Governmental Relations

The State of Texas is requesting proposals for governmental relations and advocacy services to advance state interests at federal, state, and local levels, with proposals due September 17, 2026. The procurement is open competition; no set-aside or preference applies, and no incumbent contractor currently holds this work.

The scope encompasses legislative monitoring, policy analysis and briefing, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and representation of state interests in relevant proceedings. The contractor will serve as primary liaison between the Texas State University System (TSUS) and elected officials, agencies, organizations, and industry associations. Deliverables include quarterly written reports to TSUS leadership, participation in quarterly chief research officer meetings, institution site visits throughout the contract year, strategic planning and relationship development, federal advocacy planning, grant opportunity identification, and event hosting logistics. The contractor must maintain availability to respond to inquiries within one hour via cell phone, text, or email and provide Capitol Hill internship program support. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience in government relations, proven success in legislative advocacy, established relationships with key stakeholders, and capacity to deliver results-oriented services aligned with state strategic priorities.

The initial contract term is three years (August 2027 through July 31, 2030) with two optional automatic two-year renewal periods, provided neither party issues thirty days' written notice of termination intent before each renewal date. Compensation is firm fixed annual fees for the three base years plus optional renewals, with total contract value capped at two million dollars without Texas Board of Regents pre-approval. The state will reimburse reasonable travel expenses including meals, rental vehicles, mileage, coach airfare, and lodging under TSUS travel policy and Texas Comptroller rates. Vendors must submit detailed cost breakdowns covering labor, materials, and overhead. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance, comply with state and federal lobbying laws, complete background checks, meet cybersecurity and confidentiality requirements (FERPA, HIPAA), and satisfy Texas statutory certifications regarding boycotts, debarment, and conflicts of interest. Evaluation and award are anticipated within 60 days of the proposal submission date.