Professional Lobbyist Services

The Orleans Parish School Board is requesting proposals for professional lobbyist services under RFP 654321-26-0126, with proposals due July 21, 2026 and a virtual pre-proposal meeting on July 2. A 35% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goal applies, and DBE certification must be submitted by proposers claiming DBE status.

The contractor shall provide strategic legislative representation before the Louisiana State Legislature and City of New Orleans government bodies, develop and implement advocacy strategies aligned with OPSB priorities, monitor and analyze legislation affecting the district, appear before legislative committees, coordinate meetings with elected officials, and deliver regular reports on legislative developments and policy changes.

The annual contract budget is $95,000 for a one-year term with options to renew for two additional one-year periods. Proposers must carry workers' compensation insurance with minimum $1 million employer liability, general liability with $1 million per occurrence, automobile liability with $250,000/$500,000 bodily injury limits, and errors and omissions coverage of not less than $1 million.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: successful experience with the Louisiana State Legislature and knowledge of the Minimum Foundation Program and state budget processes (25 points); experience with the Office of the Mayor and New Orleans City Council (20 points); qualifications of assigned staff (20 points); performance history (10 points); cost (15 points); and DBE participation (10 points). Cost evaluation constitutes 15% of total points, with the lowest cost proposal receiving the highest score. The evaluation committee may invite the top two to four proposers for oral presentations on July 30–31, 2026.

Written questions are due by 4:00 p.m. CST on July 8, 2026, with addenda issued by July 10. Proposals must not exceed 20 pages and must include a cover letter, firm background, experience and qualifications, methodology, financial standing, timeline, project staff, organizational chart, references, cost proposal, and required certifications regarding debarment, lobbying, equal employment opportunity, and federal EDGAR compliance. Electronic proposals submit to procurement@nolapublicschools.com.