REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for City Attorney Services

The City of Ellsworth, located in Ellis County, Kansas, is seeking comprehensive legal services through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the City Attorney position. The procurement seeks a qualified attorney or law firm to provide full legal representation and counsel to the city government, which consists of a mayor and five council members. Key service requirements include attending City Council and Municipal Court sessions, providing expertise in municipal law, land use and zoning, labor and employment issues, contract management, litigation support, and general legal advisory services. The RFP requires proposers to submit seven complete copies of their proposal by 4:30 PM on January 17, 2024, with an anticipated contract award on February 26, 2024. Evaluation criteria will focus on previous experience, demonstrated success, professional expertise, educational background, proposed methodology, and the ability to effectively collaborate with city staff. Proposers must also submit a proposed contractual agreement and can choose from three pricing structures: a fixed retainer plus hourly billing, hourly fees without a retainer, or a combination of retainer and hourly rates.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Proposers must provide comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $1 million and disclose any potential conflicts of interest. While the incumbent city attorney is transitioning to another position, no specific details about the previous contractor are provided. The city serves approximately 3,000 residents with an annual budget of $3.2 million, suggesting a modest contract value. Potential respondents should note that the city reserves the right to reject any proposals and may request additional information or clarification during the evaluation process. The successful candidate will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council, with the expectation of providing ongoing, comprehensive legal services that ensure the city's legal compliance and effective governance.