Right to counsel-legal representation program

The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement is requesting proposals for legal representation services to defend eligible Detroit residents in housing-related eviction proceedings under the Right to Counsel-Legal Representation Program, with proposals due August 3, 2026, and questions due July 22, 2026.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience providing similar legal services and be registered with SAM.gov and Oracle. The program prioritizes five populations: households with three or more children, individuals in subsidized housing, seniors age 62 and older, individuals with disabilities who are heads of household, and veterans. Covered individuals are current Detroit residents with annual gross income not exceeding 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines who are defendants in covered residential proceedings in 36th District Court.

The contract will run through September 30, 2029, with renewal contingent on funding availability and Detroit City Council approval. The City anticipates awarding one or multiple contracts. Funding is $1.35 million from a Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant for Fiscal Year 2026, allocated among all awarded contractors on a cost-reimbursement basis. Proposers must submit hourly rates for staff by classification (Senior Partner, Partner, Associate, Paralegal, and Typist); general administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of total contract value. Non-allowable expenses include equipment purchases and travel/mileage costs. Proposals must remain firm for 120 days from the due date.

Evaluation is weighted equally at 25 points each across experience with similar projects, organizational capacity, proposal approach and solution, and pricing. Respondents must submit three professional references from the last five years, an organizational chart, key personnel resumes, three years of financial statements, a Certificate of Insurance compliant with model agreement requirements, City of Detroit Consolidated Affidavits (including disclosure of political contributions within the previous four years), and acknowledgment of any amendments. Treasury Clearance and SAM registration must be completed prior to City Council approval but are not required at proposal submission. Proposals are submitted exclusively through the EUNA Bonfire Supplier Portal.