RFP no. 25-16 | federal advocacy

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is seeking federal advocacy services through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25-16, aimed at increasing the District's visibility and advancing legislative and funding goals across nine colleges. The selected firm will provide comprehensive federal lobbying services, including advising on legislative initiatives, identifying funding opportunities, preparing testimonies, arranging federal official appointments, monitoring legislative activities, and strategizing on behalf of the District's educational objectives. Key focus areas include national policies such as the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, financial aid, immigration, workforce training, Career and Technical Education, and federal grant application recommendations. The evaluation process will be conducted in three phases, with the first phase scoring proposals across five categories: specialized experience (30 points), professional staff qualifications (20 points), knowledge of locality (15 points), cost and fees (25 points), and SLEDV participation (10 points). Critical procurement dates include a pre-proposal conference on November 4, 2025, a questions submission deadline of November 7, 2025, and a proposal submission deadline of November 18, 2025, with interviews scheduled for December 17, 2025, and a tentative award date of December 19, 2025.

The District welcomes diverse proposers, with a specific interest in firms with LGBTQIA certifications from recognized municipal agencies. The contract term is structured as one year with four optional one-year renewals, potentially extending to a maximum of five years contingent on satisfactory performance. Compensation will be provided on a monthly retainer basis, ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 per month, with the final amount negotiable based on service scope and intensity. Proposers must demonstrate extensive experience with the California and Los Angeles political landscape, proven relationships with Congressional members, federal agencies, and the White House/Executive Branch, and successful track records with higher education-related federal grant programs. All communications regarding the RFP must be directed exclusively to Ms. Dorothea McFarline, Procurement Manager, at mcfarld@laccd.edu, with strict prohibitions on unauthorized communications with District officials. The District reserves the right to select none, one, or multiple firms, reject all proposals, or withdraw the RFP entirely, maintaining flexibility in the procurement process.