RFP2603-01 Legal Services (Due April 3, 2026)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
LEGAL SERVICES
RFP2603-01
Issued by:
Housing Authority of Fulton County, Georgia
Issue Date:
Thursday, March 18, 2026
Proposals Due By:
12:00 PM ET Friday, April 3, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - INTRODUCTION............................................................... ............. 2
1.1 Definitions:...... .. ..............................................................................2
1.2 Profile: Housing Authority of Fulton County, Georgia .............................................. 2
PART II - STATEMENT OF WORK ................................................................................ 3
2.1 Scope of Services ........................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Firm Qualifications ..................................................................................................... 5
PART III - SPECIAL CONDITIONS ................................................................................ 6
3.1 Contract Term .............................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Standards of Conduct .................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Section 3 And Minority/Women Business Participation ............................................. 6
PART IV - SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 7
4.1 General Conditions ...................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Proposal Requirements ................................................................................................ 8
PART V - PROPOSAL SELECTION .............................................................................. 11
5.1 Evaluation Factors ..................................................................................................... 11
5.2 Proposal Submission Instructions ............................................................................. 13
5.3 Timetable ................................................................................................................... 14
PART VI - FORMS AND ATTACHMENTS
* Exhibit A: Certification of Proposer
* Exhibit B: Certification Regarding Lobbying
* Exhibit C: Standard Form LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
* Exhibit D: Conflicts of Interest
* Exhibit E: Form HUD-5369 B: Instructions to Offerors Non-Construction
(Provided for information and does not need to be submitted with the Proposal)
* Exhibit F: Form HUD-5370 C: General Conditions For Non-Construction
Contracts
* Exhibit G: Supplemental General Conditions
* Exhibit H: Form HUD-5369 A - Representations, Certifications, and Other
Statements of Bidders
* Exhibit I: Special Participation Summary
* Attachment J: Section 3 Clause
* Acknowledgement of Addenda and Responses to Written Questions
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Legal Services
OWNER: Housing Authority of Fulton County, Georgia
PROJECT: RFP2603-01 Legal Services
PART I - INTRODUCTION
1.1 DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Request for Proposals, the following
definitions shall apply:
The terms "HAFC"; "Housing Authority"; "Authority" mean the Housing Authority of
Fulton County, Georgia.
The term "RFP" means this Request for Proposals.
The terms "Offeror"; "Firm"; "Proposer" mean the company(s), firm(s) or individual(s)
from whom proposals are requested.
The term "PHA" refers to a Public Housing Authority. As used in this RFP, the term PHA
will refer to a particular type of organization.
The term "HUD" means the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
a Federal agency which partially funds and monitors operations of the Housing Authority
of the City of Fulton County, Georgia. Nothing contained in this RFP or in the contract
resulting from the selection process shall be construed to create any contractual relationship
between the successful Proposer and HUD.
1.2 PROFILE: HOUSING AUTHORITY OF FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA
The Housing Authority of Fulton County, Georgia (HAFC) was incorporated in 1972
through enabling legislation, as a public housing authority under the laws of the State of
Georgia. The cognizant federal agency for all PHAs at that time was the United States
Housing Authority (now HUD). The mission of the HAFC was specifically stated as the
provision of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income persons. The HAFC is
governed by a Board of Commissioners, consisting of nine (9) members, of which seven (7)
are appointed by the Fulton County, Georgia Board of Commissioners and (2) are elected
from the population of eligible residents receiving subsidy from the HAFC. The chief
executive officer of the HAFC responsible for the organization's general operations is the
Executive Director.
HAFC must follow the laws, policies and regulations as set forth by the U.S. Federal
Government, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
applicable Georgia State and local government regulations. The HAFC administers over
1,580 subsidized units comprised of:
* Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) - 847
* Public Housing / Low Income Tax Credits (PH/LIHTC) - 132
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* Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Vouchers - 100
* Port Vouchers - 500+
HAFC enters into and executes contracts and other instruments that are necessary and
convenient to the exercise of its powers. HAFC maintains contractual agreements with HUD
to manage and operate its LIPH public housing program, administer the HCV, PH/LIHTC
and Project-Based Vouchers/RAD Programs that are mainly funded by rental income and
HUD subsidies and grants. The HAFC also participates in ancillary funding opportunities
to include Bonds and Tax Credit Subsidy.
