Federal Relations

Highline College, located in Des Moines, Washington, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP #B-24-02) for Federal Relations representation services on behalf of a consortium of community and technical colleges. The primary objective is to secure a contractor who will serve as a strategic resource for external entities on issues pertaining to community and technical colleges, with a focus on legislative advocacy and community visibility. The contractor must demonstrate extensive experience, specifically fifteen years in legislative advocacy, with particular emphasis on representing complex organizations and some background in higher education. Proposals are due January 27, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. PST, with the contract period spanning from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, and potential for five optional one-year renewal terms. The evaluation process will comprehensively assess proposals across three key areas: Technical Proposal (60%, 120 points), Management Proposal (20%, 40 points), and Cost Proposal (20%, 40 points), with an additional potential 50 points available through oral presentations.

The procurement encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses, with voluntary goals of 10% for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and 4% for Women Business Enterprises (WBE). The contractor must be licensed to conduct business in Washington DC and provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, professional liability, and vehicle insurance. The maximum contract value is $24,000 annually, equating to $2,000 per month, with potential for renewal. While no incumbent vendor is specified, the contract requires the selected firm to have a sophisticated understanding of legislative processes and higher education advocacy. The state's procurement approach demonstrates a commitment to diverse representation and professional expertise in federal relations, seeking a contractor capable of effectively navigating complex legislative environments on behalf of community and technical colleges.