REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SALT LAKE COUNTY

Government Relations / Lobbying for Salt Lake County

RFP # MAY091726

Date of Issue: 09/17/2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 1: Overview and Instructions

1.1 Purpose of the Request for Proposals

1.2 Deadline for Proposal Submission

1.3 Projected Schedule for the RFP Process

1.4 Question Submission

Part 2: Scope of Work and Requirements

2.1 Background

2.2 Scope of Work

2.3 Length of Agreement

2.4 Fee and Escalation Clause

2.5 Insurance Requirements

2.6 Proposal Format / Submission Requirements

Part 3: Response Evaluation and Notice to Proposers

3.1 Evaluation and Scoring Criteria

3.2 Written Agreement Required

3.3 Notice to Proposers

EXHIBIT A –

ATTACHMENT A – Proposal Cover Summary ATTACHMENT B – Request for Protected Status ATTACHMENT C – Procurement Preference System ATTACHMENT D – Environmental Compliance Practices ATTACHMENT E – Example RFP Agreement

Part 1: Overview and Instructions

1.1 Purpose of the Request for Proposals “RFP”

Salt Lake County “County” is soliciting proposals from qualified firms “lobbyist/ Proposer” to perform lobbying services before the state legislature and other governmental entities as directed by the County Government. This service is needed to ensure the County’s positions and interests are effectively represented before the state legislature, governmental agencies or quasi-political agencies, and with other key elected and appointed officials at the state and local level.

The primary purpose will be to lobby the state legislature for the passage of bills and amendments favorable to the County and to lobby against bills and amendments contrary to the County. This may be a multiple award contract with several, qualified lobbyists.

1.2 Deadline for Proposal Submission

Proposals must be uploaded before 1:00 PM on October 8, 2026 in Contracts and Procurement online solicitation system, the Utah Public Procurement Place (U3P). No proposals will be accepted after the closing date and time.

1.3 Projected Schedule for the RFP Process

County reserves the right to modify the following schedule at its discretion:

Activity Date

Final day to submit questions September 29, 2026 Proposal Due Date October 8, 2026 Committee Meeting October 14, 2026 Anticipated Notice to Proceed November 1, 2026

1.4 Question Submission

Questions may be submitted through U3P until the deadline for questions submission which is September 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Answers to the questions will be posted in U3P for everyone to view. Do not contact County officers or employees, or selection committee members.

Part 2: Scope of Work and Requirements

2.1 Background

This RFP requires proposers to have a demonstrated ability to work with state legislators. A thorough understanding of the Utah State legislative process, administrative rules and procedures, an understanding of local government issues, both city and county, and the organization of Salt Lake County government is essential. Proposers must have a proven ability to work with elected officials in all areas of state government, with the ability to maintain relationships with various governmental and non-governmental organizations associated in the legislative process.

2.2 Scope of Work

The Lobbyist will represent Salt Lake County government throughout the year as the legislative process demands, with particular emphasis during the General, Special, and Interim sessions of the Utah State Legislature. In addition, the lobbyist may be asked to work on issues outside the legislative process, as needed.

Lobbyists awarded a contract under this RFP may be required to coordinate their lobbying services with other lobbying firms under contract with the County. Any cooperation and coordination of lobbying services will be at the direction and discretion of the County.

Tasks of this RFP include, but are not limited to, arranging for and meeting with key decision-makers in the legislative process to convey the positions of the Salt Lake County Mayor, Council and other Elected Officials as assigned by the County Legislative Team and to persuade these lawmakers to embrace the County’s positions to the furthest extent practical. This may include the utilization of contacts within the legislative process and negotiating alternatives acceptable to the County. All key policy decisions must be communicated and authorized by the County Legislative Team. In addition to tasks performed during the legislative process, the Lobbyist may be asked to provide representation on issues that arise with other entities.

Tasks will be assigned on an issue/project basis. At the sole discretion of the County, the County Legislative Team will assign the issue/project that the County desires the Lobbyist to lobby on behalf of the County.

