City Attorney Services Feasibility Study RFP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Proposals Due 4:00 p.m., June 30, 2026
Contact for Questions:
All inquiries and/or questions shall be submitted in writing
no later than June 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to
Johanna Ferriera: jferriera@pattersonca.gov
City of Patterson
1 Plaza
Patterson, CA 95363
(209) 895-8000
www.pattersonca.gov

Table of Contents
Section 1 General Information .................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Organization of the RFP ................................................................................................... 3
1.3 CITY'S Rights .................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 PROPOSER'S Responsibilities ........................................................................................... 4
1.5 Consequence of Submission of Proposal ......................................................................... 4
1.6 Cost of Submitting Proposal ............................................................................................ 4
1.7 City Contact...................................................................................................................... 4
Section 2 Scope of Work and Project Goals ................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Project Goals .................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Background Information .................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Scope of Services ............................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Deliverables ..................................................................................................................... 7
Section 3 Schedule and Submittal Instructions ........................................................................................... 8
3.1 Schedule .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Proposal Submission ........................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Proposal Content ............................................................................................................. 8
3.4 Clarification/Interviews ................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Accuracy in Reporting Requested Information ............................................................. 10
Section 4 Evaluation and Selection Process............................................................................................... 11
4.1 Evaluation and Selection Process .................................................................................. 11
4.2 Evaluation Criteria ......................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Notification to Unsuccessful PROPOSERS ...................................................................... 11
Attachment A Standard Professional Services Agreement ....................................................................... 12
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Section 1 General Information
1.1 Introduction
The City of Patterson is seeking proposals from qualified firms to conduct an independent
feasibility study evaluating the most effective legal service delivery model for the City,
including contract legal services, in-house legal services, or a hybrid approach.
The City currently contracts for City Attorney services and seeks an objective operational
and financial analysis to evaluate the long-term feasibility, costs, organizational impacts,
and service considerations associated with alternative legal service delivery models.
The selected consultant will be expected to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the
City's current legal services structure, benchmark comparable agencies, develop
operational and financial models, and provide recommendations for City Council
consideration.
The City anticipates awarding a professional services agreement to the consultant
determined to be best qualified to perform the requested services.
1.2 Organization of the RFP
The RFP is organized into four (4) sections:
Section 1: General information regarding the purpose, RFP organization, City rights, and
proposer responsibilities.
Section 2: Scope of work, project goals, deliverables, and optional services.
Section 3: Procurement schedule and submittal instructions.
Section 4: Evaluation process and criteria.
1.3 CITY'S Rights
The CITY'S rights include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Issuing addenda to the RFP, including extending or revising the timeline for
submittals.
b. Withdrawing, reissuing, or modifying the RFP.
c. Requesting clarification and/or additional information from any proposer at any point
in the process.
d. Executing an Agreement with a proposer on the basis of the original and/or any
other information submitted by the proposer during the procurement process.
e. Rejecting any or all proposals, waiving irregularities in any proposal, accepting or
rejecting all or any part of any proposals, waiving any requirements of the RFP, as
may be deemed to be in the best interest of the CITY.
f. Negotiating modifications to proposals received.
g. Awarding a contract without interviews.
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1.4 PROPOSER'S Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each proposer to:
a. Examine this RFP, including all appendices and attachments, thoroughly.
b. Become familiar with the conditions that may affect the scope of work or services
requested.
c. Submit all requested information in the format specified.
d. Ensure all proposal materials are complete and accurate.
e. Use delivery methods at its own risk. The City shall not be responsible for delayed
or failed deliveries.
f. Review the attached Professional Services Agreement and identify any requested
revisions or exceptions in accordance with Section 3.3.
1.5 Consequence of Submission of Proposal
The submission of a proposal shall not be deemed an agreement between the proposer
and the City. Specifically:
a. The CITY shall not be obligated to respond to any proposal submitted nor be bound
in any manner by the submission of a proposal.
b. The selected proposer will be required to enter into a professional services
agreement with the City.
c. Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of the City.
