RFP II 10219568 Federal Governmental Relations

The California Department of Water Resources is requesting proposals for a Federal Governmental Relations Consultant to provide federal advocacy and strategic support for flood management, water resources, and environmental initiatives, with proposals due July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Small Business firms receive a 5% preference, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise firms are eligible for incentive points of 1 to 5% based on participation levels.

Six mandatory minimum qualifications filter eligibility: five years of proven experience working with federal agencies and Congress on flood management and environmental restoration projects; thorough knowledge of California and federal flood management legislation; current registration with the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to perform lobbying activities; five years of experience with local flood control agencies and coalition building; five years of experience building relationships with congressional appropriations staff and federal agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, Department of Interior, NOAA, and USGS; and an existing office in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The consultant will assist DWR with planning and executing federal flood and multi-purpose water resources projects; securing federal funding for flood management activities; amending federal policies, regulations, and laws related to federal funding for flood management and floodplain management; securing federal funding to improve sub-seasonal to seasonal precipitation forecasting; and strengthening cooperative efforts with federal agencies. Services are performed in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The anticipated contract term is three years with an anticipated start date of October 2026. Evaluation is on a 1,000-point scale: technical qualifications comprise 700 points and cost comprises 300 points. Technical questions are due July 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., with responses provided by July 10, 2026. Contractors must maintain errors and omissions insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate, and must comply with Political Reform Act requirements and confidentiality provisions.