Title IX Counsel

The contract pertains to a legal services engagement initiated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of General Counsel, specifically targeting law firms capable of providing counsel on NCAA and Title IX athletic matters. The procurement process is conducted under the authority of Executive Order 2015-2 and the Commonwealth Procurement Code, with the goal of selecting qualified legal firms to advise Pennsylvania’s higher education institutions on Title IX athletic issues and potentially other general legal matters as designated by the Chief Counsel of PASSHE or the Governor’s Office of General Counsel. The solicitation, identified as RFP number OGC-2024-03, was posted on February 14, 2024, with a response deadline of March 5, 2024. The contract will be governed by templates that specify scope, terms, and billing procedures, with compensation primarily derived from estate funds and governed by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act and procurement regulations. The procurement process involves detailed submission requirements, including personnel experience, project references, and cost proposals, supported by various appendices and templates designed to evaluate the qualifications, experience, and past performance of prospective law firms. These documents include forms for personnel qualifications, project references, conflict disclosures, and confidentiality notices for proprietary information. The contract templates emphasize transparency, compliance with legal and ethical standards, and clear delineation of scope, billing, and contractual obligations. The overarching aim is to establish a framework for engaging legal counsel that can effectively address NCAA and Title IX athletic legal issues while ensuring adherence to state procurement policies and safeguarding sensitive information through proper confidentiality procedures.