Electric utility lobbyist services

The City of Austin is requesting quotations for professional legislative and lobbying services on behalf of Austin Energy, the city's municipally-owned electric utility, under IFQ 1100 EAL1001, with responses due September 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. MBE/WBE participation goals apply: African American 1.49%, Hispanic 4.30%, Asian/Native American 2.66%, and WBE 2.75%. Proposers unable to meet these goals must demonstrate Good Faith Efforts through documented solicitation of certified firms at least seven business days prior to submission.

Assigned personnel must hold a minimum of 10 years' experience in state or federal legislative processes, demonstrated lobbying experience for a municipally-owned electric utility, and registration with the Texas Ethics Commission. Preferred qualifications include prior City of Austin experience and Texas law licensure. The scope encompasses state and federal legislative advocacy services for the utility.

Compensation is structured as a fixed monthly retainer payable throughout the 12-month contract term, all-inclusive of fees, administrative costs, overhead, travel, equipment, and all other performance costs; no separate charges are permitted. The contract commences upon execution and continues annually, with the City retaining the sole option to extend beyond the initial term with 30 calendar days' notice.

Award will be made to the lowest responsive offer meeting minimum qualifications. Evaluation criteria in order of relative importance are Experience and Qualifications, Proposed Solution, and Price. The City reserves the right to conduct interviews with short-listed offerors prior to final award. Responses must include completed MBE/WBE Compliance Plan certifications and representations covering non-debarment status, collusion, wage theft, LGBTQ+ conversion therapy practices, Israel boycotts, cybersecurity compliance, firearm entity discrimination, energy company boycotts, and discriminatory employment practices. Offerors must also complete mandatory wage theft training within 30 days of contract award. The City may terminate the contract without cause upon 30 calendar days' notice or for cause upon 10 calendar days' notice.