A10_-_Experience_and_Capacity_Creosote.pdf

Request for Proposal

Solicitation No. BPM006852

Lobbyist

Arizona Department of Administration

State Procurement Office

Solicitation Attachment – Experience and Capacity Response | Revision No. 1 | Revised 11-22

Attachment 10 – Experience and Capacity Response

THE STATE MAY DETERMINE YOUR PROPOSAL NON-RESPONSIVE IF YOU DO NOT FULLY RESPOND.

The Offeror shall provide a narrative response to each section that demonstrates their understanding of the Scope of Work requirements and describes the company’s overall experience and capacity in providing the Services stated in this

Solicitation. If there is a section that is not applicable to the Services required by the Scope of Work, you may mark it “N/A”.

Offeror shall provide a response either after each section or in a separate document entitled: “Attachment -

Experience and Capacity Response.” If a separate document is used, please clearly designate each section and double-check to ensure that each question has been answered. If any information provided is considered

CONFIDENTIAL by Offeror, the information must be specifically included in the Confidential Information

Designation Attachment and related documentation to be assessed for confidential treatment under A.A.C. R2-7-

103.

1.0 Company Profile. The Offeror must include a narrative description of its organization. The narrative must include the following:

1.1 Brief overview of business operations, with an emphasis on experience in regards to the Scope of Work;

1.2 Location in which the Offeror is incorporated;

1.3 Address of “Main Office” (e.g. Corporate Headquarters and any satellite offices responsible for performance of proposed tasks;

1.4 Offeror's organizational chart relevant to the Contract, specifically identifying the key point of contact for all questions related to the submitted Offer;

1.5 Full disclosure of any potential conflict of interest between the Offeror and any State employee who functions or has responsibilities in the review or approval of the undertaking or carrying out of the Contract;

1.6 A Statement of whether, in the last five (5) years, the Offeror has filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or assignee for the benefit of creditors, and if so, an explanation providing relevant details and current status;

1.7 A Statement of whether there are any pending Securities Exchange Commission investigations involving the

Offeror, and if such are pending or in progress, an explanation providing relevant details and an attached opinion of counsel as to whether the pending investigation(s) may impair the Offeror’s performance in a Contract under this Solicitation;

1.8 A Statement documenting all open or pending litigation initiated by Offeror or where Offeror is a defendant or party in any litigation that may have a material impact on Offeror’s ability to deliver the contracted Services;

1.9 A Statement documenting all open or pending litigation initiated by Offeror or where Offeror is a defendant or party in any litigation with a public sector client;

1.10 Full disclosure of any public sector contracts terminated for cause or convenience in the past five (5) years;

1.11 Full disclosure of any criminal or civil offense;

1.12 Offeror shall provide evidence of any Arizona required business license to provide these Services; AND

1.13 Offeror shall provide copies of any professional or industry certifications that represent the Services detailed in this Solicitation.

Offeror Response:

1.1 Brief Overview of Business Operations

Creosote Partners is Arizona’s progressive lobbying, government relations, and legislative advocacy firm. We specialize in advancing policy agendas that center equity, democracy, and sustainability. Our core services include state legislative lobbying, coalition building, communications strategy, and strategic policy advising. Our team brings deep experience in shaping legislative outcomes across issue areas such as voting rights, public education, healthcare, environmental justice, and infrastructure. We have consistently delivered strategic counsel and advocacy support to nonprofit, philanthropic, and civic organizations since our founding.

1.2 Location of Incorporation

Creosote Partners is incorporated in the State of Arizona.

1.3 Main Office Address

734 W. Polk St.

Phoenix, AZ 85007

1.4 Organizational Chart & Key Contact

Creosote Partners operates with a flat organizational structure that centers collaboration and subject-matter expertise.

• Key Contact for This Contract: Hugo Polanco, Partner (hugo@creosote.partners)

• Project staffing will include senior-level lobbyists assigned based on the issue area and session needs. Organizational chart is available upon request.

1.5 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Creosote Partners affirms that no employee of the State of Arizona involved in contract approval, oversight, or administration has any financial interest or conflict of interest related to our firm.

1.6 Bankruptcy/Receivership Statement

Creosote Partners has not filed for bankruptcy nor had bankruptcy or receivership proceedings initiated against it in the past five years.

1.7 SEC Investigations

Creosote Partners is not and has not been the subject of any Securities and Exchange Commission investigations.

