County of San Benito - Tier 3 Public Defender Services - RFP #2026-01 (2026)
San Benito CountyCounty · Hollister, CA- Due
- Aug 17, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Jun 1, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Gregory Priamos
- (831) 636-4040
The 30-second brief
The County of San Benito invites proposals from qualified attorneys and law firms to provide Tier 3 Public Defender services, acting as the second alternate public defender for eligible indigent persons in trial court actions and proceedings. Responsibilities include representation in criminal misdemeanors and felonies, conservatorships, CARE Court proceedings, juvenile dependency and delinquency matters, habeas corpus proceedings, extraordinary writs, and change-of-venue matters. The successful proposer must also serve as a reliable backup provider for Tier 1 and Tier 2 during medical leave, injury, incapacity, emergency, conflict, or excessive workload. The initial contract term is three years with potential one-year renewals. Proposals are due by August 17, 2026, not later than 3:00 PM Pacific. Submission can be made via email or hard copy to 481 Fourth Street, 2nd Floor, Hollister, CA 95023.
Attorney and Team Qualifications (25), Experience Providing Public Defense and Comparable Legal Services (25), Service Approach, Conflict Screening, and Backup Coverage Plan (15), References (10), Cost Proposal (25)
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Summary
The County of San Benito invites proposals from qualified attorneys and law firms to provide Tier 3 Public Defender services, acting as the second alternate public defender for eligible indigent persons in trial court actions and proceedings.
Responsibilities include representation in criminal misdemeanors and felonies, conservatorships, CARE Court proceedings, juvenile dependency and delinquency matters, habeas corpus proceedings, extraordinary writs, and change-of-venue matters. The successful proposer must also serve as a reliable backup provider for Tier 1 and Tier 2 during medical leave, injury, incapacity, emergency, conflict, or excessive workload. The initial contract term is three years with potential one-year renewals. Proposals are due by August 17, 2026, not later than 3:00 PM Pacific. Submission can be made via email or hard copy to 481 Fourth Street, 2nd Floor, Hollister, CA 95023.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
9- Attachment A – Prospective Respondent Fact Sheet
- Attachment C – RFP Response Information and Certification
- Attachment D – Staff and Team Qualifications
- Attachment E – Experience of Firm
- Attachment F – Project Management and Approach
- Attachment G – References
- Attachment H – Cost Proposal
- Work Examples
- Exceptions List
- Submit to
- [email protected] / 481 Fourth Street, 2nd Floor, Hollister, CA 95023
- Scope location
- Hollister, CA
- Reported agency
- County of San Benito
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from San Benito County?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is August 17, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected] / 481 Fourth Street, 2nd Floor, Hollister, CA 95023. For questions, contact Gregory Priamos.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including San Benito County in CA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Gregory Priamos at (831) 636-4040. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
Show 5 more questions
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Attorney and Team Qualifications (25), Experience Providing Public Defense and Comparable Legal Services (25), Service Approach, Conflict Screening, and Backup Coverage Plan (15), References (10), Cos..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from San Benito County?
All active and historical solicitations from San Benito County are tracked and searchable. As a county agency, San Benito County regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Attachment A – Prospective Respondent Fact Sheet, Attachment C – RFP Response Information and Certification, Attachment D – Staff and Team Qualifications, Attachment E – Experience of Firm, Attachment. Review the full document from San Benito County for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Hollister, CA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.