State_Legislative_Advocacy_Services.pdf

County of San Mateo

Request for Proposals (RFP) for State Legislative Advocacy

Services

County Executive's Office

RFP No. 2027-RFP-00130

RFP Contact: Connie Juarez-Diroll cjuarez-diroll@smcgov.org

1. Introduction and Schedule

The County of San Mateo (the “County” or “SMC”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 square miles and is home to nearly 800,000 residents and 20 incorporated cities. The

County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education and transportation. The County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare, and natural resources of the community.

1.1. Summary

The County seeks an experienced legislative advocacy consultant(s)/firm (s) to provide strategic advocacy in support of the County’s state legislative agenda. This request for proposals invites all interested, qualified firms to submit professional services proposals to represent the County in state-level legislative and initiative matters identified by the County Executive team and Board of Supervisors.

1.2. Contact Information

Connie Juarez-Diroll Chief Legislative Officer Email: cjuarez-diroll@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 599-1341

Department:

County Executive's Office

Department Head:

Michael Callagy County Executive

1.3. Timeline

RFP Released October 1, 2026

Deadline for Questions and Comments October 16, 2026, 12:00pm

Question Response Deadline October 22, 2026, 3:00pm

Proposal Due Date and Time October 29, 2026, 3:00pm

Notification to Selected Interview

Candidates

November 9, 2026

Interviews (tentative) December 7, 2026 mailto:cjuarez-diroll@smcgov.org tel:(650)599-1341

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Anticipated Contract Award Date January 12, 2027

2. Scope of Work

2.1. State Legislative Advocacy Services

State legislative advocate lobbyist services will proactively provide counsel and assistance on multiple

County initiatives, including but not limited to the following: Strategy, monitoring and analysis, platform and program development, and meetings with the County Chief Executive Officer, Board of Supervisors, and designated Intergovernmental and Public Affairs (IGPA) team to assist in advancing the County’s legislative priorities.

1. Core Legislative Monitoring and Analysis

A. Continuously monitor, identify, analyze, and track all introduced, amended, and pending state legislation, budget trailer bills, and administrative/regulatory actions relevant to the agency's adopted legislative platform and policy priorities.

B. Provide updates on bills and regulations that may have impacts on the County's operations, programs, and services.

C. Monitor, report, and advise on the activities of the Legislature, the Executive Branch, State departments and agencies, State regulatory bodies, and other officials.

D. Maintain working knowledge of the state and federal laws and regulatory frameworks most relevant to the County’s operations (e.g., the in-lieu Vehicle License Fees (VLF) shortfall, Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds (ERAF), land-use and housing law, H.R. 1, and other policy areas specific to the County’s adopted policy priorities).

E. Track and report monthly on emerging issues and opportunities not yet reflected in the agency's adopted legislative platform.

2. Legislative Platform and Program Development

F. Advise County executive staff on the annual development or update of the County’s state legislative platform and program, including annual meetings with County departments and

County Supervisors, as requested by IGPA staff.

G. Recommend an annual government relations strategy and a list of state funding priorities consistent with the platform.

3. Direct Advocacy and Representation

H. Serve as the County’s primary advocate before the State Legislature, the Governor's Office, state agencies, and (where applicable) other officials.

I. Attend and monitor relevant legislative and budget committee hearings, providing oral testimony on high-priority bills as needed.

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J. Draft, coordinate, and submit formal position letters to legislative committees and the Governor's

Office, as requested.

K. For County-sponsored legislative proposals, work with County staff to draft bill language, identify and secure an author/sponsor, and develop and execute a strategy to advance the proposal through the legislative process to the Governor for signature.

L. Help to negotiate amendments sought by the County; actively work against advancement of opposed measures; and support advancement of measures the County supports.

M. Provide logistical support to arrange staff appointments and meetings with legislators and state agency staff, including organizing a minimum of two in-person or virtual delegation meetings per legislative session.

