County OKs one-year agreement with HP Defense LLC for drug-court defense counsel

Sedgwick County's Board of Bids and Contracts on July 2 approved a one-year service provider agreement with HP Defense LLC (named in the transcript as Scott B. Poor/HP Defense LLC) to supply defense counsel services for the county's drug court beginning July 1, 2026, with two one-year options to renew.

Laurie Gibbs, deputy director of adult programs, said the firm currently provides legal counsel for the drug-court program and described defense counsel's role: attorneys attend weekly court sessions, participate in staffing, and serve on the treatment team representing participants' legal interests. "They will go to court with the client every week... They are part of a treatment team that includes the district attorney's office, treatment providers, [and] the judge," Gibbs said. Purchasing staff noted the agreement requires compliance with confidentiality rules; the transcript cites 42 CFR part 2 and HIPAA privacy provisions (45 CFR parts 160, 162 and 164).

When a board member asked why the procurement is single-source, Arman Scraff, assistant county counselor, said the vendor currently provides services and standardization is needed to avoid disruptions; he added competitive procurement is possible if the board directs it. The motion to accept and execute the agreement passed by roll call: Tim Myers, Brandy Bailey, Philip DeBold and Corey Stokes voted yes.