2026-051 Legislative Consulting Services RFQ

The City of San Marcos, Texas, Purchasing & Contracting Division issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2026-051 seeking qualified professional State Legislative Consulting Services providers. The scope of services is comprehensive and includes developing and managing the City's legislative agenda, identifying and evaluating legislative strategies, drafting and monitoring legislation, preparing testimony and monthly reports, identifying state grant opportunities, supporting housing and environmental initiatives, conducting research on measures impacting City interests, coordinating legislative visits and capital presence, developing strategic coalitions, and monitoring regulatory developments. The initial contract term is one year with automatic renewal for up to two additional one-year periods, for a maximum cumulative contract term of three years, with either party able to decline renewal with 120 days' written notice. Evaluation criteria consist of firm prior experience (35 points), key personnel experience (30 points), project approach and schedule (25 points), completeness of response (10 points), and local presence in San Marcos (10 points), with shortlisted respondents potentially participating in interviews worth an additional 25 points. Responses were due by Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM local time, with acknowledgement of responses broadcast live via Microsoft Teams video conference immediately following the deadline. The City Council will consider the final contract for approval if the amount exceeds $100,000, with tentative award scheduled for the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting.

Respondents must satisfy multiple insurance requirements including general liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and aggregate, workers' compensation insurance, and business automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined. All Texas Government Code compliance requirements apply, including provisions regarding boycotts of Israel, Iran and Sudan relations, firearm industry discrimination, energy company boycotts, and foreign-owned company restrictions. Respondents must complete required forms including the Vendor Information Questionnaire and Assurances, House Bill 89 Verification Affidavit, and Conflict of Interest Questionnaire. No specific set-aside designations, incumbent vendor information, or budget range was disclosed in the RFQ materials; however, the City indicated it would negotiate a fair and reasonable price with the top-ranked respondent following evaluation. Bid documents and related materials were available for download on the City's e-procurement website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/eprocurement, with written questions directed to the City of San Marcos Purchasing & Contracting Division at asantiago@sanmarcostx.gov.