Regional Conflict Juvenile Defender

The State of Utah, through the Division of Purchasing and the Department of Criminal Justice, is seeking to award a three-year contract to provide conflict juvenile defense services in the 6th Judicial District, specifically to represent youth referred to juvenile court when the primary public defender has an ethical conflict of interest. The contract, identified as Solicitation CS27-3, is anticipated to result in multiple awards, with the number determined by the scope of work outlined in Attachment B. The contract carries an annual budget of $30,000, for a total estimated value of $90,000 over the term, subject to legislative appropriations, and may be terminated with 30 days’ written notice if funding becomes unavailable. The provider must be either a solo practitioner or a law firm with at least two attorneys and must maintain an active license in good standing with the Utah State Bar throughout the contract period, while also certifying they are not involved in any litigation that could compromise their standing. Legal services must adhere strictly to the IDC’s Core Principles for Appointed Attorneys Representing Youth in Delinquency Proceedings, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws, the Utah State Bar’s Canons of Ethics, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Rules of Civility. Performance includes representing clients from intake through disposition and post-disposition matters, conducting investigations and legal research, advocating in court and at multidisciplinary meetings, developing developmentally appropriate defense strategies, collaborating with social services and community agencies, and maintaining accurate, confidential records. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted using a weighted scoring system, with technical factors—including resume, statement of interest, and prior youth defender experience—each worth 20 points, and cost comprising 300 points, with the lowest price receiving full points calculated via a formula based on the lowest proposed bid. A minimum technical score of 210 out of 300 is required to be considered responsive. Proposals must be submitted separately into technical and cost components, with cost data excluded from technical submissions; failure to comply will result in deeming the proposal non-responsive. All responses must be submitted via the U3P portal by the deadline and must include a point-by-point response to technical requirements. Vendors must also certify compliance with anti-boycott provisions related to Israel, E-Verify participation, avoidance of forced labor products and restricted foreign entities, and absence of any debarment or suspension by any government entity. Insurance requirements include workers’ compensation at statutory limits and