Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is seeking responses to this request for proposal (RFP) from qualified attorneys, external to the District, to perform legal services on behalf of APS upon request. Services to be provided: The range of activities conducted by the school district is large and complex. APS does not have an internal staff at the present time. The successful firms(s) must be available and prepared to be contacted daily on a significant number of unrelated issues in a wide variety of areas. A prompt and timely response whether verbal or by written opinion is essential. Counsel will be expected to advise appropriate APS personnel as to potential problem areas, the impact of new legislation or any similar issue that may require attention. In capacity as counsel to the Board of Education, the successful firm(s) will advise on various open-meeting matters. Public Board meetings are regularly scheduled on the first and third Wednesday of each month with other meetings held as necessary. Attendance may or may not be required. Such issues as the superintendent’s contract negotiations, matters involving the State Department of Education and the State School Board are typical. Appearances before legislative committees, lobbying or involvement with other legislative and intergovernmental relations may also be required. It is preferred that at least one attorney within the firm be assigned as the primary contact. Other attorneys may be involved as back up or representing specific expertise as necessary, but at least one person will be the primary contact with overall knowledge of the status of all APS matters. In the event that multiple awards are made, it will be imperative that the various firms interface as necessary with no conflict of interest. In addition to school and/or educational issues, the following summary of administrative support functions is provided as general background information. The list is not represented as complete, but is intended to call out various operational aspects of the district organization.
