State Lobbyist Services related to Areas of Economic Concern

Palm Beach County's Board of County Commissioners, through its Purchasing Department and Legislative Affairs Department, is issuing a Request for Submittal (RFS No. 800134R/MD) for state lobbyist services specializing in economic development and infrastructure issues in areas of critical economic concern and rural areas of opportunity as defined by Florida Statutes Section 288.0656. The selected lobbyist or lobbying firm will represent the County before the Florida Legislature, its committees and members, and the executive branch of state government, with primary focus areas including Glades regional initiatives, workforce development, water and environmental programs, flood prevention, stormwater management, affordable housing, and agricultural programs. Respondents must possess a minimum of eight years of state legislative and executive branch lobbying experience with demonstrated success representing local government entities on appropriations and economic development infrastructure issues. The contract term is twelve months beginning May 21, 2022 and ending May 20, 2023, with four optional twelve-month renewal periods available at the County's discretion, with compensation on a fixed all-inclusive annual basis paid in equal monthly installments. Evaluation will be based on Experience/Qualifications (35%), Project Approach/Understanding (25%), Key Personnel and Operations (15%), Price (5%), S/M/WBE participation (15%), and Business Location/Local Preference (5%). Submissions are due March 29, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the Purchasing Department, 50 South Military Trail, Suite 110, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415, requiring one unbound original, three bound copies, and one electronic PDF copy, with a deadline for questions or comments of March 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., and evaluation/selection scheduled for April 19, 2022 with an award date of May 21, 2022.

All respondents must be registered with the County's Vendor Self Service (VSS) system, maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of at least $500,000, and comply with the Equal Business Opportunity Ordinance and all EBO Program requirements. Small Business Enterprises (SBE) serving as prime respondents on contracts valued under $500,000 are eligible for up to 15 points based on S/M/WBE participation, and respondents must complete and submit EBO Schedules 1 and 2 to document S/M/WBE participation levels. No incumbent vendor or existing contractor was identified in the procurement documents. The specific budget or contract value has not been disclosed in the available materials, though the SBE evaluation point structure suggests the total contract value may be under $500,000 annually. Palm Beach County maintains a 30-year history of contracting for state lobbying services, indicating established expertise requirements and ongoing demand for specialized legislative advocacy in this sector.