1.6 Cost of Submitting Proposal
The cost of preparing and submitting a proposal is the sole responsibility of the proposer
and shall not be chargeable to the City.
1.7 City Contact
For questions regarding this solicitation, please contact:
Johanna Ferriera
Program Manager
jferriera@pattersonca.gov
(209) 895-8025.
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Section 2 Scope of Work and Project Goals
2.1 Project Goals
The primary goal of this project is to provide the City Council with an independent and
objective evaluation of potential legal service delivery models for the City.
The City seeks a consultant capable of evaluating:
* Current contract legal service costs and structure;
* Potential in-house City Attorney staffing models;
* Hybrid service delivery options;
* Operational impacts associated with alternative service models;
* Organizational and risk management considerations; and
* Long-term financial implications.
The City desires a practical and decision-ready analysis that clearly identifies the
advantages, disadvantages, costs, risks, and implementation considerations associated
with each model.
2.2 Background Information
The City currently contracts for City Attorney services. Staff has completed preliminary
research regarding comparable city staffing models, salary benchmarking, historical legal
expenditures, and operational considerations associated with transitioning legal services in-
house.
The City is seeking an independent third-party evaluation to further refine and validate
these preliminary findings and provide a comprehensive analysis to support future policy
decisions.
The City has identified funding of up to $75,000 for this project as part of its FY 2026/27
budget. Proposers are encouraged to recommend an appropriate scope, methodology, and
fee based on their professional judgment and experience conducting similar studies.
2.3 Scope of Services
The consultant shall provide professional services necessary to conduct a feasibility study
evaluating in-house, contract, and hybrid legal service delivery models.
The City recognizes that consultants may have differing methodologies and approaches for
completing this type of analysis. The items identified below are intended to provide general
guidance regarding the City's expectations and areas of interest; however, the City
welcomes alternative methodologies or approaches that may better achieve the objectives
of the study.
The scope of work may include, but is not limited to, the following:
A. Project Management and Coordination
* Conduct project kickoff meeting;
* Coordinate with City staff throughout the project;
* Develop project schedule and communication plan.
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B. Existing Conditions Review
* Review current legal services structure and organization;
* Review existing legal expenditures and contracts;
* Review preliminary research and salary benchmarking completed by City staff.
C. Comparative and Benchmark Analysis
* Benchmark comparable California cities and agencies;
* Compare staffing structures, service models, operational approaches, and legal
expenditures.
D. Financial and Compensation Analysis
* Develop fully burdened compensation models for potential in-house staffing
structures;
* Evaluate operational and start-up costs associated with in-house legal services;
* Develop comprehensive and fully inclusive cost models for each service delivery
option, including but not limited to salaries and benefits, professional
memberships, continuing education, legal research subscriptions, case
management systems, software, technology, administrative support, and
continuing outside counsel costs for litigation and specialized legal services;
* Evaluate the anticipated ongoing need for outside counsel or specialty legal
services under each proposed model, including but not limited to labor and
employment law, land use and development matters, litigation, environmental
matters, finance/bond counsel, and conflict counsel;
* Compare estimated costs associated with contract, in-house, and hybrid service
models.
E. Operational and Organizational Analysis
* Evaluate responsiveness, service delivery, and workflow considerations;
* Conduct interviews and/or surveys with key City staff, leadership, and other
stakeholders to evaluate current legal service delivery, accessibility,
communication, workflow impacts, and operational considerations associated
with the existing contract legal services model;
* Evaluate operational risks and organizational impacts associated with each
model;
* Evaluate workload considerations, including public records supports and
departmental legal service needs;
* Evaluate risk management considerations associated with legal service delivery.
