RFQ 2026-10: Legal Services for the GNRC Public Guardianship Program

Legal Services for the GNRC
Public Guardia nship Program
Tennessee Public Guardianship Program for the Elderly
_____________________________________________________________________
Request for Qualifications
RFQ-2026-10
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450 | Nashville, Tennessee 37228 | Phone: (615) 862-8828 | Fax: (615) 862-8840
GNRC.org

RFQ Summary
About GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is a public agency established by the Tennessee General
Assembly to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal
investments into public infrastructure and a range of social services.
GNRC is designated by the State Unit on Aging (SUA) as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for
thirteen counties in Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC provides programs, services, advocacy, inter-agency
coordination, and information-sharing opportunities to improve the quality of life for older or disabled
Tennesseans. GNRC delivers a range of federal and state programs in partnership with local agencies and
private-sector organizations. Find out more at www.GNRC.org.
About this Solicitation
GNRC is seeking qualification statements from interested attorneys or law firms for the provision of legal
services relating to the Public Guardianship Program. The resulting contract period will be July 1, 2026, to June
30, 2030. GNRC intends to contract with one or more attorneys or law firms to cover the entire thirteen-county
service area.
Important Dates and Deadlines
RFQ Issued: 02/23/2026
Written questions accepted through 03/11/2026
Submission Deadline: Responses must be submitted by 03/25/2026
Contract Period: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2030
Inquiries and Contact Information
All inquiries should be directed in writing to rfp@gnrc.org with a subject line that includes the RFQ number.
Amendments to this Solicitation
Any doubt as to the requirements of this RFQ or any apparent omission or discrepancy should be presented in
writing to rfp@gnrc.org. Oral statements or instructions will not constitute an amendment to this RFQ. Any
amendments to this RFQ will be posted online at www.GNRC.org/Procurement.
Non-Discrimination
GNRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, including limited English proficiency
(LEP), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to, access to, or
operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination,
appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other employment practices because of non-
merit factors is prohibited. Any person who believes that discrimination has occurred by GNRC, or its contractors, sub-
recipient, and/or consultants on the basis of race, color or national origin, including limited English proficiency (LEP), in
violation of Title VI may file a written complaint. Complaints may also be filed with the state or federal agency involved,
and with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged
discriminatory act. GNRC's full non-discrimination policy and additional information about ADA or English
language accommodations are available online at www.GNRC.org/legal.
GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL | RFQ 2026-10 | PAGE i

Table of Contents
Section 1. Background ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 About the GNRC ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 About the Project .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Section 2. Scope of Project.................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Scope of Services ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Section 3. Instructions to Offerors ........................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Pre-Submission Inquiries ................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Submission Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 4
3.3 Statement Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 4
3.4 Terms and Conditions ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Section 4. Selection Process ................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Proposal Reviews .............................................................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Oral Interviews .................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.3 Solicitation Outcomes ....................................................................................................................................... 8
4.4 Protests ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Attachment A. Business Information Form ......................................................................................... A
Attachment B. Sample Contract Terms ............................................................................................... B
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Section 1. Background
1.1 About the GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC or Regional Council) is a public body corporate and politic initially
created by the Tennessee Development District Act of 1965 and further empowered by Title 64, Chapter 7, Part
1, Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), as amended (the Act). GNRC is owned by and operated on behalf of its
local government membership comprised of county governments in the counties of Cheatham, Davidson,
Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson,
and Wilson, Tennessee, and all incorporated municipalities and metropolitan governments located within these
counties.
GNRC is governed by a regional body composed of city mayors, county mayors/executives, state legislators,
appointments representing business/industry, and appointments representing minority populations. The
Regional Council's Executive Board convenes monthly to enact the adopted Annual Work Program and Budget
on behalf of the membership and oversee the GNRC's programs and services carried out by its staff.
1.2 About the Project
GNRC is seeking qualified legal counsel to provide it with representation in its role as District Public Guardian.
GNRC is designated by the State Unit on Aging (SUA) as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for
thirteen counties in Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC provides programs, services, advocacy, inter-agency
coordination, and information-sharing opportunities to improve the quality of life for older or disabled
Tennesseans. GNRC delivers a range of federal and state programs in partnership with local agencies and
private-sector organizations. Find out more at www.GNRC.org.
