Federal Lobbying Services

The City of Long Beach is requesting proposals for federal lobbying services (RFP-CM-26-749) with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST, and questions due September 22, 2026. A local preference program applies: five percentage points for businesses maintaining a principal place of business within Long Beach with a current city business license, and an additional five percentage points for those operating from a brick-and-mortar or non-residential commercial location.

The consultant must be a registered lobbyist with at least five years of experience representing cities of similar size and must maintain at least one employee based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. The scope includes supporting the City's legislative, regulatory, and budget advocacy activities at the federal level; developing and implementing legislative strategy and advocacy plans; and tracking legislation and providing progress reports. The consultant cannot have competing client interests with other southern California cities or agencies.

Performance is tracked through three metrics: tracking at least 25 legislative proposals annually, supporting receipt of direct federal funding for two to three priority projects annually, and achieving an 85% success rate with City legislative positions. The contract term is an initial two years with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, for a maximum total of five years. Compensation is based on services rendered, with the City remitting payment within 30 calendar days of invoice. The consultant must maintain insurance coverage of at least one million dollars per occurrence for commercial general liability and one million dollars for workers' compensation.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Organizational Capacity & Experience (30%), Method of Approach (40%), Communications & Reporting (20%), and Reasonableness of Cost (10%). All proposals must include certification of compliance with the Equal Benefits Ordinance and authorization and certification forms. Proposers must be registered as not suspended, debarred, or excluded from federal contracts under Title 2 CFR Part 180 Subpart C.