Federal Advocacy Services

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is requesting proposals for Federal Advocacy Services to advance Metro's Board-approved Federal Legislative Program with the Executive Branch, with proposals due November 6, 2026, and a virtual pre-proposal conference scheduled for October 13, 2026. A minimum qualification — current registration as a lobbyist with either the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives or the Secretary of the U.S. Senate — filters eligibility.

No Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) set-aside goal has been established; however, Metro expects proposers to afford maximum opportunities to SBE/DVBE firms where subcontracting opportunities exist. Form 1 (SBE-DVBE Subs & Suppliers) and Form 2 (Affidavit) requirements apply, with credit-counting methodologies varying by firm type: manufacturers at 100%, regular dealers at 60%, and distributors at 40% for materials. Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) preference is available to Metro-certified LSBE firms or proposers subcontracting at least 30 percent of contract value to eligible LSBE firms.

The scope encompasses federal executive advocacy services including annual strategy development with Metro's CEO and Board, support for Board members' Washington, DC visits, relationship maintenance with senior Executive Branch officials, weekly communication with Metro's Government Relations Department, and representation of Metro's positions with federal agencies including the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Aviation Administration. The firm must aggressively pursue federal funding including Capital Investment Grant Program, INFRA Grants, BUILD Grants, and Bus and Bus Facilities/Low or No Emissions Grants, coordinating directly with Metro's Federal Affairs Representative in Washington, DC.

The contract is Firm Fixed Price and state and locally funded (non-federal), with a term extending through May 1, 2029. Pre-qualification is required for contracts exceeding $500,000. Evaluation is weighted: prime firm experience with federal executive and legislative branches (15 points), subject matter expert qualifications (15 points), demonstrated access to high-level Executive Branch officials (20 points), understanding of authorization and appropriations processes (15 points), demonstrated ability to secure federal grant funding (10 points), and cost proposal (25 points), where the lowest-cost proposal receives full points and others score proportionally. Questions are due October 19, 2026. Interviews may be conducted the week of January 4, 2027.