Private Counsel Debt Collection - Central District of California

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is soliciting proposals from law firms and solo practitioners for private counsel debt collection services in the Central District of California. This total small business set-aside aims to contract up to three entities for a five-year period starting November 1, 2025. Services include collecting delinquent unsecured and secured federal debts, handling bankruptcies, and managing foreclosures. The current caseload for unsecured debts is 3,283, totaling over $167 million, with 92% being post-judgment. Proposals must be submitted by September 24, 2025, and include technical, past performance, and price components. Key eligibility requires attorneys to be bar-admitted and in good standing in the federal judicial district. Evaluation prioritizes technical capability (debt collection experience, administrative attributes, writing quality) and past performance over price.

The document is an Employment Commitment Letter sample related to Solicitation No. 15JPSS25R00000080, titled "Private Counsel Debt Collection – Central District of California." This letter serves as a commitment from an individual to be available for employment with a firm if that firm successfully obtains the aforementioned contract. The purpose of this document within the context of government RFPs is to assure the contracting agency that key personnel will be available to fulfill the contract's requirements upon its execution, which is a common requirement in many government solicitations to ensure staffing and project continuity. It outlines the date of commitment, the firm's details, and the individual's signed commitment to begin employment once the contract is awarded and executed.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting a competitive procurement for its Private Counsel Program, seeking firms to provide legal services for collecting delinquent debts owed to the United States. This includes litigation, negotiation, settlement, and representation in various proceedings like bankruptcy and foreclosure. To evaluate offerors, the DOJ requires past performance questionnaires to be completed by clients who have received relevant debt collection services within the past three years. Offerors are responsible for sending these forms to references and ensuring their submission by September 24, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The questionnaire, identified as 15JPSS25R00000080, details instructions for both offerors and references, outlining sections for firm information, past performance details, reference contact information, and a comprehensive evaluation of performance elements such as quality, schedule, cost control, management, small business subcontracting, and regulatory compliance. The completed forms must be emailed directly from the reference to christina.murray@usdoj.gov, with specific subject line formatting. This process ensures a thorough assessment of the firm's capabilities to perform as a DOJ Private Counsel.

This document outlines the technical proposal requirements for the U.S. Department of Justice's Private Counsel Debt Collection Program in the Central District of California (Solicitation No. 15JPSS25R00000080). It details the necessary components for vendor submissions, including a proposal checklist covering business data, offeror representations and certifications, administrative information, debt collection experience, attorney qualifications, and administrative office attributes. Key sections require vendors to provide specific information on their SAM registration, business size, various certifications (e.g., small business, veteran-owned, Buy American), and compliance with federal regulations regarding lobbying, child labor, and tax liability. The proposal also mandates detailed descriptions of the firm's debt collection experience, attorney credentials (including admission to federal and state courts, and good standing), office organization, debt collection processes, and capacity to handle increased case volumes. Writing samples and supporting documentation such as resumes and certificates are also required to demonstrate the firm's qualifications and capabilities.

This document outlines the past performance proposal requirements for the U.S. Department of Justice's Private Counsel Debt Collection Program in the Central District of California, under Solicitation No. 15JPSS25R00000080. Vendors must identify three client references for debt collection work performed in the last three years that is similar to the solicited services. Offerors are required to submit past performance questionnaires to these references, whose contact information must be verified. The Government will evaluate recency, relevancy, and quality of past performance, assigning a confidence assessment rating. The Government reserves the right to contact references and obtain information from other sources. Offerors without relevant past performance may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

The document is a price proposal for private counsel debt collection services in the Central District of California, identified by RFP number 15JPSS25R00000080. It outlines various cost components for different types of debt collection. For unsecured debt, it includes a contingency fee, attorney hourly rates, and paralegal/legal assistant hourly rates. Secured debt collection covers flat fees for foreclosures, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, eviction actions, and provides for reimbursement of ODCs/materials, along with firm-fixed hourly rates for attorneys and paralegals. Bankruptcy proceedings include a per-case fee, reimbursement for ODCs/materials, and firm-fixed hourly rates for attorneys and paralegals. The proposal also accounts for the reimbursement of ODCs/materials for returning cases and miscellaneous items, travel costs, and attorney firm-fixed hourly rates for miscellaneous ancillary activities. This comprehensive structure ensures all aspects of debt collection are covered with specific pricing mechanisms.

This government solicitation, 15JPSS25R00000080, outlines the requirements for private counsel debt collection services in the Central District of California. The contract, with a performance period of five years (11/01/2025 – 10/31/2030) and a potential six-month extension, combines fixed-price, labor-hour, and cost-reimbursement features, including a contingency fee component. It covers both unsecured and secured debt collection, as well as bankruptcy proceedings, with specific pricing structures for each. Key personnel, government-furnished property, and strict confidentiality, conflict of interest, and data security provisions are detailed. The document emphasizes compliance with federal regulations, ethical standards, and meticulous invoicing procedures, highlighting the government's commitment to efficient and secure debt recovery through professional legal services.

This government file outlines the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Statement of Work for private counsel debt collection in the Central District of California. It details the background of the Federal Debt Recovery Act (FDRA), its amendments, and the shift to using private counsel for delinquent debt collection. The scope of work includes comprehensive legal services for collecting secured and unsecured federal debts, including negotiation, settlement, litigation, and participation in bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings. The document specifies applicable statutes, regulations, and ethical standards, along with automation requirements for the Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) and electronic case filing (ECF). It also covers case referral procedures, contingency fee structures, guidelines for handling debtor payments, and detailed instructions for legal services related to secured debts (foreclosures), bankruptcy proceedings, and responses to significant legal questions. The file further addresses judgment enforcement, appeals, debtor disability or death, record-keeping, and case return/close-out procedures, emphasizing compliance and accountability for private counsel.