PART II - STATEMENT OF WORK
2.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES
The HAFC requests proposals from qualified legal firms with the ability to practice law in
the state of Georgia, to provide services in all legal matters. HAFC is looking for a firm with
experience in the following areas of legal services: housing development and management;
real property laws and codes, GA state public employer labor and employment law and
federal subsidy programs (i.e. public housing and Section 8 programs.) Legal services under
the contract which shall be entered into by and between the HAFC and the successful
respondent shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Attendance and guidance during any or all HAFC Board of Commissioners meetings
(regular or special) and other meetings as requested, and supervision, as to legality
of the official minutes of the Authority.
2. Conferring with and advising the officers, employees, and members of the Board of
Commissioners of the HAFC on legal matters and issues when requested.
3. Drafting and/or review of legal documents, papers, contracts, agreements,
certifications, resolutions, specifications, bonds, waivers, and such other legal
drafting as may be required.
4. Advising and consulting with the HAFC on all matters of a legal nature.
5. Appearance for and representation of the HAFC in court, in all litigated matters
except as herein otherwise provided.
6. Performance of services necessary in the prosecution of contested eviction actions.
7. Guidance to the HAFC and staff, as well as representation when necessary,
regarding personnel actions, policies and procedures, including but not limited to
employment compensation hearings, worker compensation claims, employment
discrimination claims and equal employment hearings.
8. Guidance to the HAFC and staff regarding real estate procedures, including but not
limited to tax credit financing, as well as the completion of real estate transactions,
including the review of utility easements.
9. Review of employee benefits contracts, including but not limited to pension plan
documents, group annuity contracts, group medical insurance contracts, life
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insurance contracts and disability contracts.
10. Defense of the HAFC during litigation arising out of the course of operations of the
Authority.
11. Consultation with other attorneys representing the HAFC in litigation in which the
Authority's liability insurance carrier has retained counsel to represent the HAFC
and, if needed, appearance in said litigation on behalf of the HAFC.
12. Review of Federal guidelines and regulations and advise HAFC and staff to the
consequence as necessary.
13. Review all potential terminations and make recommendations as to appropriate
actions, as well as draft notices of termination.
14. Representation of the HAFC on appeals of lower court decisions to the Federal or
State Appellate Courts.
15. Review of requirements, obligations and procedures for complete and efficient
processing of bankruptcy notices related to a) Employee matters (payroll) and b)
Current or previous public housing residents and/or Section 8 assisted residents.
16. Approval of the legality of contracts and all payments thereunder.
17. Handling of all legal questions and matters arising under contracts of the HAFC and
rendering legal opinions on all matters submitted by the HAFC.
18. Review and approval of all documents pertaining to temporary and permanent
financing relating to all developments in the HAFC inventory.
19. Instituting and bringing to conclusion in court of original jurisdiction, all actions for
the recovery of possession of dwelling units or for the collection of rent.
20. Reviewing, advising, and representing the HAFC in connection with disputes arising
out of the bid process.
21. Reviewing, advising, and representing the HAFC with regard to disputes arising out
of contracts between the HAFC and its vendors.
22. Advising and representing the HAFC with regard to issues and claims arising out of
construction contracts.
23. Advising and representing the HAFC with regard to issues involving the Labor Law.
24. All legal work necessary in connection with the preparation and adoption of the
initial management program for each project, including the completion of all
resolutions and forms necessary for a complete management program.
25. Preparation, modification and approval of the HAFC's dwelling lease and
HCV/Section 8 contracts.
26. Advice and assistance to the HAFC in connection with the tenant grievance hearings,
including appearances at hearings if requested.
27. The preparation and review of all documents relating to the issuance of debt financed
obligations of the HAFC to include the rendering of legal opinion of Issuer's
counsel.
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28. All legal work in connection with acquisition and/or disposition of real property,
including the examination of abstracts of title and the furnishing of a consolidated
opinion of title in accordance with local regulations.
29. Advise and assist the HAFC in any new programs such as but not limited to
establishment of not-for-profit subsidiaries.
30. Advise and assist the HAFC on matters subject to the US Federal Fair Housing Act
of 1968. (Equal Housing Opportunity)
31. Other legal services as may be requested by the HAFC Board of Commissioners
and/or Executive Director.
NOTE: Historically, a range between two hundred (200) and seven hundred fifty (750)
hours per year of attorneys' time has been spent to fulfill the obligations of this contract,
however, there is no guarantee expressed or implied that it could or would be more or less.
This information is just intended as a guide.
