State Legislative Advocacy Services

Monterey-Salinas Transit District is requesting proposals for state legislative advocacy services under RFP 26-07, with proposals due July 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time through the MST Bonfire eProcurement portal. No set-asides or preference programs apply.

The scope requires a qualified firm or individual to monitor pending California state legislation, develop legislative strategy, advocate MST's policy interests directly with the State Legislature and individual state officials, evaluate the fiscal and operational impact of proposed legislation on the district, and deliver regular written and oral reports to the MST Board. MST serves 13 member jurisdictions across Monterey County and portions of San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara Counties. The contract is effective January 1, 2027, for an initial three-year term with one optional two-year renewal term.

No contract value or budget ceiling is disclosed in the RFP. Compensation is structured as a fixed monthly fee covering all labor, materials, overhead, insurance, travel, and other costs; MST reimburses invoices within 30 days of receipt for services rendered in arrears. Payment applies only through the termination date if MST terminates for convenience or non-appropriation of funds.

The evaluation committee will score four criteria equally at 25 points each: firm qualifications and experience with public agencies (particularly transit organizations), staffing and project organization including key personnel qualifications, demonstrated understanding of project requirements and approach, and cost reasonableness. MST reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, cancel the solicitation, negotiate with proposers, and request best and final offers.

Proposers must carry comprehensive insurance: workers' compensation and employer's liability ($1 million each accident minimum), commercial automobile liability ($1 million combined single limit), commercial general liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), and professional liability insurance ($2 million per claim and aggregate). All policies must name MST as additional insured with 30 days' cancellation notice and deductibles not exceeding $5,000 without MST approval. Insurance must be maintained throughout the contract and for three years after completion.

Technical proposals are limited to 20 pages excluding resumes and required forms. Questions are due June 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM; MST will issue an addendum addressing questions by that deadline.