Conflicts of interest on the part of the successful Lobbyist may exist resulting from representation of other clients. In submitting a proposal, the Lobbyist shall provide a list of all current clients.

Awarded Lobbyists shall disclose annually their current clients in accordance with County Ordinance 2.07.201(F) and agree to supplement such lists as needed.

2.3 Length of Agreement

The contracts resulting from this solicitation will become effective on the date of execution for a one-year period. The agreements may be renewed for five additional 1-year periods by written amendment.

There is no guarantee that contract(s) will be awarded from this solicitation.

2.4 Contract Award and Payment

Depending on the issues for each State Legislative session, the County may award multiple contracts.

The issues/projects assigned, and the contract amount will be determined as part of the contract negotiations with the awarded proposer(s). The timing of payment will also be specified in the awarded contracts. All costs and expenses incurred by Lobbyist shall be specified in the contract.

2.5 Insurance Requirements

Insurance will be required per the amounts listed below. Please refer to the attached example agreement for information concerning insurance requirements.

A. Workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance as required by the State of Utah.

B. Commercial general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence with a $1,000,000 general policy aggregate.

C. Professional liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 annual policy aggregate limit.

D. Commercial automobile liability insurance that provides coverage in the minimum amount of $100,000 per occurrence per person/ $300,000 per accident / $50,000 property damage OR single combined limit of $500,000.

2.6 Proposal Format / Submission Requirements

Submit proposals in the online solicitation system (U3P). All proposals should be formatted as three (3) separate PDFs: 1) Program Proposal; 2) Pricing Proposal; and 3) Supplemental Attachments (Optional). NO MORE THAN

THREE (3) SEPARATE DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED.

Proposers must submit a narrative response to the elements outlined in 3.1 Evaluation and Scoring Criteria and conform to the submission requirements listed below.

Proposals not following the Proposal Format/Submission Requirements outlined herein, may result in being deemed non-responsive.

1. Program Proposal (PDF #1):

A. Document #1 (Program Proposal) should begin with the completed

Attachment A Proposal Cover Summary (Required). Attachment A is not included in the page count.

a. Table of Contents should be included, organized in the same order as the Evaluation Criteria in Section 3.1 (not included in the page count).

b. Format should be 1) 8-1/2 X 11 size with white background 2) portrait layout only and 3) black 12-point font. Section headings may be in color and a larger font.

c. Title page and cover letters are not required but are acceptable and count toward the narrative page count.

B. The narrative response to the elements outlined in 3.1 Evaluation Scoring Criteria may not exceed 15-pages.

C. The Program Proposal should include within the PDF all exhibits (Resumes count toward the narrative limit, all other exhibits do not count toward the narrative limit).

D. The Program Proposal PDF with all attachments, exhibits, appendices, etc., is limited to 10 MB to allow for electronic distribution.

2. Pricing Proposal (PDF #2):

A. Excel in lieu of PDF documents are acceptable unless otherwise specified in the RFP.

3. Attachments (PDF #3) A. Attachments B, C, D, E (Optional)

1. If requesting protected record status complete Attachment B and upload a redacted program proposal.

• All documents submitted in response to this RFP will be treated as public records in accordance with GRAMA unless a claim of business confidentiality is submitted. Refer to Section 3.3.A.

• Failure to provide a redacted copy, or otherwise comply with the requirements, waives your request for protected record.

2. If requesting preferences, include the completed Attachment C and proof. Refer to Section 3.1.A.

3. Attachment D County’s Environmental Compliance Practices and Non-

Debarment Certification compliance. Proposers should attest to the Attachment D compliance statement in the U3P event Questions Section. Proposers are not required to submit a signed Attachment D.

4. If requesting alterations to Attachment E or the RFP per Section 3.2 of this RFP, include a PDF of items requested and reasonable alteration desired.

