Legal Services for the New Haven Civilian Review Board

The City of New Haven, Connecticut, is seeking qualified legal service providers through a solicitation to deliver comprehensive legal support to its Independent Civilian Review Board (CRB), which investigates complaints against police officers and recommends policy changes to enhance public trust and accountability in law enforcement. The scope of services includes advisory counsel, legal representation during hearings, and drafting of legal documents, all aligned with the CRB’s mission of oversight and reform. Proposals are due by May 19, 2026, and must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov procurement portal; paper submissions or external links are not accepted. Respondents are required to register in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity ID, and must comply with federal regulations including the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment, prohibitions on covered telecommunications equipment from entities like Huawei and ZTE, and anti-discrimination statutes under Title VI, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act. Contractors must also adhere to work hours and safety standards under 40 U.S.C. and ensure subcontractors flow down all applicable clauses. Financial oversight is governed by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), requiring quarterly performance reports using standardized forms and strict adherence to federal expenditure categories, though the contract value is not specified. Payment is tied to quarterly invoicing under the City’s electronic payment policy, with reimbursement contingent on approved expenditures and documentation. Insurance requirements include a minimum of $1 million in Abuse and Molestation coverage for programs involving youth, alongside general liability and workers’ compensation. Contractors must affirm compliance with anti-kickback laws, prevailing wage standards, and whistleblower protections under 41 U.S.C. § 4712, and are obligated to submit IRS Form W-9 and proof of insurance. The evaluation process, while lacking explicit weightings, emphasizes technical merit, feasibility of approach, management capabilities, and risk mitigation, suggesting a trade-off method for award determination rather than lowest price. All deliverables and services are to be performed in New Haven, with the City retaining final authority over inspection and acceptance. No packaging, preservation, or MIL-STD requirements apply, and while no contracting officer or technical representative is named, oversight responsibility falls to the City’s Corporation Counsel and authorized officials.