services arrangement focused on special education law. The successful firm will need to demonstrate substantial expertise in special education legal matters, with a strong background in representing educational institutions in complex legal scenarios related to exceptional children's programs and IDEA compliance.