CCCS RFP 27-003 Federal Affairs and Strategic Funding

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is requesting proposals for federal affairs and strategic funding consulting services under RFP 27-003, with proposals due September 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and a virtual public opening at 12:00 p.m. the same day. The State has established a 3% contracting goal for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration; vendors must be incorporated in Colorado or maintain an office in the state.

CCCS operates 13 colleges across 35 locations and serves approximately 130,000 students annually. The selected firm will serve as an extension of the CCCS Office of Public and Legislative Affairs, providing federal advocacy, legislative consulting, funding strategy development, and government relations services to advance student success, workforce development, and economic mobility through enhanced federal engagement.

The vendor must demonstrate a minimum of ten years of experience in federal affairs, government relations, and advocacy services, with experience representing at least three similar-sized clients within the past five years, preferably higher education institutions or workforce development organizations. The vendor must be legally authorized to perform federal lobbying services in compliance with applicable federal laws and disclosure requirements. Within thirty days of contract execution, the selected offeror must deliver a Federal Opportunity Assessment and Strategic Roadmap identifying federal funding opportunities, key stakeholders, policy trends, and a twelve-month engagement strategy.

The contract is anticipated to begin November 15, 2026 and end November 14, 2027, structured as a one-year pilot initiative with renewal options for up to four additional one-year periods at the state's sole discretion, for a maximum total duration not to exceed five years. Pricing proposals must include all annual and one-time expenses, fees, materials, and administrative costs for each contract year, with offerors required to justify rates and explain cost structure in a detailed pricing narrative. Evaluation will assess demonstrated experience with higher education institutions, team qualifications and expertise, understanding of CCCS and Colorado's community college priorities, proposed approach to federal advocacy and funding identification, and past success securing federal funding and advancing policy priorities. Written inquiries are due August 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with state responses published by August 28, 2026. Demonstrations from selected proposers are estimated for the week of October 5, 2026, with an Intent to Award anticipated for October 23, 2026. Vendors whose contract performance extends outside the United States or Colorado must complete and submit a Vendor Disclosure Statement per Colorado Revised Statute 24-102-206.