Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Economic Development Targeted Industries Federal Lobbying Services

Charles County, Maryland is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure federal lobbying and advocacy services from experienced firms to support the County's Economic Development Department. The County seeks strategic representation and federal engagement services focused on advancing economic development opportunities related to the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, Naval Support Facility Indian Head (NSF IH), and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD), while providing strategic support to the Charles County Military Alliance Council (MAC). Key deliverables include development of a Federal Lobbying Strategy within 60 days of contract execution, coordination of in-person Capitol Hill meetings with congressional offices and Department of Defense leadership, monthly federal lobbying coordination meetings, monthly written activity reports, and annual summary reports. Required qualifications include a minimum of 10 years of proven federal lobbying or advocacy experience, demonstrated experience representing local governments or economic development entities at the federal level, strong expertise in defense and technology policy particularly related to military installations, established bipartisan relationships with Congress and Department of Defense stakeholders, and proven ability to produce measurable outcomes. Evaluation criteria will assess firm experience and qualifications (30 points), understanding of Charles County's priorities (20 points), proposed approach and strategy (25 points), key personnel and capacity (15 points), and reporting and communication capabilities (10 points), with cost reviewed for reasonableness and compliance but not weighted in scoring. Submission of qualifications through the County's eProcurement Portal is due by March 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a deadline for submitting questions by February 25, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. The contract will commence on July 1, 2027, or upon contract execution, and run through June 30, 2028, with two optional one-year renewals available at the County's sole discretion.

Respondents must meet good standing requirements including non-debarred status, current payments to Charles County, and good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The RFQ requires submission of extensive documentation including statements of qualifications, three reference projects completed within the past three years of equal or greater magnitude, client references with service summaries, key personnel resumes, hourly rates for personnel, and various compliance forms including MWBE and SLBE certifications, non-collusion affidavits, and insurance certificates. Required insurance coverage includes Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, Commercial Automobile coverage of $1,000,000 per person and $2,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, Workers' Compensation per Maryland statutory requirements, and Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. No incumbent contractors or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in this procurement. The annual maximum contract value is $100,000, with monthly invoicing contingent upon satisfactory performance and submission of required monthly reports. The contract will automatically renew unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 45 days prior to the contract anniversary date.