Professional Services for Washington Red Raspberry Commission

The Washington State Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC) is conducting a competitive solicitation (No. K6353) for Professional Services involving Government Consulting and Lobby Services, targeting representation of the raspberry industry in Washington D.C. The procurement focuses on securing a contractor to engage with federal elected officials, government agencies, and agricultural organizations across Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima Counties. Required services include monitoring federal legislation and regulations, identifying potential federal grant funding, and providing regular communications to the commission's staff and board. Bidders must be located in Washington D.C. or have permanently-staffed offices there, possess a Juris Doctor degree or equivalent, and demonstrate extensive experience working in the federal legislature. The evaluation process includes mandatory pass/fail criteria and a comprehensive scoring system totaling 1,200 points, with 600 points for non-cost factors, 500 points for cost factors, and additional preference points. Key procurement dates include a Prebid Conference on November 7th, a Deadline for Submitting Questions on December 9, 2025, Bid Submission Deadline on December 17, 2025, and anticipated Contract Awards on January 14, 2026.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside and preference designations, offering additional points for Washington Small Businesses (50 points) and Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses (25 points). Bidders must register on Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) platform and meet comprehensive compliance requirements, including maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, possessing a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, and adhering to nondiscrimination statutes, wage theft prevention laws, and workers' rights provisions. The contract is structured for an initial 12-month term from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with potential extensions for three additional twelve-month terms. Historically, annual contract amounts have been approximately $90,000, plus $5,000 for travel expenses. Bidders are expected to absorb credit card processing fees if applicable, and the procurement emphasizes a preference for vendors who demonstrate strong familiarity with the Washington raspberry industry and can provide value-added governmental consulting services.