Anchorage School District Issues State Lobbying Services RFP

The District desires to enter into a contract with an offeror whose primary business it to provide state lobbying services for the District in accordance with all of its terms and conditions and in compliance with all applicable laws. The scope of work is considered performance oriented and it is the intent of the District to rely on the experience and expertise of the offeror to fully appraise itself of the work required to fulfil the terms of the contract resulting from the RFP.

Background:

The District is a special district, governed by a seven-member school board, and is responsible for the public education of students in the Municipality of Anchorage, comprised of approximately 48,000 students and 8,500 staff in 130 facility locations spread throughout an area of 1,922 square miles, from Girdwood to Chugiak, with a residential population of approximately 298,192. It is the largest public school district in the state of Alaska. The District is comprised of elementary schools (61), middle schools (10), high schools (8), alternative schools (11), charter schools (8) and administrative (5) sites. ASD has separate bargaining units (8) along with exempt, non- represented, substitute and temporary employees.

Central administration for the District is located at 5530 E. Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, Alaska 99504. Extensive information regarding the District can be found on our website at www.asdk12.org.

Scope of Work:

The successful proposer will, in accordance with the highest legal, ethical, and professional standards, provide at the direction of the District’s Communications & Community Outreach Director or designee, state lobbying services including but not limited to the following services: Monitoring and advising the District of state legislation scheduled for upcoming legislative session(s), which would directly or indirectly affect the Anchorage School District (“the District”), in either a positive or negative manner, and provide lobbying recommendations, provide weekly updates during session(s) on issues of importance to the District of bills and/or amendments needed to further the District’s agenda, work with legislative staff and members to advocate passage of said bills and/or amendments, work with Governor’s office during bill review process to advocate final passage of positive legislation or veto of negative legislation.

1. In consultation with District board and staff prior to legislative session(s) to determine agenda,
2. Recommend lobbying efforts in upcoming legislative session(s) to achieve agenda goals,
3. Monitor and advise the District board and staff of legislation scheduled for upcoming legislative session(s), which would affect the District in a positive or negative manner, and provide lobbying recommendations,
4. Provide weekly updates during session(s) on issues of importance to the District,
5. Secure sponsorship of bills and/or amendments needed to further the District’s agenda,
6. Work with legislative staff and members to advocate passage of said bills and/or amendments, work with the Governor’s office during bill review process to advocate final passage of positive legislation or veto of negative legislation,
7. Monitor agency rule-making process and advise the District on action needed to implement legislation in a manner most favorable to the District,
8. The successful proposer shall lobby the state government, administrative offices and other organizations as necessary to pursue grants or the District’s legislative objectives. Lobbying is defined as efforts to pursue grant funding and/or efforts to pass, stop, or amend legislation as desired by the District through face-to-face, electronic, and written communications with appropriate persons,
9. Facilitate policy briefings for Board Members and District staff with State Legislators and Administration officials as directed by District staff,
10. Provide timely telephone or e-mail updates with designated staff; provide status reports during the legislative session(s); and attend meetings with District personnel as reasonably requested. Provide monthly report on services provided to the District under the Agreement,
11. Coordinate all workload responsibilities, direction, strategic planning, and implementation with designated District staff,
12. Comply with all state and federal rules and regulations relating to state lobbying activities and keep the District informed in a timely manner of any obligations the District might have for compliance,
13. Should any active lobbying assignment extend past the contract termination date, the contract shall be extended, upon mutual consent of the parties, until completion of such assignment.

Due Date:

December 21, 2017

Address:

Anchorage School District

Purchasing Department

4919 Van Buren Street

Anchorage, AK 99517-3137

APCO and Burson Marsteller have strong lobbying presences.