Request for Proposal – Indigent Defense Article 10 Parent Representation

MOCJ is seeking institutional providers with an interdisciplinary practice that will result in a more effective administration of representation of indigent adults in Article 10 cases. Attorneys must be licensed in the State of New York.

Representation may begin before a court case is filed against parents or family members, continue through an Article 10 case for abuse and/or neglect, and continue further through the subsequent termination of parental rights (“TPR”) proceedings. In addition, representation may occur in any Family Court matters that arise during the original proceeding, including but not limited to, custody, guardianship, paternity, and family offense matters, as well as interlocutory appeals. Parent defense can include the representation of biological parents of a minor, as well as other caregivers with custody of a minor.

A primary provider is the first provider assigned by the court to represent an indigent respondent, whereas a conflict provider is assigned by the court to handle a case in instances when there is a conflict of interest between the indigent respondent and the primary provider for that particular catchment area.

Through this RFP, MOCJ intends to procure up to thirteen (13) Article 10 family defense providers, with one primary provider in each of the six catchment areas (Bronx County, Kings County, Queens County, Richmond County, New York County Upper, and New York County Lower), one conflict provider in five catchment areas (Kings, Queens, Richmond, New York County Upper, and New York County Lower), and up to two conflict providers in the Bronx County. Providers should specify whether they wish to serve as the primary or conflict provider in the catchment area. Providers may submit to serve one or multiple competition pools, but a separate and complete proposal is required for catchment area. MOCJ reserves the right to select a second-place primary provider applicant to be the conflict provider in the same catchment area.

In addition to demonstrating an interdisciplinary Article 10 practice, eligible organizations will possess:

• Prior experience with indigent representation of adults in Article 10 cases;
• Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with city agency partners;
• Demonstrated ability to track, document, and report on results;
• A culture of transparency, accountability, flexibility, and trust building;
• Commitment to racial equity;
• An ability to identify, hire and manage the full complement of staff to meet program deliverables; and
• Organizational capacity to handle risk and liabilities, including a strong governance structure, insurance, financial stability, and capacity to work responsibly as a city contractor.

The anticipated contract term is July 1st, 2024 through June 30th, 2027. There will be two options to renew. Each renewal term length will be three years.

Submission Information

Submissions will be solicited via Human Services PQL. Complete submissions must demonstrate how the Proposer meets or will approach all Program Components, including responses to all questions and all required documents as outlined in the RFP.

To access the RFP, please search the following EPIN via PASSPort under the Sourcing Tab: 00224P0001

The deadline to respond is Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, at 2pm EST via PASSPort.

An information session will be held on October 4, 2023, at 2pm EST, via Microsoft Teams Webinar to share details on how to apply and answer any questions about the application process.

Pre-Proposal Conference Teams Link
Meeting ID: 242 942 893 201
Passcode: iPVhbK

Call-In information
Phone Number: +1 332-910-6701
Conference ID: 550 805 010# 010

All questions and requests for additional information concerning this program must be directed, via email, to [email protected].

The deadline for submitting questions and comments is Tuesday, October 23, 2023, at 5pm EST, to [email protected].