Government Relations and Legislative Lobbying Services - RIOPC

The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner is soliciting proposals under RFP27007056 for professional government relations and legislative lobbying services. The selected firm will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance the agency's priorities through legislative advocacy, strategic advice, and stakeholder engagement. Key performance areas include monitoring legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments, preparing testimony and briefing materials, and maintaining effective relationships with the Rhode Island General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, and relevant congressional delegations. The contractor must strictly adhere to the Rhode Island Lobbying Reform Act and all applicable state and federal ethics and disclosure laws. The contract is structured as a fixed, not-to-exceed fee for an initial 12-month term, with options for up to four additional 12-month renewals based on performance and funding. Award decisions are based on a weighted scoring system where technical proposals must score at least 55 out of 70 points to proceed to cost evaluation. Evaluation criteria focus on staff qualifications in higher education and Rhode Island government, the vendor's overall capability and references, and the detailed work plan. Additionally, vendors must submit a Supplemental Bidder Attestation regarding conflicts of interest and an ISBE Proposal, with up to 6 bonus points available for Minority, Women, or Disability Business Enterprise participation. The response deadline is November 4, 2026, with a Q&A deadline of October 21, 2026.