Winnemucca Indian Colony of Nevada
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Tribal Court Judge (Including Court Clerk Services)
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. Judicial Services
The selected awardee shall:
• Preside over all matters within Tribal Court jurisdiction.
• Interpret and apply Tribal law consistent with federal Indian law and ICRA.
• Ensure due process and fair proceedings.
• Issue written orders, rulings, and judgments.
• Participate in CTAS-required reporting and monitoring.
B. Required Court Clerk Services
The awardee must provide Court Clerk services as part of this contract.
• Case intake, docketing, and records management.
• Preparation of notices, calendars, and court documentation.
• Maintenance of confidential records.
• Support CTAS data collection and reporting requirements.
III. Employment, Oversight & Liability Structure
The Court Clerk shall be employed or contracted by the awardee. The Tribe shall not employ, supervise, provide benefits to, or assume liability for the Clerk. The awardee shall retain full responsibility for compensation, supervision, insurance coverage, compliance, and liability.
IV. Compensation Structure
Initial contract: 12 months, renewable based on funding and performance. Proposals must include Judge hourly rate, Clerk hourly rate, estimated hours, and total projected annual cost.
V. Deliverables
• Written rulings and signed orders.
• Monthly activity and billing reports.
• CTAS performance and compliance reports.
• Participation in DOJ monitoring visits.
VI. 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 sufficient documentation to support federal grant audits and monitoring.
VII. 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.
VIII. 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.
IX. 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.
X. Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Cover letter and qualifications.
• Resume/CV of Judge and Clerk.
• Cost proposal with detailed hourly rates.
• Proof of bar admission and insurance.
• Three professional references.
XI. Evaluation Criteria
• Tribal court experience – 30%
• Knowledge of Indian law – 25%
• Administrative capacity – 15%
• Professional qualifications – 20%
• Cost proposal – 10%
XII. Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the Tribal Administrator by the stated deadline to the following address.
Winnemucca Indian Colony
Attn: Tribal Administrator
ipeeks@winnemuccaindiancolony.org
433 W. Plumb Lane
Reno, NV 89509
775-329-5800