Land Use Counsel

The contract involves providing specialized legal services related to land use, land development, and zoning law for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically supporting the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the Office of the Chancellor. The procurement process is initiated through a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Governor’s Office of General Counsel, with the aim of establishing a contractual relationship with qualified law firms capable of handling regional land use matters across Central, Eastern, and Western regions. The scope of work may extend to general legal services as designated by the Chief Counsel of PASSHE or the Governor’s Office, with the potential for multiple awards to ensure regional coverage and expertise. The contract size ranges from a minimum of $500,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000, with the engagement beginning in 2025 and governed by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, procurement codes, and standard contractual provisions. The selection process emphasizes thorough qualification assessments, including detailed submissions of personnel experience, project references, and conflict of interest disclosures, all of which are evaluated in conjunction with the technical and cost proposals. The procurement documents specify the need for compliance with confidentiality and proprietary information protocols, including detailed procedures for submitting trade secret claims. The contractual framework includes provisions for invoicing, scope of services, and emergency procurement scenarios, with templates provided to streamline legal engagement. The process underscores transparency, competitive bidding, and adherence to state procurement policies, ensuring that the Commonwealth secures legal expertise capable of supporting its land use initiatives across its university system and related entities.