The City of Des Moines requests proposals to provide public defense services for indigent criminal defendants for a term of two (2) years commencing on March 1, 2021, with the  option to extend the contract with the mutual agreement for parties for an additional two-year period. Additionally, the City of Des Moines is seeking on behalf of Normandy Park a proposal to provide public defense services for the City of Normandy Park for the same timeframe. Proposals will be considered separately however preference will be given to proposals that provide the best comprehensive services for both Des Moines and Normandy Park. Normandy Park currently contracts with the City of Des Moines to provide court and prosecution services.

The selected Public Defender will be paid for representational services, including lawyer services and appropriate staff services, infrastructure, investigation and appropriate sentencing advocacy. All proposals should take into account the adopted Standards of the City of Des Moines and Normandy Park and the Washington State Supreme Court (“Standards”) when submitting proposals. Proposals should include all necessary infrastructure, training, and services necessary to comply with the Standards. Legal services provided will include, but not be limited to, interviews of clients and potential witnesses, legal research, preparation and filing of pleadings, negotiations with the appropriate prosecutor or other agency and court regarding possible dispositions, and preparation for and appearance at court proceedings. The proposal should also provide for attendance at all hearings as detailed in the attached template contracts. Necessary and reasonable expert witness, investigative and other services as detailed in the attached template Contracts will be paid directly to the expert or investigator, or reimbursed to the contract provider when authorized by the Court.

For more information, click here: Public Defender RFP 2021