4. Relationship Management and Coalition Building

N. Develop and maintain positive, effective working relationships with the County’s legislative delegation and staff, relevant legislative committees, the Governor's/Executive Branch staff, and key state agency contacts (e.g., HCD, the Department of Finance, and other agencies relevant to the County’s priorities).

O. Coordinate and cooperate with statewide associations, including the California State Association of Counties, the Urban Counties of California, through regular participation in these associations’ caucus meetings, annual legislative conferences, and key staff meetings to build coalitions that advance the County’s interests.

5. Funding, Grants, and Budget Advocacy

P. Identify state programs, competitive grants, and earmark/member-request opportunities available to fund County projects, programs, and services.

Q. Advocate for the County’s funding requests through the state budget process, including member/earmark requests, and assist the agency in pursuing niche or specialized funding streams tied to the County’s specific capital or infrastructure needs (e.g., coastal resiliency, water quality infrastructure, transportation, or similar capital priorities).

6. Reporting and Communication

R. Provide monthly written reports detailing pending state legislation, budget issues, and regulatory developments of concern to the County; actions taken on the County’s behalf; expected future action; and recommended next steps.

S. Provide weekly email updates on upcoming committee hearings and other relevant developments during active legislative session periods, and high-priority bill/issue alerts within 24–48 hours of a significant development.

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T. Participate in regular (at minimum monthly, or bi-weekly during active session) coordination calls or meetings with the IGPA staff to review the legislative calendar and strategy.

U. Provide an annual end-of-session report summarizing the completed legislative year, including budget actions, major legislative activity, and results of the agency's legislative requests, along with a forecast of issues expected in the upcoming session.

V. Present legislative updates, priorities, and strategy to the Board of Supervisors at least twice annually, or as needed/upon request.

W. Provide training to agency staff, upon request, on the state legislative and budget process.

7. Compliance, Registration, and Administration

X. Prepare and file all applicable lobbying registration documents and reports with the Secretary of

State and/or Fair Political Practices Commission within all statutory deadlines and promptly notify the agency of any changes affecting the engagement.

Y. Comply with all applicable conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, including Statement of

Economic Interests (Form 700) filings, and disclose any political contributions subject to the

Levine Act or equivalent local requirements.

Z. Provide an initial list of current clients at the start of the engagement and promptly notify the agency of any changes to that list, including new clients whose interests may conflict with the

County’s.

AA. If subcontractors are used to perform any portion of the work, submit the proposed subcontractor(s) for the agency's review and approval in advance, and remain responsible for managing and coordinating their performance.

BB. Notify the County in advance of any changes in the key personnel assigned to the account and maintain back-up staffing arrangements sufficient to ensure continuity of service in the event a primary team member is unavailable.

8. Key Issues

The County seeks a full-service Legislative Advocate with county policy experience in the following areas:

A. Health and Human Services

B. Government Finance, including VLF and ERAF

C. Public Safety, including emergency services

D. Public Works and Planning and Building

E. Child Support Services

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F. Early childhood education and care

G. Housing, land use and homelessness

H. Natural Resources, Sustainability, including sea-level rise

I. Coastal and fire resiliency

J. Information Services, including broadband

K. State Budget

9. Deliverables Summary

The table below consolidates the recurring deliverables described above into a single reference summary.

Specific frequencies may be adjusted by mutual agreement based on legislative-session activity and the agency's needs.

Deliverable Minimum Frequency

Written legislative/regulatory update Monthly

High-priority bill/issue alerts As needed (within 24–48 hours)

Position letters As requested for committee/floor action

Standing coordination call with County staff Monthly (or bi-weekly during active session)

Board presentation on legislative priorities and outlook

At least twice annually or as requested by IGPA staff

End-of-session summary report Annually (September/October)

Annual legislative platform/program development support

Annually, ahead of each legislative session

In-person meetings with delegation and/or

County staff

Minimum two (2) per year, or as needed

Form 700 / lobbying registration filings Per statutory deadlines (initial, annual, and upon termination)

3. Submission Requirements

3.1. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be electronically received by 3:00 pm, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, via eProcurement system.

