Legal Support Contractor(s) to Support The Walker Basin Conservancy
- This RFP was uploaded by the owner.
The Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) invites interested not-for-profit and for-profit individuals and organizations to submit proposals for legal support contractor(s) that will provide a variety of legal support for the successful implementation of the Walker Basin Restoration Program. Multiple contractors may be selected from this RFP and executed contracts will be for up to three (3) years.
Legal Services Scope of Work
Legal Counsel
Walker Basin Restoration Program
a.Act as general counsel to the Walker Basin Restoration Program
b.Draft agreements as required with third parties for implementation of WBRP program activities.
c.Provide research memorandum as required by legal issues. Review documents (such as contracts, leases and other agreements) as needed.
d.Develop various interim use agreements for land and water stewardship.
e.Assist with overall tracking and management of existing assets and assist in the development of strategies to dispose assets in a manner consistent with Program purposes
f.The contract may be amended to add additional program activities associated with pending and future obligations of the WBRP.
Acquisition Program
a.Draft and review documents related to due diligence, negotiation, purchase and management of water and land acquisitions.
b.Review title commitments and appraisals. Consult on acquisition strategy, agreements, etc.
c.Oversee and coordinate title work associated with developing deals.
d.Provide support for water right change applications, protests and overall program implementation.
e.Assist with strategy, planning, and review of documents related to the Water Leasing Demonstration Program.
Project Coordination
a.Prepare for and participate in status update conference calls and strategic planning sessions.
b.Travel to Reno and/or Yerington as needed.
Nevada-based Counsel: Contractor(s) will assist WBC with development and implementation of the Walker Basin Restoration Program and will play a key role in the water rights change application process with the Nevada State Engineer's Office.
1.Work closely with WBC's title researchers and other consultants on all aspects of the water rights change approval process, and be prepared to represent WBC in responding to protests, litigation, and/or legislation relating to the water acquisition and change approval process.
2.Participate in working sessions including pre-application briefings with key parties of interest. Contractors will focus on preparation for any expected protests or litigation, and will provide input and advice, where possible and appropriate, on avoiding and/or resolving protests or litigation.
3.Contractor will be prepared to defend water rights change applications and approvals in the face of known and anticipated protests or challenges.
4. Work (when appropriate) with the attorneys and representatives of the Walker River Irrigation District, the Walker River Paiute Tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and potentially other Walker Basin entities in Nevada and California to develop joint strategies and agreements related to change applications and approvals for leased and purchased water rights before the Nevada State Engineer and/or other relevant authorities.
5. Monitor and track all third party filings before the Nevada State Engineer, the State Water Resources Control Board of California, the Walker River Decree Court and/or the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals of relevance to the WBC.
6. Assist in steps related to possible settlement negotiations under the U.S. v. WRID proceeding.
7. Provide support related to Nevada water laws and legislation as appropriate to the Walker Basin.
8. Coordinate and consult with WBC as needed. Travel as necessary to Reno, NV or other court hearing locations.
HR and Employment Attorney
1.Review WBC employment and human resources documents
2.Possess a good understanding of all federal , Nevada and local employment laws
3.Advise WBC on a variety of employment topics including:
a.Workers' compensation
b.Termination of employment
c.Sexual harassment
d.Workplace safety
e.Wage and overtime standards
f.Privacy rights
g.Discrimination against employees based on age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, marital status, medical conditions, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
h.Employee benefits like leaves of absence and retirement plans
Applicants may respond to the following Scope of Work, in whole or in part. Consideration will be given to all submittals; applicants who respond in whole will not be favored over applicants who respond in part. Contracts will be awarded to the respondent whose proposal is most advantageous to the Program with price and other factors considered. If responding in part, please include the number and title from the Scope of Work for the services being proposed.
Contract(s) may be amended to add additional activities associated with pending and future obligations of the WBC.
