State & federal lobbyists

The City of Austin, Texas is soliciting proposals under RFP 4200 BRS3011REBID for professional state and federal legislative lobbying services, with questions due November 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST and proposals due December 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST. Local Business and Small Business preferences are optional scoring criteria, not eligibility restrictions. No MBE/WBE subcontracting goals were assigned because subcontracting opportunities were insufficient.

Offerors indicate whether they provide state lobbying, federal lobbying, or both. Lead lobbyists must have at least six years of direct lobbying experience or three years working with the City of Austin or other Texas local governments, plus at least ten years of total experience in state or federal legislative processes. Offerors must certify compliance with City wage theft ordinances, complete wage theft training within 30 days of award, and provide non-debarment, non-collusion, conflict-of-interest, and Texas Government Code boycott, critical infrastructure, and nondiscrimination certifications.

Pricing is a fixed monthly retainer capped at $14,000 and must be all-inclusive. Charges for travel, per diem, mileage, overhead, or fuel are prohibited. Hourly rates for non-specified additional services may be submitted, but they are excluded from award determination, and the City makes no guarantee of purchasing those services. The initial term runs July 1, 2027 through September 30, 2027, with six one-year extensions through September 30, 2033. The City may award a single contract or multiple contracts, and awards exceeding the City Manager's authority require Austin City Council authorization.

Evaluation totals up to 100 points: Experience and Qualifications (40), Approach (30), Price (10), Local Business Preference (up to 10), and Small Business Preference (up to 10). Maximum price points go to the lowest monthly rate. Proposals are submitted electronically through Austin Finance Online and remain valid for 180 calendar days after the closing date. Procurement Specialist Bridney Stewart manages the solicitation.