Services Doc2336553044 Eviction Legal Defense and Right to Counsel Pilot Program

The Portland Housing Bureau's Rental Services Office is requesting proposals for an Eviction Legal Defense and Right to Counsel Pilot Program providing legal representation, pre-filing diversion, in-court support, case management, and financial assistance coordination for tenants at risk of eviction in Portland and designated areas of Multnomah County, with proposals due September 9, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The City anticipates awarding multiple contracts and reserves the right to select proposers out of score order if their proposals complement the overall program.

Legal services and financial assistance coordination are mandatory components; in-court support, case management, outreach, and intake coordination are encouraged. Proposers must employ licensed Oregon attorneys, handle all case types including nonpayment of rent, and deliver both brief advice and full representation. Proposers apply as individual organizations but may reflect subcontracting or partnership arrangements in proposals.

The estimated annual contract value is up to $2.5 million per year, exclusive of financial assistance funds to be administered separately. The contract term is one year with up to four annual renewals, subject to budget adjustments. Proposers must submit detailed pricing proposals stating true estimated annual costs, with cost per household served and cost per service unit for each service component. The City is open to various pricing models, including staffing-level pricing or flat fees distinguishing complex from simple cases.

An optional pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Questions are due September 2, 2026 to Xylia Guzman Torres, Senior Procurement Specialist. Phase 1 evaluation allocates 100 points across functional and technical requirements (10 points), proposer capabilities (25 points), project team (10 points), project approach (30 points), and pricing (10 points), plus corporate responsibility (15 points), Oregon State Certification (3 points), COBID subcontracting with an aspirational goal of 20% utilization (8 points), workforce diversity and community involvement (3 points), and sustainable business practices (2 points). Addendum 1 expanded the proposal page limit from 15 to 25 pages and clarified that program parameters, service definitions, and performance metrics may be refined through contract negotiation.