Legislative Services RFP

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive legislative services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-551HDA-EXECC-B-44790. The selected firm will be responsible for managing IHDA's state and federal legislative affairs, with key deliverables including bill tracking, legislative advocacy, and representing IHDA's positions to legislators and their staff. The primary objectives include creating strategic meetings and conferences to advance the Authority's legislative priorities. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for October 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST via Microsoft Teams, with the proposal due date set for November 8, 2024. Evaluation criteria will include technical capabilities, commitment to diversity, and pricing, with a significant focus on the vendor's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The initial contract term is two years, with potential renewal options, and the vendor must demonstrate expertise in navigating legislative landscapes and effectively communicating policy objectives.

The solicitation includes a 9% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Vendors must complete a Commitment to Diversity Vendor Answer Sheet, which accounts for 20% of the technical evaluation score, covering aspects such as BEP goal compliance, subcontracting with women, minority, and disability-owned businesses, DEI spending, time commitments, and organizational diversity. Vendors are required to submit detailed disclosures, including vendor registration information, potential conflicts of interest, and certifications of eligibility to contract with the State of Illinois. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the RFP indicates that expenses will not be allowed, and pricing must be firm. Subcontractors with annual contract values of $100,000 or more must be disclosed, and vendors must demonstrate their ability to meet the stringent administrative and diversity requirements set forth by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.