RFP General Legal Counsel

The Columbia 911 Communications District, an Oregon special district, is requesting proposals for General Legal Counsel to provide ongoing, as-needed legal services, with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. PST.

Minimum qualifications include active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar with no material disciplinary history, demonstrated experience representing Oregon municipal corporations or special districts, working knowledge of ORS Chapters 198 and 403, experience with Oregon public meetings law and public records law, and professional liability insurance of not less than $2.7 million. Respondents must disclose any conflicts of interest or prior adverse representation.

The scope encompasses legal advice on district administration, compliance with Oregon public meetings and records laws, contract and procurement matters, real property and land use issues, employment and personnel matters, budget and finance compliance, elections, litigation management, and policy development. The District will not pay for two attorneys to participate in calls or meetings without prior written approval.

Proposals must include an hourly rate-based fee proposal with detailed billing rates for each team member, travel costs, minimum billable hours, and reimbursable expenses. Electronic submission is to MBeck@Columbia911.com or hand delivery to the District office in St. Helens, Oregon. No formal site visit or bidders conference is specified.

The selection committee will evaluate proposals on relevant experience with Oregon special districts (30 points), approach to scope and staffing (10 points), qualifications of assigned attorneys (20 points), fee proposal and cost-effectiveness (30 points), and references (10 points). The resulting contract shall be at-will with either party able to terminate in compliance with Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

Initial proposal review occurs November 2, 2026; finalist identification by November 6; interviews on November 13; notice of intent to award on November 20; contract negotiation November 20–26; and contract approval on November 26, 2026.