Allow sufficient time for the upload to be completed by the Due Date and Time. Partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. The eProcurement system submission time will

Page 7 of 18 Release date of October 1, 2026 be the official submission time. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to slow internet connections or for any other failure of the eProcurement system.

NOTE: The County does not maintain the eProcurement system and is not liable for site failures or technical problems. To resolve technical issues, contact OpenGov Technical Support by using the real time chat located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

3.2. Pre-submission Registration

Organizations or individuals interested in responding to this solicitation must register online with the

County of San Mateo at:

• https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

It is recommended that organizations complete this registration as soon as possible. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to a failure to register with the eProcurement system.

3.3. Submission via eProcurement Portal

Required Documents

Please refer to the Technical Proposal section for submittal documents and requirements.

Electronic Submissions

Include the proposer's name and the RFP title and number in each filename. Submit proposals via the eProcurement website, allowing sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. As noted above, the eProcurement portal submission time will be the official submission time, and partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. Contact eProcurement Portal with technical questions regarding this site.

Conflicts between Certain Requirements

Prior to the submission deadlines and solely relating to a determination of the timeliness of questions, comments, and proposal submissions, information displayed on the eProcurement portal site will take precedence in the event of a discrepancy between that information and the information within the solicitation documents. For all other discrepancies, the information in the solicitation documents will take precedence.

Format

Documents should be created in the following format:

• Text should be Times New Roman (12-point minimum font size) and unjustified (i.e., with a ragged-right margin)

• Pages should have margins of at least one inch on all sides (excluding headers and footers) mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov/projects/306155/document?section=2938394

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• If the proposal is lengthy, a Table of Contents should be included.

• PDF format is preferred.

Errors in Proposals

The County will not be liable for any errors in proposals. Proposals may be rejected as unresponsive if they are late, incomplete, missing pages or information, or cannot be opened for any reason. The County may waive minor irregularities, but such waivers will not modify any remaining RFP requirements.

3.4. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

The County of San Mateo has adopted a Procurement Preference for Local Businesses Ordinance (County

Ord. Code Ch. 2.89.) The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote a strong local economy by giving preference to local businesses, local non-profits, local small and micro businesses, and local small and micro non-profits in County procurements, to an extent consistent with the law and interests of the public. The County’s process for applying local preferences to competitive procurements is set forth in

County Ordinance Code Section 2.89.030. The Ordinance and exemptions (e.g. the ordinance will be exempt when all bids or proposals received are from Non-Profit Organizations) can be reviewed here:

Chapter 2.89 - PROCUREMENT PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES | Code of Ordinances |

San Mateo County, CA | Municode Library

The requirements for bidders to establish eligibility for a local preference for this solicitation are detailed below in Section III (Submission Requirements) The Ordinance does not apply if a procurement is determined to be exempt (County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.050), and the County reserves the right to waive application of the Ordinance to this procurement if determined to be in the best interests of the County

(County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.060).

4. Minimum Qualifications, Local Preference Ordinance, and Technical Proposal

4.1. Minimum Qualifications

4.1.1. Has Proposer has been providing similar services for a minimum of four (4) years within the last seven (7) years? *

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.2. Account manager has a minimum of two (2) years of experience within the last five (5) years in providing account services? *

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.3. Please confirm your firm is registered with System for Award Management (SAM) *

SAM.gov

☐ Please confirm https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://sam.gov/content/home

Page 9 of 18 Release date of October 1, 2026

*Response required

4.1.4. What is the registered Business Name and Unique Entity ID (UEI) No.? *

• UEI number can be obtained by registering your business through SAM.GOV

• Should you be in the process of obtaining your UEI number, please enter the digits ‘123’ temporarily for your response below to proceed with proposal. This temporary number should be replaced with the correct registration number for submission of the proposal.

