Service of Process services

The vendor is required to provide service of process services shall include, but not be limited to, summons and complaints, affidavits, subpoenas, orders, petitions, writs, motions and other documents as requested.
- Services must be performed with due diligence, accuracy, and timeliness to ensure proper legal execution and documentation. Vendors are expected to adhere to the following requirements, which outline performance standards, documentation protocols, and operational responsibilities necessary to meet the County’s expectations. Services provided must meet all the following requirements:
1. Comply with all State, Federal and any other laws and regulations governing this type of service.
2. Be familiar with Service of Process statutes in order to have a clear understanding of service requirements and expectations.
3. All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license while operating a vehicle.
4. Provide an Affidavit of Service to include: Detailed attempts of service, fee charged, date, time, and address where service was completed. Affidavits must be notarized and include a list of the documents served. The county will send the Process Server(s) two Affidavits to use for service. The Process Server will be required to use the county's Affidavits of Service, unless other documents are mutually approved.
5. Make at least three (3) service attempts, one (1) of which shall be an evening, weekend, or early morning attempt, prior to returning un-served documents to the County department. For purposes of performance of this agreement, evening is defined as 6:30 p.m. CST to 9:30 p.m. CST, and early morning is defined as 5:00 a.m. CST to 8:00 a.m. CST. The process server shall contact the county if on the first attempt the adult resident claims the individual the county is attempting service on does not live at that location and continue to make at least 2 more attempts unless otherwise instructed otherwise by the county.
6. Attempt to serve all process with due diligence. Due diligence includes, but is not limited to, at least three (3) attempts. All non-service shall be documented and returned to the County department by
the due date.
7. Return the completed original Affidavit of Service(s) to the County department within five (5) days after the service and at least 3 days prior to the hearing in which the County is attempting service for. If service is accomplished within five (5) days or less from due date, the vendor shall fax or email a copy of the Affidavit(s) of Service to the County department the same day of service and mail the original to the County department. For purposes of performance of this agreement, "days" are deemed to be calendar days rather than business days.
8. Respond to urgent status requests by any County department within one (1) to two (2) days.
9. Provide same day service when requested for a fee as described in the bid cost.
10. The vendor may immediately contact the County department and return documents which have not been served with an explanation of the problem if the vendor determines that performing the requested service might endanger the vendor or vendor's personnel.
11. In the event a County department cancels a request for service of process prior to the vendor making a first attempt at service, documents shall be returned to the County department without charge. If one (1) or more attempts at service have been made at time of cancellation, the appropriate non-service fee shall be billed and paid.
12. Exercise independent judgment as to when it is appropriate to conduct on-site locate work in conjunction with attempted services. If service cannot be accomplished at the address provided, and the County department is unable to provide further information, the server will attempt to obtain a forwarding address or employment information from current residents, neighbors and/or apartment managers. If successful information is obtained through this activity, the vendor will follow through, attempting to secure service based on the information obtained. If such attempts prove to be unsuccessful, the server will return the documents to the County department for additional onsite locate activities. If extra efforts are made, they shall be clearly documented on the affidavit.
13. Be available to testify at any court hearing at no additional cost to the County department.
14. Maintain full and complete documentation and accounting records concerning all services performed that are compensable under this agreement and shall make such documents and records available to the county for inspection at any reasonable time. Vendor shall maintain such records for a period of two (2) years following completion of work.
15. Vendor employees and/or subcontractors shall be subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to the vendor under this contract agreement and the vendor shall be liable for employees’ and/or subcontractors' acts and/or omissions.
16. In the event of a change of law that reduces the time permitted for service of process, vendor agrees to serve documents as required under the new law. All other terms of the contract agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
17. Observe all applicable State and Federal laws pertaining to the handling and confidentiality of service materials and pertaining to service of process services.
18. Maintain and make available, at all times, to County or designated agent a list of servers employed, if any. List shall include all telephone numbers, cell phones numbers, pager numbers, e-mail addresses, and all other means of communication.

- Budgets approximately $28,000/year
- Contract Period/Term: 2years
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: March 9, 2026