RFP 27-800 Legislative Lobbying Services

The DeKalb County School District is soliciting proposals for Legislative Lobbying Services through RFP 27-800, seeking qualified vendors to provide specialized professional lobbying support on an as-needed basis to advance the District’s legislative priorities before the Georgia General Assembly. The scope of work includes developing a legislative agenda with political feasibility assessments, building and maintaining relationships with state legislators and agency leaders, coordinating meetings between the Board and legislative delegations, monitoring and reporting on legislative and budget developments via weekly updates and real-time notifications, opposing harmful legislation through position statements and fiscal notes, preparing and delivering testimony, and providing updates at Board and committee meetings. Performance requires active attendance at District meetings and availability for both scheduled and called sessions. The contract may extend up to four one-year options contingent on Board approval and mutual agreement. All services must be performed in compliance with Georgia state law, and the vendor must have personnel capable of working directly with DCSD stakeholders. Proposals must be submitted electronically via IonWave by 2:00 PM on August 27, 2026, and must adhere to strict formatting requirements including a point-by-point narrative response, a detailed table of contents, properly labeled attachments, and a single PDF submission with all pages numbered. Mandatory attachments include the Cost Proposal Form, Non-Collusion, Conflict of Interest, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure, Suspension and Debarment certifications, Immigration Compliance statements, and the Signature Page. Offerors must also provide audited financial statements for 2023 and 2024, business licenses, Georgia registration, and proof of insurance including Workers Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, Commercial Umbrella, and Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions coverage with limits of at least $2 million per claim. Vendors must comply with background checks at $45 per individual, E-Verify requirements, and the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act. The award decision will be based on a best value approach, evaluating Scope of Services (35%), Firm’s Overview (20%), Relevant Experience (20%), Cost Proposal (15%), and Professional References (10%). The District retains ownership of all submitted materials, and the vendor must indemnify DCSD against claims of intellectual property infringement and third-party liability, while safeguarding confidential student and employee data. Payment will be made via electronic funds transfer to the awarded firm only after services are received and accepted, and proposals failing to meet compliance gates will be disqualified outright.