Consultant - Government Relations

The Florida Department of Citrus is seeking a government relations consultant through a potential single-source procurement for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Specifically, the department intends to engage The Normandy Group, with partner Dr. John J. Goldberg, to provide specialized consulting services focused on agricultural policy and legislative advocacy for the Florida citrus industry. The primary objectives include navigating Capitol Hill to secure long-term sustained funding, arranging strategic meetings, conducting policy research, and working with industry partners to address agricultural challenges. Key deliverables include monthly comprehensive reports detailing duties performed and goals achieved, which must be submitted within 30 days after each month's close. The consultant will provide counsel on critical policy issues surrounding agriculture, pesticides, and policy changes affecting Florida citrus growers. The procurement process requires prospective vendors to submit relevant information by April 24, 2025, with the department reserving the right to determine if the services can be obtained from a single source under Section 120.57(3) of Florida Statutes.

The opportunity appears to be unrestricted in terms of set-aside designations or specific enterprise requirements, with the procurement focusing primarily on the unique qualifications of the proposed consultant. Dr. John J. Goldberg's extensive background, including 22 years as Science Advisor to the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, is central to the single-source justification. The Normandy Group, a bipartisan government relations firm founded in 2006, brings additional credibility through its team of former Congressional members and high-level staff. The estimated contract value is $34,500.00 for the one-year engagement, with payment contingent upon receipt and approval of monthly performance summaries. No specific incumbent vendor is mentioned beyond the proposed consultant, and there are no explicit infrastructure or technology integration requirements noted in the procurement documentation. The solicitation emphasizes the specialized nature of the required government relations expertise in agricultural policy and legislative advocacy.