*Response required

4.2. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

4.2.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Business” means any for-profit business which has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo

County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave it blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.2. Is the Proposer a Non-Profit? *

A non-Profit is defined as a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

4.2.3. Is the Proposer a "Local Non-Profit"

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Non-Profit" means a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes, and has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave it blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.4. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Business?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/a16ffdc0-a0ee-44ca-b6de-1fddd010042f_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/80d29c2f-acda-4b87-837e-cb4ead1fb303_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

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“Small Business” means any business which holds a Small Business Certification awarded by the

California Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS).

“Micro Business” means any Small Business certified by the OSDS which is automatically designated by the OSDS as a Micro Business due to gross annual receipts falling below the OSDS-designated dollar amount.

If the above designations apply, please provide the OSDS provided Certification ID.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave it blank.

4.2.5. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Non-Profit?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

“Small non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

“Micro non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of less than $1,000,000, according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

If the above designations apply, please provide your latest filed IRS form 990. A filing from the last two calendar years is acceptable.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave it blank.

4.3. Technical Proposal

4.3.1. Introduction and Executive Summary *

Submit a letter of introduction and executive summary of the proposal. The letter must contain:

• Name, title and contact information (email, phone, and address) for representative of proposer that is responsible for communication related to this RFP.

• Name, title, contact information, and signature of person authorized to obligate firm to perform the commitment contained in the proposal.

Submission of the letter will constitute a representation by proposer that it is willing and able to fulfil the commitments contained in the proposal and has not violated the terms of this RFP.

*Response required

4.3.2. Statement of Minimum Qualifications *

Describe how the proposer meets the minimum qualifications as set forth in Minimum Qualifications of this RFP.

Submission of the Minimum Qualifications checklist is not a substitute for providing a detailed written response.

*Response required

4.3.3. Project Approach *

This section should correlate to the Scope of Work. Proposer should give a short summary describing how it will perform the relevant work.

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*Response required

4.3.4. Scope of Work tasks/milestones *

Describe your proposed approach to tasks/milestones.

*Response required

4.3.5. Proposed schedule *

Attach proposed schedule reference ability to complete the project within the County's required time frame.

*Response required

4.3.6. Innovations *

Refence for any notable innovations or improvements that you expect to provide (with respect to, for example, efficiency, technology, sustainability).

*Response required

4.3.7. Performance Measures *

Describe a plan for achieving performance measures.

*Response required

4.3.8. Firm Qualifications *

Attach information regarding background and qualifications, including the following:

• A brief description of the proposer.

• A description of not more than three (3) projects similar in size and scope conducted by the proposer, including the client, reference and telephone numbers, primary staff members involved, budget, schedule, and project summary. Descriptions should be limited to one (1) page for each project.

• If subcontractors are anticipated, identify them (if known) and provide information on how they will be used.

*Response required

4.3.9. Team Qualifications *

Provide a chart identifying:

• Project team and reporting structure

• Lead project manager

• Role each person will play in the project

Provide a brief description of the experience and qualifications of the project team members, including short resumes if desired.

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Written assurance that the key individuals listed and identified will be performing the work and will not be substituted or reassigned without the County’s prior approval

*Response required

4.3.10. References *

Provide 3 references for each of the following, including the name, address, and telephone number of recent clients (preferably other public agencies):

*Response required

4.3.11. Fee Proposal *

The Fee Proposal should be submitted as a separate PDF file from the Technical Proposals detailed in

Required Documents.

The County reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer and to reject any proposals that are not responsive to this request.

*Response required

5. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

The proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee with relevant expertise. The County intends to evaluate the proposals generally in accordance with the criteria itemized below. Proposers with the highest scoring proposals may be interviewed by the committee to make the final selection.