F. Staffing and Service Model Development
* Develop and evaluate multiple staffing scenarios;
* Evaluate allocation of services between in-house staff and outside counsel
under hybrid models;
* If the consultant determines that continuation of contract legal services is the
preferred option, provide recommendations regarding potential modifications to
the City's existing contract structure, service delivery approach, communication
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protocols, staffing support, performance expectations, or oversight mechanisms
that may improve responsiveness and organizational effectiveness;
* Identify implementation considerations and transition issues.
G. Final Report and Presentation
* Prepare draft report summarizing findings and recommendations;
* Incorporate City feedback;
* Prepare final report;
* Present findings and recommendations to City leadership and/or City Council.
2.4 Deliverables
At a minimum, the consultant shall provide:
* Project schedule;
* Data request list;
* Draft feasibility study report;
* Final feasibility study report;
* Financial comparison models;
* Presentation materials;
* Up to 2 presentations to City Council and/or City leadership.
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Section 3 Schedule and Submittal Instructions
3.1 Schedule
The CITY intends to adhere to the following schedule, which may be modified at the City's
discretion.
RFP Schedule
Activity Date
June 1, 2026
Issue RFP
June 18, 2026
Questions/Clarification Deadline
June 30, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline
July 15, 2026
Interviews (if necessary)
Presentation of recommendation to Council August 4, 2026
and award agreement
3.2 Proposal Submission
Proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., June 30, 2026.
Proposals shall be submitted electronically to:
Johanna Ferriera
jferriera@pattersonca.gov
Proposals shall be clearly identified as: "Proposal - City Attorney Services Feasibility Study"
Proposals received after this specified date and time shall be considered late and may not
be considered for award.
3.3 Proposal Content
Proposals shall include the following:
A. Cover Letter
* Brief description of the firm;
* Identification of primary contact person;
* Statement of understanding of the project.
B. Firm Qualifications and Experience
* Description of firm experience conducting similar studies for public agencies;
* Experience with organizational, operational, financial, or legal service delivery
studies;
* Experience working with California local government agencies.
C. Project Approach
* Proposed methodology and work plan;
* Proposed project schedule;
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* Description of anticipated deliverables;
* Description of any optional or alternative approaches;
* Identification of any assumptions, limitations, additional information needed to
complete the analysis.
D. Project Team
* Identification of project manager and key staff;
* Relevant qualifications and experience;
* Resumes of key personnel.
E. References
Provide a minimum of three (3) references for similar projects completed within the
last five (5) years.
F. Cost Proposal
* Proposed fee structure;
* Breakdown of costs by tasks or phase;
* Identification of optional services and associated costs;
* Estimated reimbursable expenses.
G. Professional Services Agreement Review
A copy of the City's standard Professional Services Agreement is included as an
attachment to this RFP.
Proposers shall review the Agreement and identify any requested exceptions,
revisions, or concerns as part of their proposal submission. Requested changes
shall be clearly identified and accompanied by an explanation of the reason for the
requested modification.
The City strongly prefers to identify and resolve any significant contractual issues
during the proposal review process. Submission of a proposal without identified
exceptions shall be deemed an acknowledgement that the proposer is generally
willing to execute the City's standard Professional Services Agreement.
Proposal narratives shall be limited to 25 pages, excluding resumes and fee schedules. The
City reserves the right to disregard excessive supplemental materials not directly relevant to
the requested scope of work.
3.4 Clarification/Interviews
The City may request clarifications, supplemental information, or interviews from selected
proposers.
The City reserves the right to award a contract without conducting interviews.
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3.5 Accuracy in Reporting Requested Information
Information submitted as part of the proposal will be subject to verification. Inaccurate
information or information that is misleading will be, at the City's sole discretion, grounds for
removal of a proposal from further consideration. In the event a proposer is awarded an
Agreement as a result of this RFP, any inaccurate or misleading information subsequently
discovered by City to be a part of the proposal will be, at the City's sole discretion, grounds
for proposer's termination by default under the terms of the Agreement.
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