RFP 01 1201 27 Federal Lobbying Services

The City of Williamsburg, Virginia, through its Finance-Purchasing Department, is soliciting proposals for federal lobbying and government relations services under RFP 01 1201 27, with written questions due November 10, 2026 and proposals due November 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Offerors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant federal lobbying experience, a Washington, D.C. metropolitan-area office presence, bipartisan advocacy capability, and federal funding and public-sector experience.

The consultant will advance the City's legislative, policy, funding, and strategic priorities before Congress, federal agencies, and other federal entities. Initial federal advocacy priorities are pedestrian safety infrastructure, water treatment and stormwater infrastructure, public safety infrastructure, and creating a safer, walkable, pedestrian-friendly city.

The initial contract term is two years, with the City able to renew for up to three additional one-year periods, for a maximum potential term of five years. The City prefers a fixed annual or monthly retainer. Cost proposals must identify the proposed annual fee, monthly fee, included services, excluded services, any hourly rates or charges, and any proposed annual fee adjustments during the term. Reimbursable expenses require prior written authorization and are limited to actual, reasonable, documented costs without markup. The consultant may not condition compensation on the award of grants, appropriations, or other government funding.

Proposals are scored on a 100-point scale: experience and qualifications (25 points), understanding of City priorities and advocacy strategy (25 points), proposed personnel and relationships (15 points), federal funding and appropriations expertise (15 points), cost and overall value (15 points), and references and demonstrated performance (5 points). The City will conduct competitive negotiation under the Virginia Public Procurement Act, may negotiate with the highest-ranked offeror, and reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The anticipated award date is December 10, 2026, with an anticipated start date of January 15, 2027.