Service Area
GNRC seeks to contract with one or more attorneys or law firms to provide services for its entire service area.
The following table indicates the demographics for each county in the GNRC service area:
Population Language Poverty Rural
% of 65+ % of 65+ who speak % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+
County who are language other than are below low-income reside in a rural
population
minority English at home poverty minority area
Cheatham 10,032 2.60% 1.30% 7.20% 0.20% 83.00%
Davidson 128,786 26.20% 8.20% 11.10% 2.90% 3.50%
Dickson 13,462 5.80% 1.30% 11.40% 0.70% 67.80%
Houston 2,216 3.60% 0.50% 15.60% 0.60% 100.00%
Humphreys 5,333 3.00% 0.70% 7.60% 0.20% 82.50%
Montgomery 34,372 19.10% 8.60% 7.80% 1.50% 19.70%
Robertson 16,307 6.50% 3.50% 8.90% 0.60% 53.20%
Rutherford 58,541 13.00% 6.40% 7.60% 1.00% 17.00%
Stewart 3,977 3.40% 4.00% 11.50% 0.40% 100.00%
Sumner 47,141 6.70% 2.60% 8.50% 0.60% 27.90%
Trousdale 2,089 10.70% 0.70% 25.20% 2.70% 100.00%
Williamson 54,154 5.40% 4.80% 5.10% 0.30% 19.40%
Wilson 35,587 6.00% 2.70% 7.20% 0.40% 38.50%
GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL | RFQ 2026-10 | PAGE 1

Program Description
Following is a brief description of the program:
The Public Guardianship Program for the Elderly was created under Tenn. Code Ann. 34-7-103 to
provide guardianship services for adults age sixty and over who, due to physical or mental limitations,
are unable to make personal decisions regarding their health and safety, manage their resources, or
who have become susceptible to fraud or undue influence, and have no one willing and able to act on
their behalf. The statutory authority has been extended to apply to certain individuals under the age of
sixty.
The program is administered by the State Unit on Aging (SUA). SUA contracts with local Area Agencies
on Aging and Disability (AAADs) who hire staff to serve as the District Public Guardian. District Public
Guardians and their staff are held to the same standards as conservators and guardians as outlined in
Tenn. Code Ann. Title 34.
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Section 2. Scope of Project
2.1 Requirements
GNRC intends to award a contract to one or more qualified lawyers or firms to serve in the position of outside
counsel to provide the services described in Section 2.2. A person or entity who responds to this RFQ is called an
Offeror.
The following General Requirements should be considered a minimum set of requirements:
1. Offerors that neglect to accurately fill out and return a complete response by the designated deadline,
including required signatures, certifications, and proof of licenses (if requested) shall be disqualified
from this process.
2. If the Offeror wishes to provide services to more than one AAAD, Offerors must submit a proposal to
each AAAD designated for the proposed counties in accordance with the appropriate AAAD's
procurement requirements, to be received no later than the date specified.
3. During the course of any contract, Offeror must make available for GNRC and the SUA at any time all
pertinent documents, reports, procedures, and program policies required for monitoring purposes,
provided, however, that acquiescence to monitoring does not operate as a waiver of GNRC's rights to
confidentiality.
2.2 Scope of Services
The Services under consideration in this Request for Qualifications include:
1. Serving as GNRC's counsel of record in all matters relating to the Public Guardianship Program.
2. Assisting with preparation of filings that the District Public Guardian is required to file.
3. Filing petitions, accountings, motions, and other documents as necessary to further the interests of
GNRC and its guardianship clients.
4. Managing and conducting such litigation as is necessary to serve the interest of GNRC's guardianship
clients.
5. Preparing required documents such as Powers of Attorney.
6. Assisting GNRC with following Program requirements as established by the SUA, to include participation
in audit processes as necessary.