2.2 FIRM QUALIFICATIONS
The description of respondent's qualifications and experience shall evidence/demonstrate
that respondent possesses the following:
1. A broad and practical knowledge of HUD rules, regulations, requirements, law and
related procedures; knowledge of various housing programs of the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with particular emphasis on the Public
and Indian Housing Programs and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Housing
Programs; experience in implementing same.
2. Knowledge and work experience with Administrative regulations and the law in
matters relating to, but not limited to the following areas: Davis-Bacon Act, Lease
and Grievance procedures, Affirmative Action regulations, Georgia State Public
Housing Law and the programs of the Fulton County Department of Family and
Children Services which impact low-income housing, Lead-Based Paint Poisoning
Prevention Action, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Family Self-
Sufficiency (FSS) Program, HUD Disposition, Demolition and Development
programs and laws and regulations relating to non-discrimination based on handicap
in federally-assisted programs with emphasis on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.
3. Strong analytical and interpretive skills, as well as verbal and written
communication expertise, particularly with regard to housing and urban
development matters; and experience in applying same.
4. Ability to provide legal services involving housing development and management;
financing involving advance, permanent and temporary notes; litigation, real
property laws and codes; human services arbitrations, federal subsidy programs, tax
credit financing and bonds.
5. Skills, capabilities, capacity and work experience of a demonstrated level that would
assure completion of the scope of work in a timely and satisfactory manner.
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6. All necessary and/or required licenses, registrations, and certifications.
7. Certification that the firm/individual is not debarred and has all necessary and/or
required insurance coverage in effect.
8. Five (5) or more years of experience representing a housing authority or its relative
equivalent.
PART III - SPECIAL CONDITIONS
3.1 CONTRACT TERM
The successful Offeror shall be expected to execute a standard professional service contract
with HAFC. The term of the contract shall be effective when executed by HAFC and shall
continue for three (3) years with the option to renew for two (2) additional years (specific
dates to be identified in contract negotiations), unless sooner terminated in accordance with
the contract. Contract negotiations and renewals will be discussed upon interviews with
selected candidates.
The contract with the selected legal firm will include a ninety (90) day term extension at the
existing billing rates after contract expiration (if convenient to HAFC). This extension may
be necessary if the current legal firm is not selected for the next legal services contract.
3.2 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The successful Offeror shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of
employees' competency, conduct, courtesy, appearance, honesty, integrity and shall be
responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to any employee, as may be
necessary.
3.3 SECTION 3 AND MINORITY/WOMEN BUSINESS PARTICIPATION
The firm awarded the contract agrees to use its best efforts to subcontract and employ
Section 3 and minority business enterprises and/or women business enterprises, certified as
such or recognized by HAFC as such. HAFC is an equal opportunity employer and requires
all of its contractors to comply with policies and regulations concerning equal employment
opportunity. HAFC has a goal of 30% for Section 3 and MBE/WBE participation.
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PART IV - SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
4.1 GENERAL CONDITIONS
The RFP will be available at the Administrative Office of the Housing Authority of Fulton
County, Georgia located at 4273 Wendell Drive, Atlanta Georgia 30336 and available on
the HAFC website www.hafc.org. All addenda and responses to written questions will be
published on the HAFC website or available in hard copy if requested. It is the respondents'
responsibility to check the HAFC website for addenda changes and written question
responses.
All proposals must conform to requirements outlined herein. HAFC reserves the option to
require or to request additional information from selected candidates. There may be
subsequent instructions, if any, issued to the selected candidates.
The successful Offeror will be expected to execute a standard professional service contract
with HAFC based on the proposal submitted and the requirements of this RFP and any
future addenda thereto.
Any amendment or addenda may be issued prior to the opening of proposals for the purpose
of changing or clarifying the intent of this RFP. All amendments or addenda shall be binding
in the same way as if originally written in this RFP.
The Offeror shall identify any conflicts of interest which may arise if the Offeror serves as
HAFC's counsel and shall describe how it proposes to avoid such conflicts. The contract
will require the Offeror to notify HAFC immediately of any potential conflicts of interest
and to undertake immediate action to eliminate the source of the potential conflict. HAFC
will reserve the right to make the Offeror aware of situations which may present a conflict
of interest and require the Offeror to promptly remedy the situation to the satisfaction of
HAFC.
Offerors shall be responsible for informing themselves with respect to all conditions, which
might in any way affect the cost or performance of any of the work. Failure to do so shall
be at the sole risk of the Offeror and no relief shall be given for errors or omissions by the
Offeror.
