NCMAC Lobbying Services

The North Carolina Department of Administration, acting on behalf of the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA), is seeking a professional lobbying services vendor for the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission (NCMAC) through a Request for Proposals (RFP #13-DOA1312659731). The primary objectives are to prepare for potential base realignment and closure (BRAC) activities and to protect and expand military missions in North Carolina. The selected vendor will be required to develop a comprehensive Strategic Representation Plan, analyze data from previous BRAC rounds, and maintain critical relationships with congressional delegations and federal agencies. Key deliverables include quarterly reports on Force Structure Reports and Strategic Basing Plans, advocacy for initiatives in the National Defense Authorization Act, and participation in virtual NCMAC meetings through detailed reports and presentations. The contract requires vendors to demonstrate expertise in the COBRA process, military realignment projects, and maintain strong federal relationships. Proposals are due on January 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with a contract term of one year and two optional one-year renewal periods. Vendors must submit both a flat monthly fee based on 40 estimated service hours and a blended hourly rate for additional services.

The state encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), with a goal of 10% vendor utilization. Contract insurance requirements mandate coverage up to $1,000,000, and vendors must avoid conflicts of interest with other states or communities. The pricing structure requires a comprehensive blended hourly rate that includes all administrative fees and travel expenses. While no incumbent vendor is explicitly mentioned, the contract represents a new initiative focusing on defense grants and military installation support. The vendor will be expected to align their work with the NCMAC Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and build necessary relationships with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and North Carolina's Congressional delegation. Although specific budget ranges are not detailed, the contract structure suggests flexibility in service delivery and potential for ongoing engagement through the optional renewal periods. Successful vendors will need to demonstrate a robust understanding of military affairs, federal grant processes, and strategic advocacy at the national level.