Tallcree Tribal Government is seeking proposals from qualified firms interested in providing professional legal services to assist in developing a Child and Family Service Law. A summary of relevant information is hereby attached for review and consideration.

Sealed proposals will be received at the address below until 12:00 pm MST on May 31, 2024, or via e-mail to mikecardinal@tallcree.ca. Subject line: Proposal for Legal Services on C92.

Background and Concept

Tallcree Tribal Government (“TTG”) has decided to explore the opportunity of creating its own law under An Act respecting First Nation, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families. By creating an independent child and family services law, TTG can ensure that its children and families are cared for in ways that reflect the Nations community, culture, and values.  TTG is seeking assistance in the development of a Child and Family Services Law that will grant the Nation jurisdiction over Child and Family Services on behalf of its membership. The Law will have paramountcy in the event that Tallcree is involved in legal dispute with another jurisdiction, including the Canadian Federal Government.

Upon receipt and review of proposals from interested parties, it is the intent to enter into an agreement between Tallcree Tribal Government (the “Owner”) and the Legal firm (the “Consultant”) that is determined to be best qualified to provide Legal and related advisory services that are complete, accurate, timely, and affordable as solely determined by Tallcree Tribal Government.

Tallcree Tribal Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or portions thereof, to waive irregularities, informalities, and technicalities, to re-issue or to proceed to obtain the service(s) desired otherwise, at any time or in any manner modify or amend any provisions of this notice or the RFP.

Scope of Work

TTG’s law will incorporate its values and be culturally connected and relevant to the community. The Legal Services to be provided by the Consultant should include the following components:

Stage 1: Review all applicable background information

Familiarization with the unique needs of the TTG membership by reviewing the community engagement completed to date, along with the strategic plan (in development) and agreement with North Peace Tribal Council is required.

Stage 2: Develop a comprehensive law

Develop an outline for the law for review and discussion with the TTG Advisory Committee.

Collaborate with the TTG Advisory Committee  to create engagement questions and materials that will be used to by the Advisory Committee to facilitate discussions and engagement with TTG community members regarding law topics/sections.

Development of the law, inclusive of community input.

Participate/lead engagement meetings with community, as required, to edit and finalize the law for ratification. This includes facilitating at least one in-person law review meeting with community members.

Participation in the ratification process.

Stage 3: Negotiation and Agreement support

Provide negotiation support at the Coordination Table with the Federal and Provincial Governments.

TTG understands that details of time commitment, for this stage of work are to be determined at a later date in the project.

Provide Total Quote (Including Hourly Rates) for the following:

• The team who will be supporting the project
• The rate sheet and the overall proposed budget

Response Requirements to this RFP

Please provide a description of your firm, including:

• Your familiarity and understanding of the An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, and the Coordination Table process
• Your experience working with First Nations to develop laws/bylaws for community review and approval
• Your experience working within the Indigenous child welfare system
• Your experience supporting First Nations with negotiations with various levels of government
• Your knowledge and understanding of Constitutional Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Your knowledge and understanding of First Nations’ Treaty Rights, particularly Treaty 8
• Examples of other First Nations that you have supported with law and/or bylaw development
• Biographies for team members who will support the work
• A summary on how you propose to approach this work and collaborate with Tallcree Tribal Government, and its consultants in the development of the law

Selection Criteria

The submission will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Criteria	Weight
Knowledge, qualifications and experience	50%
Total price quote and hourly rates	30%
Quality of proposal and specific approach to complete the project	20%

If your proposal is selected, you will be invited to participate in an interview.