Request for Proposals Legal Services No: 2026-09

Description: INTRODUCTION LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (LRGVDC) The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) is one of twenty-four (24) state planning regions and association of local governments formed under Texas Law to address issues and planning needs that cross the boundaries of individual local governments. The LRGVDC coordinates planning efforts, provides a regional approach to problem solving through cooperative action and provides direct services, when applicable. The designated geographical service area is the 3,643 square miles of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties. The LRGVDC is comprised of programs in the fields of economic development, public safety, transportation, environmental services and health and human services. Funding to support these programs originates from local, state, and federal sources. LRGVDC is governed by a twenty-seven (27) member Board of Directors of whom two-thirds are required to be elected officials of the designated boundaries and serves as fiscal agent to the RGVMPO. RIO GRANDE VALLEY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) is the federally recognized transportation planning organization responsible for coordinating and managing federally funded transportation projects across all modes in Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and a portion of Starr County. The RGVMPO provides a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive planning process which works to establish and maintain a coordinated transportation ecosystem that delivers measurable quality of life projects. The RGVMPO is responsible for administering all federal funds for urban transportation improvements, including but not limited to; road and highway expansion, system preservation, bicycle/pedestrian plans and special studies in the region. These activities are carried out in accordance with federal and state requirements and are guided by the RGVMPO's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). PURPOSE The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, hereinafter referred to as RGVMPO, is seeking a qualified firm, or individual to serve as contract attorney to the agency for general counsel services. SCOPE OF SERVICES 1. General Counsel Services - Provide day-to-day legal advice and counsel to MPO leadership and staff. - Attend board, committee, stakeholder, and public meetings as requested. - Prepare legal opinions, memoranda, guidance documents, policies, and procedures. - Provide legal support regarding organizational governance and administrative matters. - Advise on ethics, transparency, accountability, and public-sector compliance requirements. 2. Contract Review and Negotiation - Review, draft, negotiate, and revise contracts, professional service agreements, interlocal agreements, grant agreements, consultant agreements, and vendor contracts. - Identify legal risks, liabilities, inconsistencies, and areas requiring amendment. - Assist with contract administration, interpretation, disputes, and enforcement. - Review transportation-related funding agreements and project agreements. 3. Procurement and Purchasing Compliance - Provide legal guidance regarding federal, state, and local procurement requirements. - Review and develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and procurement policies. - Advise MPO staff on evaluation procedures, contract awards, competitive procurement requirements, and purchasing regulations. - Assist with alternative delivery methods and public procurement strategies when applicable. 4. Federal and State Regulatory Compliance - Review and interpret applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, guidance documents, and funding requirements. - Provide legal analysis regarding: 23 CFR Part 450; 2 CFR Part 200; FHWA requirements; FTA requirements; Texas Transportation Code; Texas Government Code; and other laws governing metropolitan transportation planning and federal funding programs. - Advise on compliance risks and required corrective actions. 5. Interlocal Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding - Draft, review, and negotiate interlocal agreements, cooperative agreements, MOUs, and partnership agreements. - Advise on legal obligations, funding commitments, governance structures, and implementation requirements. 6. Open Government and Governance Compliance - Provide legal guidance regarding the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Public Information Act, records retention requirements, public notice requirements, and board governance and procedural compliance. - Assist in responding to public information requests and governance inquiries. 7. Ethics and Conflict of Interest Compliance - Advise MPO officials and staff regarding conflicts of interest, ethics requirements, gift restrictions, financial disclosures, and governmental conduct standards. - Develop or update ethics policies and compliance manuals and conduct training. 8. Transportation Planning and Project Development - Provide legal services relating to transportation planning activities, project development, transportation funding, and implementation. - Review and advise on transportation-related studies, corridor projects, roadway improvements, active transportation initiatives, transit projects, freight projects, and multimodal transportation programs. 9. Real Estate, Right-of-Way, and Property Matters - Provide legal advice related to real estate transactions, easements, licenses, property acquisitions, rights-of-way, utility relocation agreements, and land use matters. - Provide legal support concerning eminent domain and condemnation matters when necessary. 10. Environmental and Regulatory Matters - Advise on environmental compliance requirements associated with transportation projects. - Review environmental documentation and regulatory obligations. 11. Grant and Funding Assistance - Review grant agreements, funding contracts, reimbursement agreements, and compliance documentation. - Advise regarding grant administration, allowable costs, reimbursement requirements, and audit compliance. 12. Legislative and Policy Analysis - Monitor and analyze proposed federal and state legislation affecting MPO operations and transportation programs. - Provide interpretations of new laws, regulations, executive orders, and agency guidance. 13. Litigation and Dispute Resolution - Provide legal representation, as authorized, in administrative proceedings, claims, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. - Assist in resolving contractual disputes, procurement protests, regulatory matters, and transportation-related claims. 14. Training, Policies, and Best Practices - Develop and update legal manuals, compliance programs, governance policies, procurement procedures, and operational guidelines. - Conduct training workshops for MPO Board members, committees, and staff regarding legal compliance and best practices. 15. Special Projects - Provide legal services for special initiatives, transportation studies, infrastructure financing, public-private partnerships (P3s), innovative project delivery methods, and other matters assigned by the MPO. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Respondent must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and remain in good standing. The RGVMPO anticipates payment for services on an hourly basis but will consider alternative fee arrangements. The FY 2026-2027 UPWP programs $60,000 per fiscal year for this task, for a total anticipated budget of $120,000. Respondents must submit required attachments and certifications as listed in the solicitation packet and comply with federal DBE, HUB, and other applicable requirements.