7. Attending meetings and trainings as necessary and generally supporting Program goals.
8. Cooperating with other interested parties to serve the needs of the Program.
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Section 3. Instructions to Offerors
3.1 Pre-Submission Inquiries
All inquiries should be directed in writing to rfp@gnrc.org by the end of the day on March 11, 2026. The email
must include a subject line that contains the RFQ number. Answers will be provided in writing and made
available to all potential Offerors. All questions and answers compiled through March 11, 2026 will be posted
online at GNRC.org/Procurement as an addendum to the solicitation. Any correspondence related to the RFQ
should refer to the appropriate RFQ number, page, and paragraph number.
3.2 Submission Requirements
Offerors may submit a proposal in one of two ways:
1. Submit one electronic copy (PDF format) to rfp@gnrc.org. The subject heading of the email should be
clearly marked "Attention: RFQ 2026-10"; or
2. Submit one hard copy of the proposal to GNRC, 44 Vantage Way, Suite 450, Nashville, TN, 37228.The
outside of the package should be clearly marked "Attention: RFQ 2026-10"
A copy should be maintained by the Offeror for their records.
Proposals should include all typed, completed forms included with this solicitation. There are no page limits or
specific formatting requirements, but Offerors are encouraged to be mindful of the level of effort involved in
reviewing proposals.
If proposing to serve counties in the service areas of multiple AAADs, Offerors must submit a proposal to each
AAAD designated for the proposed counties in accordance with the appropriate AAAD's procurement
requirements.
3.3 Statement Contents
The Statement of Qualifications must address the following criteria and be submitted in this order:
Item 1. Cover Letter
a. Please provide a cover page that includes the attorney or firm name and contact information. Please
state the contact person title and contact information, which must include an email address.
b. Please place a copy of the following certification on your cover page and ensure that a duly authorized
representative signs it.
Certification:
I certify that the above information is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I also
certify that to the best of its knowledge or belief, no GNRC staff person or board member or
employee of the State of Tennessee is financially interested, directly or indirectly, with my firm
or in the purchase of services as described in the RFQ.
________________________________________ _________
Name & Title Date
Item 2. Business Information
Include a complete Business Information form, provided as Attachment A to this RFQ.
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Item 3. Qualifications, Experience, References, and Conflicts
a. Introduce yourself or your firm. If applicable, provide a summary of the structure of administration,
organization, and staffing, including multiple offices, if applicable. Describe for us your approach to
advancing principles of nondiscrimination.
b. Identify the Tennessee law license numbers and date of relevant court admissions for each person who
will be providing services. If any person who would be providing services has any public discipline from
the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility or the equivalent entity in any other jurisdiction,
please disclose and provide an explanation.
c. Provide a statement certifying that you have the financial solvency and capacity to undertake the work.
d. Include a chronology of company history, along with any mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures in the last
ten years.
e. If your company has been indicted for any reason in the last five years or has ever filed for
reorganization or bankruptcy, please provide dates and resolution.
f. Provide a general description of the experience of the firm in the last 36 months in performing services
of similar kind and scope, including project schedule and budget, where applicable.
g. Submit a reference list, providing three references who can speak to your work on matters similar to
the scope of services described in this RFQ. Where possible, please include at least one reference who
can speak to your work with a public entity.
h. Provide information if your firm has been involved in litigation or other legal action against the Greater
Nashville Regional Council, any of its member counties or cities, or the Mid-Cumberland Area
Development Corporation.
i. For conflicts or potential conflicts that are waivable, please provide appropriate information.
Item 4. Response to Scope of Services
a. Provide a summary of your understanding of the requirements of this RFQ, with particular attention to
your understanding of Tennessee's conservatorship laws and the Public Guardianship Program as well
as an overview of your experience in the courts that have jurisdiction over the Program. It might be
helpful for you to review the portion of SUAs Program and Policy Manual that relates to the Public
Guardianship Program. It is located here: https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-
programs/program-and-policy-manual.html
b. Provide your expectations of GNRC as a client. What do you need from GNRC in order to facilitate your
work?
c. Describe any potential constraints on your representation and your approach to mitigation. For
example, if you do not work in our entire 13-county region, which counties do you cover? Are you in a
position to associate counsel in other counties? If so, please provide information about that firm that is
responsive to the Scope of Services.
d. Provide names, titles, and statements of qualifications and specific areas of experience for all personnel
who will work on this project and the relevance of similar assignments completed by key staff. An
organizational chart would be helpful.
