New York State Contract Reporter #OCA-DGCP-077

Civil Legal Services for Rural NY Counties – Access to Justice Initiative

This opportunity from the New York State Unified Court System seeks not-for-profit providers to deliver free civil legal services in five rural NY counties. - Government Buyer: - Unified Court System, NYS - Division of Grants, Contracts & Procurement - Office of Court Administration - Services Requested: - Free civil legal services for individuals and families at or below 200% of the federal poverty threshold - Legal representation, advice, outreach, intake, eligibility assessments, advocacy, document preparation, community education - Focus areas: family law, residency, public benefits, consumer rights, disability rights, veterans’ benefits - Innovative delivery methods: mobile services, remote technology, video consultation, online intake, e-forms, remote broadband access, online dispute resolution - Transportation solutions and language-accessible services to overcome rural barriers - Target Counties: - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Franklin, St. Lawrence - Unique Requirements: - Applicants must be not-for-profit, properly registered, tax-exempt, and not debarred or suspended - Collaboration with community organizations is encouraged - One contract per county; maximum $200,000 per county annually - Quarterly reporting required - Funding & Contract Details: - Initial funding allocation: $1,000,000 annually - Five-year contract term - Contracts subject to NYS Attorney General and State Comptroller approval

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 Access to Justice: Rural Justice Initiatives project. The project aims to provide quality free legal services to vulnerable individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty threshold in five targeted rural counties with the highest poverty rates: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Franklin, and St. Lawrence. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit civil legal service providers offering legal representation, assistance, information, and outreach to indigent individuals and families in these communities. The initiative seeks to address challenges such as lack of reliable internet, geographic isolation, limited public transportation, and attorney shortages. The contract term is five years, starting December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2031, with an initial allocation of $1,000,000 to enhance access to justice in these counties.

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