Federal Lobbying Services

Walton County, Florida, Board of County Commissioners has issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 26-07 to procure Federal Lobbying Services from qualified consultants or firms capable of providing federal advocacy and legislative representation. The County seeks experienced consultants to represent Walton County before the United States Congress, federal agencies, the White House, and the Office of Management and Budget, with primary focus on advocating for County priorities across federal appropriations and grants, transportation and infrastructure, public safety and emergency management, environmental and coastal resilience, water and wastewater, and broadband communications. Key deliverables and responsibilities include developing and executing the County's federal legislative agenda, identifying and pursuing federal appropriations and grants, monitoring federal legislation and policy developments, providing legislative intelligence and strategic recommendations, facilitating meetings with congressional and federal officials, preparing briefing materials and testimony, and providing monthly written status reports along with participation in scheduled coordination calls. Required qualifications include proven experience providing federal lobbying services for counties, municipalities, or other public-sector entities; established relationships with members of Congress and federal agencies; demonstrated success in securing federal appropriations and grants; and knowledge of federal legislative and appropriation processes. The evaluation committee will assess submissions based on three criteria: Qualifications of Consultant and Assigned Personnel (50 points), Relevant Federal Experience (30 points), and Technical Approach and Methodology (20 points). The submission deadline is 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with questions due by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026; the evaluation committee review is scheduled for February 19, 2026, committee ranking for March 5, 2026, potential interviews for March 24, 2026, and anticipated Board award on April 7, 2026. Submissions are limited to 30 pages, excluding forms and resumes, and must be submitted electronically through the County's e-Procurement Portal.

The RFQ is a qualifications-based selection process with no pricing information required during the submission stage; compensation will be negotiated with the highest-ranked consultant following evaluation in accordance with County policy. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses are identified in the solicitation documents, and no incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced. All consultants must comply with federal lobbying registration and reporting requirements and disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation, comprehensive general liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence, professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate, and comprehensive automobile liability of $300,000 combined single limit if applicable. Mandatory certifications include a Public Entity Crime Sworn Statement, Drug Free Workplace Certification, and Unauthorized Aliens Form, along with proof of Florida Department of State registration. The resulting contract shall have an initial two-year term with options to renew for two additional one-year periods, all at the County's sole discretion, and the County may terminate the contract at any time with or without cause. No budget range or award value is specified in the solicitation documents.