Part 3: Response Evaluation and Notice to Proposers

3.1 Evaluation and Scoring Criteria

Response to the program proposal will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by a Selection Committee. Each member of the committee will be provided a score sheet to complete the proposal evaluation utilizing the point system listed below. Committee Members individually score the proposals and rank them 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. according to their total score. The following point system is utilized:

Excellent (5): If the proposal offer exceeds expectations, with an excellent probability of success in achieving all requirements of the RFP, and is very detailed in providing innovative ideas, new concepts or optional features applicable to the project; a score of “5” is given.

Good (4): If the proposal offers a very good probability of success, achieves all requirements of the RFP in a reasonable fashion and provides some innovative ideas, new concepts or optional features applicable to the project; a score of “4” is given.

Acceptable (3): If the proposal offers a reasonable probability of success, but some of the requirements may not be met and does not include innovative ideas, new concepts or optional features applicable to the project; a score of “3” is given.

Poor (1-2): If the proposal falls short of expectations and has a low probability of success; a score of “1-2” is given.

Unacceptable: If the approach completely fails the requirements; a score of “0” is given.

Proposals will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by a Selection Committee utilizing the following criteria

30% Proposer’s Qualifications

1. Provide a brief description of Proposer’s firm.

2. Describe pertinent information regarding knowledge of Salt Lake

County government and its operations.

3. Describe Proposers proven ability to work with elected officials in all areas of state government, with the ability to maintain relationships with various governmental and non-governmental organizations associated in the legislative process.

4. Identify the type of business (corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, etc.) under which Proposer’s firm operates, date business started, and license number to do business in the State of Utah.

25% Relevant Experience The County may contact any or all of the Proposer’s clients for a reference.

1. Provide relevant experience for three similar contracts to include the following: name of client, contact person and current phone number, brief description of services, dates of services, and total contract amount.

25% Proposed Approach

1. Describe Proposer capability to deal effectively with the legislature to ensure the County’s needs are met. Be candid in describing your specific strengths and how those strengths may be unique from your competitors.

2. Describe how Proposer will use its strengths to represent the individual interests of the County without creating conflicts of interest.

3. Describe the “lessons learned” in a situation when you coordinated lobbying services with other lobbying firms under contract with the County.

4. Describe your communication plan to all key policy decisions. Include the plan to receive authorization from the County Legislative Team.

20% Conflicts of Interest

1. Identify existing clients, which may present conflicts of interest with Salt Lake County Government.

2. Describe how Proposer will resolve such conflicts and work without conflicts with Salt Lake County government.

A. Preference System Salt Lake County may adjust scoring pursuant to its Preference System established by ordinance and policy. Please complete Attachment C preference system and include the required proof of request.

B. Interview, Demonstration, and Site Visit.

The Selection Committee may invite Proposers for an interview, demonstration, or conduct a site visit. The purpose is clarification and verification of the written proposal. The Selection Committee may re-score the proposal after the interview, demonstration, or site visit.

C. Recommended Award After the Selection Committee has completed their evaluation, they will notify the County Mayor of the top-ranked Proposer. Award is conditioned upon the execution of a satisfactory contract.

D. Debrief Meetings Debrief meetings with the selection committee members will not be allowed, however, a Proposer may discuss the RFP process with the chair/facilitator of the committee at any time.

3.2 Written Agreement Required

The selected Proposer must agree to all requirements in the RFP scope of work.

The selected Proposer must also be willing to enter into a written agreement with County and agree to all the terms set forth in the Example Agreement, attached to this RFP.

If you wish to request alterations the RFP, including any of the terms of the example RFP Agreement (Attachment E), or any of the exhibits, attachments, or addenda, the alterations must be specifically identified in your proposal with reasonable alternatives presented. Any such exceptions must be submitted as a separate PDF and labeled “Requested Alterations.” Only those alterations so specified will be available for discussion or negotiation. Proposer understands that deviations from the Example Agreement are made at the County’s sole discretion.

Proposers are advised that the County is not bound by the terms of the RFP until a written agreement is fully executed and any activity taken on by the Proposer prior to full execution of a written agreement is done at the Proposer’s sole risk.

