Pierce County Issues RFP For Federal Government Relations Services
The County is seeking a firm to provide federal relations consulting services for Pierce County Government. The Consultant will act in liaison with and report activities to the Director of Policy, who helps coordinate Pierce County’s lobbying efforts. The Consultant will interact on behalf of the County’s interests with the federal legislative and executive branches of government. It is the goal of this contract to maximize the County’s success in obtaining federal funding and favorable legislation.
Background:
Pierce County was established in 1852 and became a Home Rule County by a vote of the people in 1981. The County is governed by an elected County Executive and seven elected Council members. The Prosecutor, Assessor-Treasurer, Auditor and Superior Court Judges and District Court Judges are also elected by the people. The County is located on scenic Puget Sound and covers 1,794 square miles (1,676 square miles of land and 118 square miles of water).
Pierce County is Washington’s second largest county with an estimated population of over 800,000. Tacoma is the largest of its twenty-three cities and towns. The broad-based economy is dependent upon national and international trade, forest and agricultural products, retail and service industries, and military and other governmental services. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Defense Department’s premiere military installation on the West Coast, is located in the County as are Madigan Army Medical Center, and Camp Murray National Guard Post. Altogether these military installations contribute over 60,000 military and civilian jobs to the local economy. Two private universities, three public university branch campuses and four community and technical colleges are located in the greater Tacoma area. Major recreational facilities include Mount Rainier National Park, Northwest Trek, and Point Defiance Zoo. In 2017, Pierce County closed its Office of Government Relations and shifted its government relations program to one more heavily reliant on contracted support.
Scope of Work:
The duties of the consultant will include the following: Assist in developing Pierce County’s federal legislative agenda by providing strategic, policy, and coordination support. This includes assisting in the development of short and long-term federal funding strategies for federal grants and annual appropriations requests. It is expected that the consultant will periodically meet with Pierce County Councilmembers and the Council as a whole in support of the development of the legislative agenda.
Initiate and coordinate meetings between County elected officials and/or staff with federal legislative and executive branch if necessary to pursue priority legislation or funding opportunities.
Meet with members of Congress, congressional staff, administration officials, other public officials, and stakeholders to seek support for the policy positions advocated by Pierce County.
Prepare legislative reports and participate in periodic legislative briefings for the Executive, Pierce County Council, and executive departments.
Apprise Pierce County of emerging issues and make recommendations regarding possible effects on County government.
The consultant must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- At least five years representing clients interests in Congress or serving in a senior staff capacity in Congress or a Federal agency, or a combination thereof;
- Public sector experience;
- Knowledge of County government operations, the Federal legislative process, and how that process affects County government operations;
- Familiarity with the Pierce County political landscape;
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills;
- Ability to synthesize large amounts of information quickly and succinctly;
- Proven ability to work in team-oriented, collaborative manner;
- Ability to work under the pressure of extreme deadlines and adapt quickly to changing environments;
- Ability to use sound, independent judgment;
- Flexibility and availability to travel to Pierce County during Congressional recesses;
- Demonstrated relationships with both Democrat and Republican members of Congress and their staffs.
Due Date:
May 25th
Address:
Pierce County Procurement & Contract Services
950 Fawcett Avenue, Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: 253-798-7456
APCO Worldwide and MWWPR have lobbying arms.