Item 5. Description of Work Methodology
a. Describe your delegation approach as it relates to assignment of attorneys, support staff, and general
matters.
b. Describe your client communication plan and your capacity and capability to perform work on short
notice and in a timely manner.
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c. Describe your general approach to managing a case file and, if applicable, your transition plan for
assuming representation.
d. If applicable, describe how the firm will manage the performance of services provided by
subcontractors (such as title companies).
e. Describe your billing fee assessment and process.
f. Describe how you incorporate technology (such as videoconference, e-signature, online notaries, etc.)
to streamline work processes.
Item 6. Cost and Terms
Please provide an estimate of the costs for providing the services. This should include your hourly rate. Since
this is anticipated to be a multi-year contract, you may indicate proposed rates on a calendar year basis. Note
that, in some circumstances, attorney fees are recoverable through the assets of the ward, based upon a sliding
scale established by the SUA. Please provide your proposed engagement letter, and please identify whether the
engagement letter is for review purposes only. Please note that successful attorneys or firms will be required to
show proof of professional liability insurance.
Item 7. Corrections, Amendments, and Clarifications
Include signed copies of all corrections, amendments, and clarifications to this RFQ. Such corrections,
amendments, and clarifications will be posted to GNRC.org/Procurement alongside the original RFQ document.
3.4 Terms and Conditions
Accuracy of Information
Failure to provide complete and accurate information in an offer to this solicitation may result in your proposal
being deemed non-responsive. GNRC may institute debarment proceedings against the Offeror and terminate
any contract or purchase order that has been awarded based on inaccurate information. GNRC reserves the
right to waive minor irregularities in proposals, provided that such action is in the best interest of GNRC. Any
such waiver shall not modify any remaining solicitation requirements or excuse the Offeror from full compliance
with the solicitation specifications and other contract requirements if the Offeror is awarded a contract.
Validity of Proposals
All proposals shall be valid for a period of 120 days from the closing date of the solicitation unless another time
limit is agreed to in writing by all parties. An Offeror's submission of a proposal does not afford rights to the
Offeror nor obligate GNRC to contract with the Offeror.
Preparation Costs
GNRC will not be liable for any costs incurred by an Offeror in the preparation of its response to a solicitation,
nor for the presentation of its proposal or participation in any clarifications, discussions, negotiations, or
protests.
Ambiguity, Conflicts, and Irregularities
Offeror is responsible for clarifying any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in this
solicitation prior to submitting their offer, or it shall be waived. Claims of ambiguity after submission of the offer
shall not serve as grounds for a protest.
If an Offeror discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the solicitation, they shall
immediately request modification or clarification in writing via email to rfp@gnrc.org. Required modifications or
clarifications will be issued by solicitation amendment.
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GNRC reserves the right to waive minor irregularities in proposals. Any such waiver shall not modify any
remaining solicitation requirements or excuse the Offeror from full compliance with the solicitation
specifications and other contract requirements if the Offeror is awarded a contract.
Acceptance Period
Offeror must indicate acceptance of the final version of this solicitation as amended. A response to a Request
for Qualifications is an offer to contract with GNRC based upon the terms, conditions, scope of services and
specifications contained in this Request for Qualifications. Proposals are an irrevocable offer for 120 days after
the proposal opening time and date. GNRC is not obligated to contract with any Offeror.
Standard Contracting Terms
A sample contract containing GNRC's standard terms for qualified legal services are attached to this solicitation
as Attachment B. Contract terms appearing in brackets may not apply to all contracts. Offeror must be willing to
accept the standard terms and conditions. Any desired exceptions to the terms and conditions must be
identified in the proposal cover letter. If no exceptions to the contract are stated, they might not be granted
after the contract is awarded. Contract exceptions may result in the rejection of the proposal as non-responsive;
if, in the sole evaluation of GNRC, the requested changes are unacceptable.
Ownership of Proposals
All materials submitted in response to this solicitation become the property of GNRC upon delivery and are to
be appended to any formal documentation, which would further define or expand the contractual relationship
between GNRC and Offeror. GNRC is a public entity, and its records are subject to disclosure under law.
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