RFP #13-25 Legislative Liaison Services

The City of Hopewell, Virginia, has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #13-25 seeking a qualified firm or professional to serve as a legislative liaison for advocating the city's interests before the Virginia General Assembly. The primary objective is to procure comprehensive legislative services that include meeting with state legislators, testifying before committees, developing legislative strategies, and providing periodic status reports on legislative activities. Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on August 15, 2024, with the selected provider required to maintain an office in the Richmond metropolitan area during General Assembly sessions. Evaluation criteria will focus on the offeror's experience, cost/fee structure, compliance with RFP requirements, and overall approach to meeting the city's legislative needs. Key deliverables include assisting with the City's annual Legislative Program, coordinating with state municipal organizations, and providing strategic advice on legislative matters. The successful offeror will enter into an independent contractor relationship with the city, with an emphasis on effectively representing Hopewell's legislative priorities.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, suggesting the opportunity is open to a broad range of individual professionals and firms with legislative liaison expertise. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the document indicates the city has specific legislative priorities including maintaining local revenue sources, supporting education and public safety funding, and addressing economic development, stormwater management, and homelessness issues. The city has outlined several significant funding requests that the legislative liaison will help advocate for, including $250,000 annually for public transit, $500,000 for a year-round homeless shelter with mental health services, $16.5 million for replacing an aging oxygen plant, $1.5 million for Riverwalk Expansion Phase III, and $3 million to expand leachate operations. Although a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive legislative agenda and multiple funding initiatives suggest a potentially substantial engagement. Payment terms are specified as net 30 days, and the city is exempt from state and local taxes.