3.3 Notice to Proposers

By submitting a proposal to this RFP, Proposer understands and agrees to the following:

A. Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA):

County is a governmental entity subject to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (“GRAMA”), Utah Code Ann. §§ 63G-2-101 to -901. As a result, County is required to disclose certain information and materials to the public, upon request. Generally, any document submitted to County is considered a “public record” under GRAMA. Any person who provides to County a record that the person believes merits protection under subsection 63G-2-305(1) or (2) must submit with their proposal all of the following: (1) a written claim of business confidentiality, (2) a concise statement of reasons supporting the claim of business confidentiality, and (3) a separate copy of the proposal with the information requested to be protected redacted. Failure to comply with any of the three requirements for a claim of business confidentiality waives the request for protected record. Generally, GRAMA only protects against the disclosure of trade secrets or commercial information that could reasonably be expected to result in unfair competitive injury.

For your convenience, County has provided a Business Confidentiality Request Form which is attached to this RFP as Attachment B. All documents submitted in response to this RFP will be treated as public records in accordance with GRAMA, unless a claim of business confidentiality has been properly made and approved by County. All proposed costs/pricing/fees submitted to the county are public records. An entire proposal cannot be identified as “PROTECTED,” “CONFIDENTIAL,” or “PROPRIETARY” and may be considered non-responsive if marked as such.

B. Copyrighted Material Waiver: In the event that the proposal contains copyrighted or trademarked materials, by submitting its proposal the Proposer grants the County the right to use, reproduce, and publish the copyrighted or trademark materials in any manner the County deems necessary for conducting County business and for allowing public access to the responses under GRAMA or otherwise, including but not limited to photocopying, County Intranet/Internet postings, broadcast faxing, and direct mailing.

If the proposal contains materials whose copyright or trademark is held by a third party, it is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to obtain permission from that third party for the County to reproduce and publish the information.

By submitting its proposal, the Proposer certifies that it owns or it has obtained all necessary approvals for the reproduction or distribution of the contents of the proposal and agrees to indemnify, protect, save and hold the County, its representatives and employees harmless from any and all claims arising from all intellectual property claims related or connected to the proposal and agrees to pay all legal fees incurred by the County in the defense of any such action.

C. Restrictions On Communications: From the issue date of this solicitation until a Proposer is selected and the selection is announced, Proposers are prohibited from communications regarding this procurement with agency staff, evaluation committee members, or other associated individuals EXCEPT the Buyer overseeing this procurement. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification.

D. RFP Cancellation: This RFP may be cancelled at any time prior to the execution of a written agreement if deemed in the best interests of County.

This includes cancellation of the RFP after an award has been made, but prior to the execution of a written contract. Proposer is not entitled to recover any costs related to the preparation of the proposal due to cancellation of the RFP or withdrawal of an award prior to the execution of a written agreement.

E. Firm Pricing: All prices, quotes, or proposals are to remain firm for 120 days after the closing date, unless a different period is stated in County’s RFP. Any proposal that does not offer to remain firm for the required period may be considered to be non-responsive.

F. Costs: Proposers bears all costs and expenses related to this RFP including, but not limited to, preparation and delivery of the proposal, attending the pre-proposal conference, and attending the interview.

G. Licensing: All applicable federal, state, and local licenses must be acquired before the contract is entered into between County and the selected Proposer. Licenses must be maintained throughout the entire contract period. Persons doing business as an Individual, Association, Partnership, Corporation, or otherwise must be registered with the Utah State Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. NOTE: Forms and information on registration may be obtained by calling (801) 530-4849 or toll free at 877-526-3994, or by accessing: https://corporations.utah.gov/.

H. Changes or Modifications: Any changes or modification to the RFP will be made by written addendum. Proposer submitting a proposal based on any information other than that contained in County’s RFP and any amendments (addenda), do so at their own risk.

I. Receiving Proposals: Contracts and Procurement will administer receipt and opening of all proposals. After the closing time, only the identity of each Proposer will be made public. If only one proposal is received in response to County request, Contracts and Procurement, in coordination with the agency requesting the project, may recommend entering into a contract to the single Proposer if the conditions cited above are met.