5.1. Phase 1

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Project Approach Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

2. Firm Qualifications Points Based 25 (25% of Total)

3. Team Qualifications Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

4. Price Points Based 25 (25% of Total)

5.2. Phase 2

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

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1. Preferential Points

Where price is not the sole evaluation factor for a solicitation (e.g., in the case of a "best-value" solicitation), five percent (5%) of the total evaluation points otherwise awardable will be added to the proposal score for each Local

Business or Local Non-Profit score for evaluation purposes. In the event of a tie between a Local Business or Local Non-Profit and another bidder, the Local Business or Non-

Profit shall be awarded the Contract, assuming agreement on other contract terms.

An additional three percent (3%) preference shall be given to a Local Business or Local

Non-profit (for a total of eight percent (8%) of total points otherwise awardable) if the proposer is a Small Business or Small Non-

Profit, or an additional 5 percent preference (for a total of ten percent (10%) of total points otherwise awardable) if the proposer is a Micro

Business or Micro Non-Profit.

Points Based 10 (100% of Total)

6. Instructions to Proposers

6.1. Instructions

There will be no pre-proposal conference or site visit for this project.

6.2. Communications

A. As of the issuance date of this RFP and continuing until it is canceled or an award is made, no proposer or person acting on behalf of a prospective proposer may discuss any matter relating to the RFP with any officer, agent, or employee of the County, other than through eProcurement portal, to the Authorized Contact Person, or as outlined in the evaluation or protest procedures.

B. Proposers (including any agent, owner, employee, board members, or other such affiliates) shall not offer any gift, favor, or other personal benefit to any County officer or employee during the procurement process for this agreement, including during the solicitation period and contract negotiations.

Violation of the foregoing prohibitions may result in a proposer being found non-responsible and barred from participating in this or future procurements.

6.3. Contract Award

A. Award Procedure

Contract negotiations are neither an offer no guarantee that a contract will be executed. A contract award, if any is made, will be to the responsive, responsible proposer offering the overall best value to the County for the services and goods described in this solicitation, or as applicable, for a specific portion of the services and goods described. Any agreement reached will be

Page 14 of 18 Release date of October 1, 2026 memorialized in a formal agreement using the attached template, executed by the appropriate authority.

B. Notice of Intent to Award

If a decision is made to take steps to enter into an agreement with one or more proposers, the

County will post a Notice of Intent to Award or otherwise notify proposers the remaining proposers of their non-selection. Notice may instead be provided by including approval of the agreement as an item on an agenda for a meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

C. Commencement of Performance

After all parties have signed the agreement, the County will notify the contractor and performance may proceed. Prior to execution of the agreement by the County, no County employee may authorize work under the agreement. Any work performed prior to the full execution of the Agreement may not be compensated.

D. Levine Act Disclosure

The Levine Act (California Government Code Section 84308) imposes certain requirements on parties contracting with the County of San Mateo related to campaign contributions to County

“officers,” including elected County officers and candidates seeking elective office, who may participate in deciding on certain County contracts. Elected County officers in San Mateo County include: the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, County

Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Tax Collector-Treasurer.

Generally, under current County policy, approval by the Board of Supervisors is required for any agreement for services above $200,000, and agreements for services below that threshold may be approved by Department heads.

If your proposal is selected, you will be required to certify compliance with the Levine Act.

As part of this process, you will need to certify and warrant that you have fully complied, and will remain in full compliance, with all applicable requirements of the Levine Act in connection with the Agreement, including making any required disclosures of campaign contributions to County

Officers, which includes but may not be limited to elected County Officers. Elected County

Officers include members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, as well as the Assessor-

County Clerk-Recorder, Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Tax Collector-

Treasurer. Any campaign contribution required to be disclosed under the Levine Act in connection with this Agreement shall be disclosed on the County of San Mateo Levine Act Disclosure Form, a copy of which is available from the County upon request.

