Housing Court Litigation Services

SOLICITATION: Request for Proposals — Housing Court Litigation Services

ISSUING ENTITY: Chelsea Housing Authority (CHA), 54 Locke Street, Chelsea, MA 02150

OVERVIEW: The Chelsea Housing Authority is seeking proposals from qualified Massachusetts-licensed law firms to provide housing court litigation and related legal services on an as-needed basis. Services include summary process actions, evictions, reasonable accommodation responses, advisory opinions, grievances, and related representation in the Chelsea District Court, Eastern Division of the Housing Court, and other forums as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least five (5) years of experience in public law matters including litigation in state and/or federal courts; documented experience with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD); demonstrated ability to respond promptly to emergency court actions; references required.

KEY DATES: RFP available May 11, 2026. Written questions due May 19, 2026. Sealed proposals due May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Anticipated services start date July 1, 2026.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP: Email yvelazquez@chelseaha.com to request the RFP package, or visit the CHA at 54 Locke Street, Chelsea, MA 02150 beginning May 11, 2026. The full RFP is also available at chelseaha.com.

SUBMISSION: Two (2) hard copies of the proposal must be received in two separate sealed envelopes (technical proposal and fee proposal) by mail or hand delivery to Yolanda Velazquez, Deputy Director, Chelsea Housing Authority, 54 Locke Street, Chelsea, MA 02150, no later than Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Electronic submission is not accepted. Late proposals will not be accepted.

EVALUATION: Proposals will be evaluated by a CHA selection committee using a Highly Advantageous / Advantageous / Non-Advantageous rating system based on qualifications, service plan, references, and demonstrated ability to respond to emergency matters. Fee proposals will be opened only for proposers passing the technical review. Award is at the sole discretion of the CHA, subject to approval by the Board of Commissioners.

RESERVATIONS: The CHA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive minor informalities, and to award the contract in the manner deemed to be in the best interest of the CHA.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The CHA encourages proposals from MBE, WBE, and SDVOSB firms certified by the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office.

CONTACT: All inquiries must be submitted in writing to Yolanda Velazquez, Deputy Director, at yvelazquez@chelseaha.com no later than May 19, 2026.