REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL- Special Counsel - Office of the Attorney General

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

SPECIAL COUNSEL – OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

I. Scope of Work

Wilton Rancheria (the "Tribe") is looking for an individual or firm with significant experience and background in federal and Tribal Indian law to serve as special counsel under the direction and control of the Tribe’s Attorney General. Specifically, the individual or firm would assist the Attorney General in any matter assigned by the Attorney General or the Spokesperson of the Tribal Council in developing, drafting, and/or reviewing codes, statutes, ordinances, policies, and procedures, and opining on Tribal law.

II. The Tribe and Brief Background

Wilton Rancheria’s government is divided into four separate branches: General Council, Office of the Chairperson (Executive branch), Tribal Council (Legislative branch), and Tribal Court (Judicial branch).  The Tribal Council’s powers include, but are not limited to: making laws, including codes, resolutions, and statutes; authorizing expenditures and appropriating funds to the various departments in annual budgets; approving any agreements that waive sovereign immunity; and promoting public health, education, charity, and such other services as may contribute to the social advancement of the members of the Tribe. 

III. Selection Criteria

The Tribe will make its award, in its sole discretion, to the firm/individual that has the most advantageous proposal for the Tribe. Proposals will be evaluated according to the following factors.

1. Firm/Individual

List the firm/individual’s name(s) that will provide legal services, location, contact information, and bar licensure(s).

2. Firm/Individual Expertise

Please address the extent to which the firm/individual has the resources, qualifications, and experience to successfully perform the Scope of Work. Factors which may be addressed include, but are not limited to:

a. Knowledge and experience with Federal policies, regulations, and laws applicable to tribal governments.

b. Experience working with tribal governments regionally.

c. Key personnel designated to work on this project specific experience, including the lead attorney that will be assigned.

3. Fee Proposal

This factor addresses the costs for services identified to carry out the Scope of Work. Proposals should include:

a. A fee schedule for the key personnel and staff designated to work on this project.

b. A statement of any other fees or costs associated with the service.

c. Confirmation of professional liability insurance with coverage limits of at least one-million dollars ($1,000,000.00).

4. References

Provide a minimum of two (2) verifiable references (tribal government preferred) that are able to comment on their experience working with you. The references provided should have a past or current business relationship with you that is similar in size and scope to the Scope of Work contained in this Request for Proposals. References should include the following:

a. Client’s name and contact person.

b. Contact information.

c. Brief description of the scope of work provided to the client.

d. Present status of relationship with the client.

5. Native American Preference Applies

Preference will be given in accordance with the Tribe’s Native American Preference policy.

IV. Instructions

To be considered, each proposal must include the following:

(i) A cover letter signed by an individual authorized to enter into a contract with the Tribe;

(ii) Responses to the information requested in this RFP and any other information relevant to the selection criteria;

(iv) Disclosure of any past or present assignments, relationships, or other employment that may create a conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest in serving the Tribe.

All proposals must be delivered by mail or emailed on or before 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, to: Attorney General, Wilton Rancheria, 9728 Kent Street, Elk Grove, CA 95624 or by email to: rsapigao@wiltonrancheria-nsn.gov.