New York State Contract Reporter #OCA-DGCP-071

NY Unified Court System Solicits Nonprofit Providers for Free Civil Legal Services in Ten Counties

This opportunity is a statewide initiative by the New York State Unified Court System to expand access to free civil legal services for vulnerable populations in ten counties. - Government Buyer: - New York State Unified Court System (UCS), Office of Court Administration, Division of Grants, Contracts & Procurement - Eligible Providers: - Only nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status and charities registration may apply - Services Requested: - Free, high-quality civil legal services for individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty threshold - Legal representation, advice, information, and outreach in: - Family law - Housing - Public benefits - Consumer rights - Disability rights - Veterans' benefits - Intake, screening, crisis intervention, advocacy, and representation at all stages of civil proceedings - Community outreach, education, and coordination with social service agencies - Geographic Scope: - Services must be provided in Bronx, Erie, Kings, Monroe, Nassau, New York, Onondaga, Queens, Suffolk, and Westchester counties - Providers must maintain a physical office in each county served - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Services must be trauma-informed and culturally competent - Collaboration with community organizations is required - Compliance with reporting and confidentiality standards - Maximum annual funding per county is $600,000 - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; this is a services procurement for nonprofit legal providers - Total funding available is $6,000,000 annually, with a five-year contract term

Description

The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is soliciting sealed proposals via this Request for Proposals (RFP) to award contracts for the Judiciary Civil Legal Services Legal Empowerment Project. The project aims to provide quality free legal services to vulnerable individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty threshold and underserved populations in ten New York State counties with high poverty concentrations. Services include legal representation, assistance, information, and outreach to indigent individuals and families, focusing on family law, residency, public benefits, consumer rights, disability rights, and veterans' benefits. The initiative seeks to strengthen access to civil legal services through coordinated use of attorneys, advocates, social workers, and other professionals.

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