Parties are solely responsible for accurate certification and disclosure. The Levine Act is complex, and this brief description is not legal advice. For example, certain contributions must be aggregated when determining whether contributions have exceeded the $500 threshold. If your proposal is selected, you are urged to review the Levine Act and consider consulting an attorney.

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6.4. Term

County Executive's Office is issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2027-RFP-00130 for State

Legislative Advocacy Services.

The agreement shall have a term of two (2) years. In addition, the County shall have one (1) option to extend the term for an additional period not to exceed one year, which the County may exercise in its sole, absolute discretion. To exercise this option, the County shall provide written notice to the Contractor at least thirty days before the end of the agreement term.

The County’s standard contract template has been included with this solicitation. The awarded contractor will be expected to sign an agreement prepared by the County using this template. Please ensure that your firm has completed legal review of these contract terms. If your firm wishes to request exceptions to these standard terms, submit a Contract Exceptions Request by the Deadline for Questions, Comments and

Contract Exceptions listed in the Solicitation Schedule below. The County will consider Contract

Exceptions Requests but reserves the right to reject requested modifications to its standard terms.

7. Terms and Conditions for Receipt of Proposals

7.1. Errors, Omissions and Inquiries regarding the RFP

Proposers are responsible for reviewing all portions of this RFP. Proposers are to notify the department, in eProcurement portal, if the proposer discovers any ambiguity, discrepancy, omission, or apparent error in the RFP. Such notification should be made promptly after discovery, but in no event later than five business days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals. Modifications and clarifications will be made by addenda as provided below.

Inquiries regarding the RFP should be lodged in eProcurement portal.

7.2. Objections to RFP Terms

Should a proposer object on any ground to any provision or legal requirement set forth in this RFP, the proposer must, not more than ten calendar days after the RFP is issued, provide written notice to the department, via eProcurement portal, setting forth with specific grounds for the objection.

7.3. Addenda

The County may cancel, revise, or reissue this RFP, in whole or in part, for any reason. Revisions will be posted as Addenda on eProcurement portal. No other revision of this RFP is valid. Proposers shall be responsible for ensuring that their proposals reflect all Addenda issued by the County prior to the proposal due date regardless of when a proposal is submitted. Therefore, the County recommends that proposers consult eProcurement portal frequently, including shortly before the proposal due date, to confirm that all Addenda have been downloaded.

7.4. Term of Proposal

Submission of a proposal signifies that the proposed services and prices are valid for the duration of the proposed agreement term and that the quoted prices are genuine and not the result of collusion or any other anti-competitive activity.

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7.5. Revision or Withdrawal of Proposal

A proposer may revise a proposal on the proposer’s own initiative at any time before the deadline for submission of proposals. The proposer must submit the revised proposal in the same manner as the original on or before the proposal due date.

A proposer may withdraw a proposal at any time before the deadline for submission of proposals. After that time, whether or not a new RFP is issued for the same subject matter, withdrawal of a proposal may preclude the proposer from participating in the procurement as a proposer or subcontractor, except that an original equipment manufacturer may participate indirectly through a reseller.

7.6. Errors and Omissions in Proposal

The County will not be liable for any errors in proposals. Proposals may be rejected as unresponsive if they are incomplete, are missing pages or information, or cannot be opened for any reason. The County may waive minor irregularities, but such waivers will not modify any of the remaining RFP requirements.

7.7. No Commitment

Neither submission of a proposal nor the County’s receipt of proposal materials confers any right to the proposer nor any obligation on the County. This RFP does not commit the County to award a contract.

7.8. Financial Responsibility

The County shall have no financial responsibility for any costs incurred by a firm in responding to this

RFP or participating in any presentations or negotiations.

7.9. Estimated Quantity

If the RFP results in an indefinite quantity or a requirements agreement, the goods and services actually requested by the County may be less than the maximum value of the agreement and there is no guarantee, either expressed or implied, as to the actual quantity of goods and services that will be authorized under the agreement.

