22-15 RFP - State and Federal Lobbyist

City of Mercer Island

State and Federal Lobbyist 

Request for Proposals (RFP) # 22-15

Date of Release: April 22, 2022

RFP Submissions Due: Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 5:00 pm PST

Contact: Amanda Keverkamp, City Manager’s Office | amanda.keverkamp@mercerisland.gov 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City of Mercer Island, Washington invites proposals from qualified consultants experienced in state and federal legislative and regulatory operations who are interested in providing professional lobbyist services to further the City’s legislative goals and priorities. The selected consultant will work with the City to develop its 2023 and 2024 legislative priorities and work with legislators as well as agency and department staff to advance the City’s legislative priorities in Olympia and Washington, D.C., monitor the state’s appropriations cycles and grant deadlines, and other appropriate state and federal activities.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

• Assist in the development of legislative priorities for the City of Mercer Island.
• Develop and implement strategies to successfully promote the City’s legislative priorities.
• Represent the City’s legislative objectives to members of the Washington State Legislature and appropriate legislative committees, the Governor’s Office, state agencies, and legislative staff as well as appropriate federal representatives and appropriate committees, and federal agencies.
• Monitor State and Federal legislation, legislative committees, state and federal agencies, rulemaking, and the activities of appropriate interest groups which pertain to the stated City interests, goals, and objectives.
• Recommend appropriate City action regarding pertinent legislation.
• Identify opportunities for City staff and elected officials to testify before legislative committees and subcommittees with respect to proposed legislation; communicate such opportunities to the City Manager or designee in a timely manner; assist in preparation of testimony to be given; and as requested, testify on behalf of the City.
• Attend meetings of the City Council and City staff, as may be requested by the City Manager, or designee in order to brief City officials on legislative activities.
• Monitor and track congress and the federal government for policy issues and funding opportunities for the City of Mercer Island.
• Provide written and oral reports to the City Manager and City Council, as mutually agreed upon, in order to inform the City regarding the status of pertinent legislation and of the lobbying activity/efforts of the Consultant.
• Testify and/or sign-in on behalf of the City on legislation of interest. Additionally, coordinate talking points and strategies for Councilmembers to testify at hearings.
• Comply with all Public Disclosure Commission requirements for lobbying.
• Provide support on City efforts and initiatives beyond the legislative session to position the City to advance its objectives.

Submittals must be received by 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Submit package of materials to citymanager@mercerisland.gov with title: State and Federal Lobbyist. For more information, click here for the full RFP.

Andrea Larson, City Clerk
Published: April 28, 2022 Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce