Federal Lobbyist Services for the City of Gallup

The City of Gallup, New Mexico, is requesting proposals for federal lobbying services to represent the City's interests at the federal level and secure federal funding, with proposals due August 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via the City's OpenGov eProcurement Portal and questions due by July 24, 2026.

Eligible respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of federal lobbying experience representing municipal interests, proven success in securing federal appropriations for similarly-sized municipalities, and assigned personnel who are registered lobbyists capable of handling complex infrastructure and water rights issues. Respondents must have no pending criminal litigation or ethics violations and maintain Workers' Compensation, Comprehensive General Liability, and Comprehensive Automobile Liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence, naming the City as an additional insured.

The scope encompasses legislative advocacy strategy, funding and grant assistance, and comprehensive communication and reporting. Priority areas include the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, utility infrastructure improvements, transportation and rail projects, and disaster resiliency initiatives. The selected firm must develop a comprehensive annual federal advocacy strategy within 30 days of contract execution, arrange and attend meetings with members of Congress and federal agency officials, proactively identify grants and appropriations, and submit monthly reports with bi-weekly updates to City leadership.

The contract term is one year with the option to renew for up to three additional one-year terms by mutual written agreement. Either party may terminate without cause upon 30 days' written notice. The cost proposal, submitted in a separate sealed file, should include detailed monthly retainers, hourly rates, and anticipated travel expenses.

Evaluation is based on 100 points: qualifications and experience (20 points), capacity and capability (15 points), past record of performance and references (20 points), key personnel qualifications (15 points), and cost proposal (30 points). Preferences up to 10 points may be awarded to City of Gallup residents, New Mexico resident businesses, New Mexico resident veterans, or New Mexico Native American businesses, though no offeror receives more than one preference. The lowest cost proposal receives maximum points; others receive points on a formula basis.