1.8 & 1.9 Litigation Disclosure

There is no current or pending litigation involving Creosote Partners that would materially impact our ability to deliver services under this Contract. There is no pending litigation involving public sector clients.

1.10 Public Sector Contract Termination

Creosote Partners has had no public sector contracts terminated for cause or convenience within the past five years.

1.11 Criminal or Civil Offense Disclosure

Creosote Partners has no record of any criminal or civil offenses.

1.12 Business License

As a professional services provider in Arizona, Creosote Partners is registered and in good standing with the Arizona Corporation

Commission. Any relevant business registration documentation can be provided upon request.

1.13 Professional Certifications

While no specific professional licensure is required for lobbying under Arizona law, all Creosote Partners team members who conduct lobbying are registered with the Arizona Secretary of State. Documentation of current registrations and ethics compliance can be provided as requested.

2.0 Company Experience

2.1 What market(s) are your current clients primarily in?

2.2 What experience do you have serving clients in business markets within the State of Arizona?

2.3 What is the range in size of your current clients?

2.4 Provide two (2) examples that exhibit your experience with Materials or Services for clients relevant to the Scope of Work? Provide supporting documentation as a separate attachment and title the document: “Attachment -

Company Experience”.

2.5 In the last five (5) years, did any of your clients cancel their contracts with your company? If “yes”, why? Please provide as much detail as possible.

2.6 With what relevant trade and/or professional associations are you involved? How does this participation give you an advantage over your competition?

Offeror Response:

2.1 Current Client Markets

Creosote Partners primarily serves nonprofit advocacy organizations, philanthropic institutions, and civic engagement groups. We also work with coalitions, issue campaigns, and aligned public-sector stakeholders.

2.2 Arizona Experience

We are Arizona-based and Arizona-focused. All of our current and past clients operate within Arizona, and we have longstanding relationships with stakeholders at the Arizona State Legislature, state agencies, and executive branch offices.

2.3 Client Size Range

Our clients range from national organizations with multi-million dollar budgets to emerging grassroots advocacy groups. We tailor our services to meet each client’s specific scope and resource level.

2.4 Relevant Experience Examples

• All Voting Is Local Action (2021–Present): Creosote Partners was engaged by All Voting Is Local Action to provide strategic lobbying and government relations consulting services consistent with request for proposal BPM006852.

• UnidosUS (2018–Present): Creosote Partners was engaged by UnidosUS to provide strategic lobbying and government relations consulting services consistent with request for proposal BPM006852.

• Rural Arizona Action (2023–Present): Creosote Partners was engaged by Rural Arizona Action to provide strategic lobbying and government relations consulting services consistent with request for proposal BPM006852.

2.5 Contract Cancellations

Creosote Partners has not had any clients cancel contracts within the past five years.

2.6 Professional Associations

We are active participants in Arizona-based civic coalitions and advocacy alliances. These networks allow us to maintain real-time situational awareness, coordinate messaging and strategy, and amplify our clients’ presence at the Capitol.

3.0 Financial/Accounting Information

Offeror must provide evidence of financial stability and capability to fund all costs associated with providing the relevant

Materials or Services throughout the term of the Contract. The latest two (2) years audited annual financial statements including total revenue, net income, and total assets must be submitted with the Offeror’s proposal. If audited financial data is unavailable, explain in full, the reason and provide the latest non-audited financial information including but not limited to balance sheet, income statement, as well as statements of cash flows, and change in financial position. Include information to attest to the accuracy of the information provided.

Offeror shall provide information regarding any irregularities that were discovered in any accounts maintained by the

Offeror on behalf of others. Describe the circumstances and disposition of the irregularities.

Offeror Response:

Creosote Partners is a fiscally sound and solvent firm. As a privately held small business, we do not produce audited financial statements. We are happy to provide further documentation if needed.

4.0 Certificates/Licenses

Submit copies of all applicable certificates and licenses that support Offeror’s ability to provide the proposed Materials or

Services. At a minimum, this shall include all certifications and licenses referenced in the Solicitation Attachment -

Organization Profile.

Offeror Response:

• Arizona Corporation Commission Business Registration (Active)

• Lobbyist Registration with the Arizona Secretary of State for all assigned staff (current)

• Insurance documentation included in Attachment A7 (Letter of Insurability)

Additional documents available upon request.