REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO:

WASHOE TRIBAL HEALTH CENTER (WTHC)

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is soliciting proposals from qualified firms/individuals for Legal Counsel services. 

The background, scope of work, term of agreement, education and experience, and minimum qualifications are as follows:

Background

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California (also referred to as “The Tribe”) is a federally recognized Tribe with reservation lands and communities in Northwest Nevada (Carson City County and Douglas County) and Northeastern California (Alpine County).

The legal services will be rendered to The Washoe Tribal Health Center (WTHC) which is owned and operated by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The WTHC is located at 1559 Watasheamu Road, Gardnerville, NV 89460.

 The WTHC is committed to enhancing the quality of life of all of American Indians by providing a culturally competent and patient-centered continuum of care.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder will be capable of and expected to provide, without limitation, the following services:

• Provide efficient and quality counsel relating to legal matters concerning Tribal Health Care.
• Evidenced experience with Indian law and self-governance programs under Title V of ISDEAA (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).
• Evidenced experience with ISDEAA - P.L. 93-638 SECTION 105(l) Lease Proposals.
• Evidenced experience with the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), CMS guidelines including but not limited to Indian Provision and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Assist with Technical Advise regarding challenging and complex matters concerning Tribal Health Care.
• Assist with drafting and developing internal policies and procedures.
• Evidenced experience with patient privacy and security issues related to medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Evidenced experience with Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), contract support costs, health privacy, Medicare and Medicaid, health care fraud and abuse, organizational and personnel issues, federal and Nevada State laws, litigation before administrative tribunals, and federal, state and tribal courts.
• Have attorneys and legislative specialists that specialize in representing Indian tribes and tribal entities with a deep commitment to advance, protect, and defend tribal rights.
• Must be available to attend tribal meetings upon request.
• Assist with drafting, reviewing and managing contracts for healthcare related professional services, procurement, real estate purchases or acquisitions, commercial leases, and construction contracts.
• Must be able to represent client in contract disputes.
•  Ability to successfully negotiate contracts, compacts and funding agreements with IHS and other federal agencies to the best advantage of the tribe and its programs.

Term of Agreement

The Contract arising from this RFP (“the Proposal”) will be for a period of twenty-four (24) months with one (1) option to renew for one (1) additional twelve (12) month period.

Education and Experience

To qualify to bid on this proposal, bidder must meet the following requirements:

• Experience – A minimum of ten years of experience working with Tribal entities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess thorough knowledge of the Indian law and self-governance under Title V of ISDEAA (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

Professional Resume and References

Bids shall include a professional resume of the bidder/individual who will perform the services.

Bids shall also include references as follows:

• A list of three references. Including relationship, address and telephone contact number.

Single Point of Contact

All communication concerning this RFP are to be addressed in writing to the attention of:                   

Jovino Lorenzo

Washoe Tribal Health Center

1559 Watasheamu Road

Gardnerville, NV 89460

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

General Instructions

The Proposal must consist of one original and five complete copies submitted by the deadline indicated below. 

Proposal Format

To be considered, each responder must submit a complete response to this RFP including:

• Transmittal Letter
• Education and Experience
• Professional Resume & References
• Expected remuneration for contracted services.

The proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing straightforward, concise descriptions of the bidder’s ability to fulfill the requirements of the RFP.

Transmittal Letter

To be considered, a proposal must be accompanied by a transmittal letter signed in ink by the bidder.

The transmittal letter must include the following statements:

• RFP terms are accepted

• The expected remuneration was arrived at without conflict of interest
• A statement that the bidder agrees to sign a standard Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California (also referred to as “The Tribe”) contract.
• A statement of any limitations (the number of hours, days of the week, or weeks in the year) that the bidder would be available to perform the above scope of work.
• A statement of any other considerations and limitations, if any, related to the scope of work the bidder will be expected to perform.

In addition a “bidder information sheet” must be attached to the transmittal letter providing the following information:

• Full name of bidder/individual

• Mailing Address
• Street address (for FedEx or other mail delivery service)
• Social Security Number/Tax ID number
• Fax number (if available)
• E-mail Address

Evaluation of Proposals & Contracting

Proposals will be evaluated to determine which of them best meets the needs of the Tribe.  Evaluation and selection will be based on the information submitted in the Proposal. Preference may be given to those Proposals detailing relevant past experience in similar activities with Tribal organizations. Further information may be required by the Tribe for clarification purposes after the Proposals are submitted.  After meeting the mandatory requirements, the Proposals will be evaluated on their functional, and cost aspects.  The Tribe reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, and to advertise for new proposals on any basis and without disclosure of reason.  The failure to make such a disclosure shall not result in accrual of any right, claim, or cause of action by any unsuccessful bidder against the Tribe.  The Tribe also reserves the right to award in whole or in part, by items, group of items, or by section where such action serves the Tribe’s best interests.  Complete and accurate responses to all items are necessary for fair evaluation of proposals.

This RFP is non-restricted, but Indian Preference applies to the award of this contract in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.  Successful applicants will be required to enter into a contract with the Washoe Tribe and will be independent contractors, not employees of the Tribe.  As such, they will be required to maintain necessary licensing and insurance.

The Washoe Tribe retains the right to cancel the RFP process if it is in the Tribe’s best interest. The Washoe Tribe shall not be responsible for costs incurred by proposers for proposal preparation.  This RFP does not obligate the Washoe Tribe or any applicant until a contract is signed and approved by both parties.

Products of the contract will become the property of the Tribe and not be copyrighted by the consultant. The contract will not be assigned or sublet without prior written consent of owner.

The following are the components and point system for the evaluation:

Evaluation of RFP Minimum Requirements (Pass or Fail)              0  points

Evaluation of the Bidder’s Education & Experience                                    30 points

Evaluation of the Bidder’s References                                              30 points

Evaluation of Bidder’s Cost Proposal                                                           40 points

Deadline        

Proposals must be received (not postmarked) not later than 4:00 p.m. (PST) on July 8, 2019.  All late proposals will be rejected. Proposals may be mailed to: 1559 Watasheamu Road, Gardnerville, Nevada 89410. Proposals may be hand-delivered to: Washoe Tribe Headquarters Building located at 919 US Hwy. 395 North, Gardnerville, Nevada ATTN: Washoe Tribal Health Center – Legal Counsel Services.

Submission

Proposals may be mailed or hand delivered.  Faxed, emailed, or electronic proposals are NOT acceptable.  The Proposals, any information required by, and/or any questions regarding this RFP should be addressed and/or delivered to:

If Mailing:                    1559 Watasheamu Road

                                    Gardnerville, NV 89410

If Delivering:              919 Hwy 395 North

                                    Gardnerville, NV 89410

Attention:                    Jovino Lorenzo

Phone Number:                        (775) 265-4215

Fax Number:                (775) 265-6240

Click Here to View, Download or Print the Official PDF Version of the RFP