Winnemucca Indian Colony of Nevada
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Tribal Court Defense Counsel
Funding Source: U.S. Department of Justice – Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS)
Release Date: April 13, 2026
Proposal Due Date: May 1, 2026
I. Introduction & Background
The Winnemucca Indian Colony of Nevada (“WIC” or “Tribe”) is a federally recognized Indian tribe. Through funding awarded under the U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), the Tribe seeks proposals from qualified attorneys or judicial service providers to serve as Tribal Court Judge and to provide comprehensive court administration support, including a Court Clerk.
II. Scope of Work
A. Defense Counsel
The selected awardee shall:
• Provide legal defense services for individuals appearing before the WIC Tribal Court who cannot afford private counsel.
• Ensure that defenddants’ rights under the Indian Civil Rights Act and WIC laws are protected.
• Represent clients at arraignments, hearings, trials and appeals.
• Prepare legal motions, briefs and defenses in criminal, juvenile, and family law cases.
• Advise clients of legal rights, options and likely outcomes in culturally sensitive ways.
• Work collaboratively with Tribal Court Judge, Prosecutor and Court Clerk to ensure fair proceedings.
• Ensure compliance with DOJ CTAS grant conditions and federal guidelines.
B. Qualifications
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited laws school.
• Admission to practice law before a state bar or tribal bar in good standing.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in criminal defense or public defense; tribal law experience preferred.
• Knowledge of federal Indian law, DOJ CTAS requirements and tribal justice systems.
• Strong commitment to protecting the rights of indigent defendants.
• Preference give to qualified tribal members or Native American Applicants.
B. Deliverables
• Case filings, motions, and trial briefs as required for defense.
• Monthly defense activity report to Tribal Administrator, CTAS Court Administrator and DOJ Program Manager.
• Annual compliance and case summary report for CTAS grant reporting.
• Participation in DOJ/CTAS-required trainings and monitoring visits.
III. Compensation Structure
Initial contract: 12 months, renewable based on funding and performance.
Estimated time commitment: 40-50 hours/month.
IV. CTAS Compliance & Federal Requirements
All services must comply with DOJ CTAS award conditions, 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), DOJ Financial Guide requirements, and applicable audit standards. The awardee shall maintain documentation sufficient to support federal grant audits and monitoring.
V. Insurance Requirements
The awardee shall maintain:
• Professional Liability Insurance – minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• General Liability Insurance – minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• Workers Compensation coverage as required by law.
Proof of insurance shall be provided prior to contract execution.
VI. Indemnification
The awardee agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Winnemucca Indian Colony, its officers, employees, and agents from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising out of services provided under this contract.
VII. Standard Tribal Contracting Provisions
• Sovereign Immunity: Nothing in this RFP constitutes a waiver of Tribal sovereign immunity.
• Independent Contractor Status: The awardee is an independent contractor.
• Compliance with Tribal Law.
• Termination for Cause or Convenience with written notice.
• Records Retention consistent with federal grant requirements.
VIII. Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Cover letter and qualifications.
• Resume/CV including bar admission(s)
• Cost proposal with detailed hourly rates.
• Evidence of relevant judicial or legal experience.
• Three professional references.
IX. Evaluation Criteria
• Experience with tribal for DOJ funded defense programs (30%)
• Knowledge of Indian law and tribal justice systems (25%)
• Professional qualifications and trial experience (25%)
• Cost proposal (10%)
• Tribal Preference (10%)
X. Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format by May 1, 2026 to:
Winnemucca Indian Colony
Attn: Tribal Administrator
ipeeks@winnemuccaindiancolony.org
433 W Plumb Lane
Reno, NV 89509
775-329-5800
XI. Administrative Information
- Funding for this position is supported by DOJ CTAS grants.
- All work must comply with grant conditions and federal reporting requirements.
- The Winnemucca Indian Colony reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.