RFP# CFF 7794, Federal Advocacy Services

First 5 California is seeking a qualified contractor to provide federal advocacy services aligned with its mission to advance the healthy development and well-being of children prenatal to age five and their families across California. The contractor will serve as a strategic partner by monitoring federal legislative and budget developments, analyzing policy implications, building relationships with California’s congressional delegation and federal agencies, and developing advocacy materials such as policy briefs, testimony, talking points, and legislative analyses. All deliverables must support the priorities outlined in First 5 California’s Strategic Plan and Policy Agenda, with the ultimate goal of elevating California’s early childhood interests in federal decision-making processes. The agreement has a potential term of up to three years, with an option to extend for one additional year, and is subject to approval by the Department of General Services prior to commencement of work. The total contract value is capped at $300,000 over the life of the agreement, and proposers must submit a detailed, itemized budget using Exhibit B1, covering personnel, subcontractors, travel, and operating expenses. Proposals must be submitted electronically by June 15, 2026, via email to RFP@First5.ca.gov in a single, compliant PDF format with specific labeling, page formatting, and accessibility requirements, including adherence to WCAG 2.0 and the Rehabilitation Act. The evaluation process includes two mandatory pass/fail stages for administrative requirements and minimum qualifications, followed by a weighted scoring of the technical proposal (200 points), cost proposal (120 points), and an oral presentation for finalists (80 points), with award going to the proposer offering the best value. The contractor must comply with strict financial controls, including GAAP accounting standards, monthly invoicing in arrears with detailed documentation, and retention of records for three years after final payment. All work products, data, and materials created under the contract are the exclusive property of First 5 California. Key personnel substitutions require prior written approval, and the contractor must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $5.5 million and employee dishonesty coverage of $100,000. The contract prohibits the use of funds for lobbying, restricts contracting with entities on California’s top 500 tax delinquency lists, and mandates full compliance with federal and state civil rights laws, ADA requirements, and international trade prohibitions including the Iran and Darfur Contracting Acts. Delivers must be submitted in accessible formats, include the F5CA logo, follow the