RFP# CFF 7795 Federal Advocacy

First 5 California is requesting proposals for federal advocacy services under RFP CFF 7795, with proposals due July 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Written questions are due June 25, 2026; responses to questions follow July 1; oral presentations for finalists are scheduled July 22, with a Notice of Intent to Award on July 23 and final agreement award July 31, 2026.

The scope encompasses federal legislative and budget monitoring, policy analysis and development, relationship-building with California's congressional delegation and federal agencies, preparation of advocacy materials (policy briefs, legislative analyses, position letters, testimony, and briefing documents), and strategic counsel aligned with First 5 California's Strategic Plan and Policy Agenda. The contractor will engage directly with Members of Congress, U.S. Senators, congressional committees, the White House, and federal agencies on early childhood policies and investments benefiting prenatal-to-age-five populations and families statewide.

Minimum qualifications require at least four years of experience administering statewide or large regional initiatives, experience with vulnerable populations including immigrant and refugee communities, experience coordinating subject matter experts, and grant administration experience.

The maximum contract value is $300,000 over a three-year term commencing upon Department of General Services approval anticipated in summer 2026, with no renewal options. A 10 percent withhold applies to all payments, released upon contract completion.

Evaluation employs a five-stage process: administrative requirements compliance, cover letter and minimum qualifications review, technical proposal (200 points), cost proposal (120 points), and oral presentation for finalists (80 points), totaling 400 possible points before preference adjustments. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preferences and Small Business preferences are available to eligible California-based firms. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation is optional, with participating firms eligible for a DVBE participation incentive of up to 5 percent of total possible points.