Title
Contract Award for Probate Legal Services for Heirs Property Program (B)
This item is a request to approve the recommended award for Request for Proposal (RFP) #CRAX-210034-GD and execute separate contracts with Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. and Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. Three Rivers will serve as the primary provider and Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP will serve as the secondary provider.
Explanation
On March 23, 2021 the City’s Procurement Division issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Probate Legal Services for Heirs Property Program for the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA).
Three (3) proposals were submitted by the deadline. The submission contained technical and written proposals and a cost component of both hourly and flat rate fees. An evaluation team consisting of City community builders evaluated and ranked proposals. On June 10, 2021 each vendor that submitted a proposal gave a presentation that was evaluated and ranked by the evaluation team. The highest ranked presentation was submitted by Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. The second ranked presentation was submitted by Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. Staff recommends that the City enter into a contract for Probate Legal Services for Heirs Property Program with Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. as the primary provider and Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP as the secondary provider.
The Gainesville City Commission asked GCRA staff to return with program details and funding for an heirs property assistance program at its August 31, 2020 meeting. The next step was to complete a public solicitation for a non-profit and/or for-profit attorney group to become the vendors for the program.
The Heirs Property Program is part of a forthcoming suite of five housing programs the GCRA will implement. The goal of these programs is neighborhood stabilization through maintaining the population and culture of GCRA communities. A marketing plan for these programs is being finalized to start promoting the availability of these new programs.
Strategic Connection: This item is connected to Goal 3: “A Great Place to Live”.
Fiscal Note
The not to exceed amount of $250,000 is available in the GCRA fiscal year 2021 budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission to authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute contracts with Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. and Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP for Probate Legal Services for Heirs Property Program, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.