TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Planning and Community Development
Carol Helland
425-556-2107
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Planning and Community Development
Seraphie Allen
Deputy Director
Planning and Community Development
Brooke Buckingham
Human Services Manager
TITLE:
title
Approval to Award Contract to Stein, Lotzkar & Starr, in the Amount of $575,000 a year, for the Provision of Public Defense Services
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The City recently solicited proposals from qualified firms to provide public defender services for indigent criminal defendants. We are seeking approval to award the contract to Stein, Lotzkar & Starr.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
* Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
* Required:
The City is legally required provide a public defender to represent indigent clients. Public defense firms shall be qualified and meet state Standards for Indigent Defense Services. Council approval is required for professional contracts exceeding $50,000.
* Council Request:
N/A
* Other Key Facts:
After reaching the limit on extensions to our existing contract with Stein, Lotzkar, & Starr, the City was required to rebid public defense services. The request for proposals was released on December 15, and the City received responses from three firms - Stein, Lotzkar & Starr, Valley Defenders, and Stewart MacNichols Harmell. A staff team reviewed proposals considering and rating each based on the following factors:
* Experience - firm's background and experience
* Responsiveness of the written proposal and scope of services
* Cost
* Qualifications of the individuals proposed for assignment
Based on the review of these proposals, the staff team concurred that Stein, Lotzkar, & Starr was the most qualified firm to continue providing public defense service...
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