Multi-Award County Lobbyist Services (State of NM)

Bernalillo County is seeking experienced lobbyists to provide State Legislature Lobbying Services through a multi-award Request for Proposal (RFP 15-26-EM). The procurement aims to secure lobbyist services across seven legislative priority categories: Capital Outlay, Budget and Finance, Public Safety and Behavioral Health, Housing, Economic Development, Transportation, and General. Primary objectives include advocating for county policy priorities, securing favorable legislative policies, obtaining capital outlay funding for county projects, and serving as a communication conduit between county leadership and state legislators. Contractors will be expected to coordinate with county leadership, attend legislative sessions and interim committee meetings, recommend bill sponsors, and provide regular written reports. The evaluation process will be comprehensive, weighted 45% on written proposals and 55% on interviews, with a total possible score of 100 points. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 11, 2025, at 10:00 am via MS Teams, with proposals due by September 25, 2025, at 4:00 pm Mountain Time. The resulting contract will have a two-year term with the option to extend for two additional two-year periods.

Offerors can submit proposals for one or multiple legislative categories, with preference points potentially applied for state resident businesses, veteran-owned businesses, local businesses, small businesses, and pay equity businesses. The RFP includes several mandatory disclosure forms, including a Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form requiring contractors to report any contributions over $250 to applicable public officials in the past two years, and an Unfair Business Practices Disclosure Form certifying ethical business conduct. Prospective contractors must comply with civil rights, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunity regulations, including Federal Executive Orders, New Mexico State Statutes, Bernalillo County Ordinances, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. While specific contract value is not detailed, the multi-award approach suggests the county is seeking flexibility in legislative representation across multiple policy domains. Contractors will be expected to demonstrate deep understanding of the New Mexico legislative process and the ability to effectively advocate for Bernalillo County's diverse policy interests.