Legal Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR), is soliciting proposals for Legal Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC). This opportunity seeks comprehensive legal representation and support for UAC in or released from the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) nationwide. This is a full and open competition. Proposals are due June 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will provide nationwide legal services to UAC, ensuring their rights are protected and facilitating safe release. Key tasks include:
- Transition-In: Assuming operational responsibility for approximately 24,000 active cases from the incumbent contractor.
- Legal Orientations & Consultations: Conducting virtual orientations on immigration rights and one-on-one consultations to assess eligibility for relief.
- Direct Legal Representation: Providing legal representation for various immigration matters, prioritizing vulnerable UAC.
- Legal Service Provider (LSP) Network Management: Establishing and managing a nationwide network of qualified LSPs, including quality control and performance monitoring.
- Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting: Implementing a robust system for data collection, analysis, and reporting, accessible via dashboards and APIs.
- Pro Bono Maximization: Actively promoting and utilizing pro bono services to supplement government-funded legal aid, with a minimum percentage required.
- Transition-Out: Facilitating a seamless transfer of responsibilities, data, and knowledge.
Contract Details
- Type: Hybrid contract, primarily Firm-Fixed Unit Price (FFUP) for services, with Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) and Time-and-Materials (T&M) CLINs for travel.
- Duration: One (1) year base period, four (4) one-year option periods, plus a potential six (6) month extension under FAR 52.217-8. Total potential period of performance is five (5) years and six (6) months.
- Value: Guaranteed minimum of $1,539,600.00.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition.
- NAICS Code: 541110 (Office of Lawyers), with a small business size standard of $15.5 million.
- Place of Performance: Nationwide.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: June 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Submission: Via email to Emily Graham (emily.graham@hhs.gov) and Sharee Richardson (sharee.richardson@hhs.gov).
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be made using a trade-off process, considering factors in descending order of importance: Scalability and Pro Bono Integration Capabilities, Technical Approach, Recent and Relevant Past Performance, and Price.
Additional Notes
This solicitation has undergone multiple amendments, with Amendment 0014 (June 5, 2026) extending the proposal due date to June 9, 2026. Offerors must adhere to strict security requirements, including compliance with ACF External System Control Implementation Policy and Procedures, and ensure culturally competent, trauma-informed care, and continuity of legal services. Key attachments include the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Pricing Worksheet, and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).