The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlines the government's method for evaluating the performance quality of private counsel debt collection services for the Central District of California. This plan details how the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will monitor the contractor's adherence to the Statement of Work (SOW) through various surveillance methods. These methods include demonstrations, inspections (random, stratified, periodic, and 100% inspections), and customer feedback. The QASP also establishes a Performance Requirements Summary, setting standards for the quality of litigation and collection services, schedule adherence, management and business relations, cost control, and regulatory compliance. The government's role is quality assurance, ensuring the contractor meets contract standards, while the contractor is responsible for quality control.

This document is a comprehensive list of acronyms frequently used within federal government operations, particularly relevant to RFPs, grants, and various administrative and legal processes. It defines terms related to contracting (e.g., ACO, CO, COR, CLIN), legal and debt collection (e.g., AUSA, CCLR, CDCS, DOJ, FDRA, USAO), information technology and security (e.g., e-QIP, ECF, FIPS, FISMA, JSRA, NIST), and general government administration (e.g., GAO, OMB, OPM). The list also includes acronyms pertaining to financial transactions (EFT), tax information (FTI, IRS), and personnel investigations (MBI, PTI). The document's purpose is to provide a quick reference for understanding specialized terminology in government contexts, ensuring clarity and consistency across official communications and documentation.

This government file details Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) for debt collection services, outlining compensation structures for various activities. CLIN 0001 covers unsecured debt collection, including contingency fees for collections and firm-fixed hourly rates for attorney and paralegal work on ancillary litigation issues, requiring prior written approval. CLIN 0002 addresses secured debt collection, specifying flat fees for foreclosures, deeds in lieu, evictions, and reimbursable Other Direct Costs (ODCs). It also includes firm-fixed hourly rates for attorney and paralegal ancillary litigation in secured debt cases, again requiring prior approval. CLIN 0003 focuses on bankruptcy proceedings, with flat fees for Chapter 11, 12, and 13 cases, reimbursable ODCs, and approved hourly rates for attorney and paralegal work on ancillary bankruptcy issues. CLIN 0004 covers ODCs for returning cases and miscellaneous costs, while CLIN 0005 details travel reimbursement for approved training and specific litigation/collection activities. Finally, CLIN 0006 outlines firm-fixed hourly rates for attorneys assisting with government-discretionary miscellaneous ancillary activities, such as manual completion, also subject to prior written approval. The document consistently emphasizes the need for prior written approval from the COR and/or AUSA for ancillary legal work compensated hourly, ensuring oversight of strategy, reasonableness of hours, and funding availability.

This U.S. Department of Justice Confidentiality Agreement for Contractor Employees outlines the strict rules for handling sensitive government data under Contract/Order No. 15JPSS. Employees must not reveal, disseminate, or remove any information without written permission from the Contracting Officer or Representative. These obligations remain even after employment ends. All government-furnished data, including derived copies, notes, and working papers, remain government property, and unexcused failure to surrender them or improper conversion of materials could violate 18 U.S.C. 641 (theft of Government property). The agreement also prohibits releasing work performance information to other clients without express permission. It emphasizes that these provisions align with existing statutes and Executive Orders regarding classified information, congressional communications, reporting to an Inspector General, and whistleblower protections. The agreement may be modified by the Government in specific circumstances or by valid court order.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Cybersecurity and Privacy Rules of Behavior (ROB) for General Users, Version 12, effective January 1, 2019, outlines the responsibilities of all personnel (employees, interns, contractors) with logical access to DOJ information systems and data. These rules are crucial for ensuring the security and privacy of DOJ information, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Users are required to acknowledge and comply with these rules, which cover general conduct, handling classified information, password management, hardware and software use, email etiquette, mobile computing, remote access, virtual conferencing, and foreign travel. Key responsibilities include safeguarding information, reporting security incidents, and adhering to strict PII collection, access, use, maintenance, and disclosure guidelines. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions, including termination or legal prosecution. The document emphasizes that users have no expectation of privacy on DOJ systems and that the government monitors communications for lawful purposes.

The Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) Rules of Behavior (ROB) for General Users outlines the mandatory security protocols and acceptable use policies for all individuals accessing Department of Justice (DOJ) IT systems, including employees, private counsel, and contractors. The document emphasizes user accountability for protecting sensitive information, particularly Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Federal Taxpayer Information, and details strict penalties for non-compliance, ranging from system access revocation to criminal prosecution. Key areas covered include reporting security incidents, safeguarding DOJ data, proper password management, hardware and software restrictions, and specific guidelines for travel, mobile, and remote access users. The ROB also establishes security rules for the CDCS itself, focusing on data integrity, availability, and specific responsibilities for managers and private counsel. Compliance is regularly reviewed through system logs and spot-checks.

U.S. Department of Justice Policy Statement 1400.03 outlines the contact information for its Private Counsel (PC) Offices, providing points of contact (POCs) for questions and comments. The document lists general email addresses, telephone numbers, and the physical address at Two Constitution Square in Washington, DC. While specific POC names, titles, and individual email addresses are marked as 'TBD' or redacted, the policy statement clearly establishes channels for inquiries related to the PC program, indicating a structured approach to communication within the Department of Justice regarding this policy.

This U.S. Department of Justice instruction (1400.03.01) outlines procedures for managing and monitoring debtor payments and refunds, specifically for civil TOP debts. It details how to manage debtor payments, review financial history, and process refunds. The document provides step-by-step instructions for reviewing if a refund has been processed, including navigation through the CDCS system. It also provides contact information for the CDCS Help Desk for assistance with refunds and for PC program Points of Contact (POCs) regarding questions or comments on the instruction itself. This instruction is essential for ensuring proper financial management and accountability within the Department of Justice.