7.10. Public Record

A. General

1. All proposals, protests, and information submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the County and will be considered public records. As such, they may be subject to public review.

2. Any contract arising from this RFP will be a public record.

3. The County does not seek proprietary information and will not assert any privileges that may exist on behalf of the proposer.

4. Submission of any materials in response to this RFP constitutes:

▪ Consent to the County’s release of such materials under the Public Records Act without notice to the person or entity submitting the materials; and

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▪ Waiver of all claims against the County and/or its officers, agents, or employees that the

County has violated a proposer's right to privacy, disclosed trade secrets, or caused any damage by allowing the proposal or materials to be inspected; and

▪ Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the County for release of such information under the Public Records Act; and

▪ Acknowledgement that the County will not assert any privileges that may exist on behalf of the person or entity submitting the materials.

7.11. Reservations of Rights by the County

The issuance of this RFP does not constitute an agreement by the County that any contract will be entered into by the County. The County expressly reserves the right at any time to:

• Waive or correct any defect or informality in any response, proposal, or proposal procedure;

• Reject any or all proposals;

• Reissue an RFP;

• Prior to submission deadline for proposals, modify all or any portion of the selection procedures, including deadlines for accepting responses, the specifications or requirements for any materials, equipment or services to be provided under this RFP, or the requirements for contents or format of the proposals;

• Procure any materials, equipment or services specified in this RFP by any other means; or

• Determine that no project will be pursued.

7.12. No Waiver

No waiver by the County of any provision of this RFP shall be implied from any failure by the County to recognize or act on account of any failure by a proposer to observe any provision of this RFP.

7.13. Cooperative Agreement (Piggyback)

This competitive solicitation is being conducted as a Cooperative Procurement. The services, terms and conditions of any agreement resulting from this solicitation may be used by other organizations as a

Cooperative Agreement.

This provision in no way commits any affiliate to procure services from any awarded contractor, nor does it guarantee that any additional orders will result. At their discretion, and subject to their own procurement policies, interested organizations may make use of this competitive procurement and contract directly from the awarded contractor.

8. Protest Procedures

Page 18 of 18 Release date of October 1, 2026

8.1. Protest of Non-Responsiveness Determination

Within five (5) working days of the County's issuance of a notice of non-responsiveness, any firm that has submitted a proposal and believes that the County has incorrectly determined that its proposal is non-responsive may submit a written notice of protest. Such notice of protest must be received by the County on or before the fifth working day following the County's issuance of the notice of non-responsiveness. The notice of protest must include a written statement specifying in detail each one of the grounds asserted for the protest. The protest must be signed by an individual authorized to represent the proposer, and must cite the law, rule, local ordinance, procedure or RFP provision on which the protest is based. In addition, the protestor must specify facts and evidence sufficient for the County to determine the validity of the protest.

8.2. Protest of Contract Award

Within five (5) working days of the County's issuance of a notice of intent to award the contract, any firm that has submitted a responsive proposal and believes that the County has incorrectly selected another proposer for award may submit a written notice of protest. Such protest notice must be received by the

County on or before the fifth working day after the County's issuance of the notice of intent to award.

The notice of protest must include a written statement specifying in detail each one of the grounds asserted for the protest. The protest must be signed by an individual authorized to represent the proposer, and must cite the law, rule, local ordinance, procedure or RFP provision on which the protest is based. In addition, the protestor must specify facts and evidence sufficient for the County to determine the validity of the protest.

8.3. Delivery of Protests

All protests must be received by the due date. If a protest is mailed, the protestor bears the risk of non-delivery within the deadlines specified herein. Protests should be transmitted by a means that will objectively establish the date the County received the protest. Protests or notice of protests made orally

(e.g., by telephone) will not be considered. Protests must be delivered to:

Protests@smcgov.org

Subject: State Legislative Advocacy Services, 2027-RFP-00130