Regional Conflict Juvenile Defender

The State of Utah, through the Division of Purchasing and the Department of Criminal Justice, is seeking legal service providers to offer defense representation for youth referred to juvenile court under a three-year contract anticipated to result in multiple awards. The contract seeks vendors capable of delivering high-quality legal services in accordance with state laws and regulations, including compliance with the Utah Government Data Privacy Act, anti-boycott statutes, and employment protections such as Title VII and the ADA. All providers must hold an active, in-good-standing license from the Utah State Bar and participate in E-Verify, extending this requirement to all subcontractors working in Utah. The contract includes stringent obligations regarding confidentiality, with vendors required to safeguard all sensitive information and notify the state promptly of any data breaches under Utah Code § 63A-19. Ownership of all work product, including documentation and templates developed under the contract, is transferred fully to the state upon payment, with vendors affirming that all deliverables are considered “works made for hire.” Performance must occur entirely within Utah, with legal disputes to be resolved in Salt Lake City, and all personnel must pass background checks prior to accessing state facilities. Vendors are required to submit proposals in two volumes—technical and cost—via Utah’s Unified Procurement Portal (U3P), with a deadline of July 31, 2026, and must meet all mandatory minimum requirements before evaluation. The state will evaluate proposals using a combination of technical merit scored on a 1-to-5 scale and cost, which carries a weight of 300 points, though the exact basis of award—whether trade-off or lowest price technically acceptable—is not specified. The estimated total contract value is $90,000 over three years, with no option periods identified. Payment will be processed within 30 days of a correct invoice and may be made via electronic transfer or state purchasing card. Inspections and acceptances occur at the delivery destination under F.O.B. Destination terms, and vendors are responsible for all nonconforming goods prior to acceptance. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Auto Liability insurance with minimum coverage levels, submit certificates prior to commencement, and retain financial and program records for six years plus the current year, subject to audit. Publicity referencing the contract requires prior written approval from the state, and any modifications to scope must be made through written amendment.