Alternatively, Contracts and Procurement may re-solicit for the purpose of obtaining additional proposals.

https://corporations.utah.gov/

J. Rejection of Proposals: Any proposal containing significant deviations from the specifications of the RFP will be considered non-responsive and may be rejected in whole or in part.

K. Protests: Pursuant to Salt Lake County Code of Ordinances § 3.20.150, a protest in regard to the RFP document must be submitted in writing prior to the RFP closing date. All other protests must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days after notification of the award is posted on U3P. A protestor may file only one (1) protest after the RFP closing date.

Protest letters must specifically and completely state the facts that the protestor believes constitute error in the RFP document or the award.

L. Free and Competitive Selection: Any agreement or collusion among prospective Proposers to fix a price or limit competition will render the proposal void, and such conduct is unlawful and subject to criminal sanction. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer hereby certifies that no one in its firm or company has either directly or indirectly restrained free and competitive selection, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action unauthorized by County Purchasing Ordinances or applicable law.

M. Ethical Standards: Proposer represents that it has not: (a) provided an illegal gift to any County officer or employee, or former County officer or employee, or to any relative or business entity of a County officer or employee, or relative or business entity of a former County officer or employee; (b) retained any person to solicit or secure this contract upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee, other than bona fide employees of bona fide commercial agencies established for the purpose of securing business; (c) breached any of the ethical standards set forth in State statute or Salt Lake County Code of Ordinances § 2.07; or (d) knowingly influenced, and hereby promises that it will not knowingly influence, any County officer or employee or former County officer or employee to breach any of the ethical standards set forth in State statute or Salt Lake County ordinances.

N. Campaign Contributions: The Salt Lake County campaign finance disclosure ordinance limits campaign contributions by Proposers to County candidates. Salt Lake County Code of Ordinances § 2.72A.

Proposer acknowledges and understands those limitations on campaign contributions mean that any person, business, corporation or other entity that enters into a contract or is engaged in a contract with County is prohibited from making campaign contributions in excess of $100 to County candidates during the term of the contract and during a single election cycle as defined in the ordinance. Proposer further acknowledges that violation of those provisions governing campaign contributions may result in criminal sanctions as well as termination of this Agreement.

O. Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to attend meetings may be provided upon receipt of a request with two (2) working days’ notice. Please contact Contracts and Procurement at 385.468.0300. TTY users may call 711.

P. Environmentally Responsible Procurement Practices: County has implemented environmentally responsible procurement practices. Please refer to Attachment D.

Q. Notice to Retirees of Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”)

County is a URS “participating employer.” Entering into an agreement with County may affect a URS retiree’s retirement benefits including, but not limited to, cancellation of the retiree’s “retirement allowance” due to “reemployment” with a “participating employer” pursuant to Utah Code Ann. § 49-11-504 to -505. In addition, Proposer is required to notify County immediately if a retiree of URS is the Proposer; or an owner, operator, or principal of the Proposer. Proposer may refer the URS retiree to the URS Retirement Department at 801-366-7770 or 800-695-4877 for all questions about post-retirement employment regulations.

R. Employee Status Verification System Proposer shall register and participate in the Status Verification System before entering into a contract with County as required by Utah Code Ann.

§ 63G-12-302. The Status Verification System is an electronic system operated by the federal government, through which an authorized official of a state agency or a political subdivision of the state may inquire by exercise of authority delegated pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1373 to verify the citizenship or immigration status of an individual within the jurisdiction of the agency or political subdivision. Proposer is individually responsible for verifying the employment status of only new employees who work under Proposer’s supervision or direction and not those who work for another Proposer or subcontractor, except each Proposer or subcontractor who works under or for another Proposer shall certify to the main Proposer by affidavit that the Proposer or subcontractor has verified, through the Status Verification System, the employment status of each new employee of the respective Proposer or subcontractor. The Proposer shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Utah Code Ann. § 63G-12-302.

Proposer’s failure to comply with this requirement may result in the immediate termination of its contract with County.