An authorized representative of the Offeror must sign proposals.
This RFP does not represent a commitment or offer by HAFC to enter into contract, or other
agreement with Proposer. The proposal and any information made a part of the proposal
will become a part of HAFC's official files without any obligation on HAFC's part to return
it to the individual Proposer. This RFP and the selected firm's proposal will, by reference,
become a part of any formal agreement between the firm and HAFC resulting from this
solicitation.
HAFC reserves the right to waive any irregularities or formalities in any or all proposals.
Failure to furnish all information requested may disqualify a Proposer.
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The U.S. Department of HUD, the US Government Accounting Office, the State of Georgia,
HAFC, any duly authorized representatives of each, shall have access to, and the right to
examine any and all pertinent books, records, documents, invoices, papers, and the like, of
the firm, which shall relate to the performance of the services provided.
The Offeror shall not collude in any manner or engage in any practices with any other
Proposer(s), which may restrict or eliminate competition. Violations of this instruction will
cause the proposal to be rejected. This prohibition is not intended to preclude joint ventures
or subcontracts.
4.2 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
The following is a description of the minimum information which must be supplied in your
proposal. You may give supplementary facts or other materials that you consider may be of
assistance in the evaluation.
A. Proposal Response Cover Sheet
This is to be the first document of the proposal. It must include the legal name of the
Proposer, the name of a contact person and title and contact information. It must be
signed by a person authorized to submit a proposal in response to this RFP.
B. Letter of Introduction
Please provide a letter of introduction as the second document of the proposal. Briefly
introduce your company, provide the location of the office that will be primarily
responsible for the work, and identify the contact person in your organization for
correspondence with HAFC. Also include email and telephone numbers for the contact
person. Provide the name of the person legally authorized to sign an agreement for your
company.
C. Company History
Provide a brief history of your company. Include the number of offices, location, total
number of employees, and type of services that your company performs. Also provide
the number of employees that work in the office that will service this contract, broken
down into technical, clerical and other. If applicable, please provide information
regarding any arbitration and/or litigation which your firm is currently involved, as well
as the dates and resolution of any reorganization or bankruptcy for which you or your
company have filed within the past five (5) years.
D. Experience
Describe how long the Attorney or Law Firm has been in business and current structure.
Provide any other names under which the firm has done business and the dates it
operated under each name and the locations at which it operated under each name.
Describe the experience of the Offeror conducting comparable services during the most
recent five (5) year period similar in scope to the services required by HAFC. Provide a
list of companies or governmental agencies or organizations to which your firm is
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currently providing services. If this does not include at least three (3) entities, then
provide the names of the entities for which similar services have been provided.
For each client entity include:
1. The term (beginning and ending dates) of your contract agreement(s)
2. A brief description of the scope of work
3. The name and contact information of the individual that administered your
contract(s)
4. Explain the roles performed by the Proposer for the client entity
E. Qualifications
Provide the qualifications and experience the firm has in providing services outlined in
Section 2.1 Scope of Services, including your company's unique qualifications for
performing the services required in this RFP. Describe Offeror's experience with public
housing legal issues including applicable State of Georgia and Federal public housing
regulations. List all key members of the firm who will be committed to this contract.
Indicate the level of effort and function of each member of the firm toward the execution
of this contract. Prepare an organizational structure to show how the key members will
be involved. Include resumes for these individuals.
F. References
Please provide at a minimum three (3) client references (including names, titles,
telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) for similar services, as required in this RFP,
that your company has provided in the last five (5) years. By providing such references
you agree that neither HAFC nor the clients referenced shall have any liability regarding
the provision of such references or the HAFC's use of such references in making
selections under this RFP.
G. Key Personnel
Provide a list of key personnel who have specialized experience and expertise relating
to the services required in this RFP. List only those that are likely to actually perform
the work described in this RFP. Provide curriculum vitae for each that details their
education, experience, and special expertise. Also include the company name and key
team members of any subcontractors you anticipate using for this Project.
H. Schedule of Performance/Timeliness/Deliverables
Each proposal shall include a description of how the firm intends to assume
responsibility of existing legal matters and how soon the firm would be in a position to
provide services. The description should also include the firm's availability for all future
services outlined in Section 2.1 (i.e., court appearances, board meetings, etc.).
I. Section 3 and Minority/Women Business Participation
Explain method and procedures that your firm will use to achieve meaningful Section
3, Minority and Women Business (M/WBE) participation in the contract.
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