Lobbying RFP Issued By Arc of Florida

In response to well-documented needs that are not met through traditional public and private programs, the Arc of Florida has for several years operated a dental services program through a contract with the State of Florida and has developed an extensive, statewide network of dental providers willing to serve the special needs of the population. The program also funds services provided by our network of dental providers when other sources of support are unavailable or not appropriate or sufficient to serve the patient’s needs. The Arc also provides training for organizations and individuals that serve the population and for individuals and family members.

The Arc of Florida is the preeminent organization in the State of Florida advocating for the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in communities throughout the state and in the halls of state government. In this capacity, The Arc of Florida provides support to a network of local chapters that are engaged in direct services to clients and their family members. Along with its chapters, it is also a trusted resource in the State Capitol for information related to needs, policies, services, and supports for individuals with I/DD. 

Scope of Work:

The Arc of Florida state office seeks to retain the services of a lobbyist to work with the State CEO and Chair of the Governmental Relations Committee to address matters in which Arc of Florida needs professional assistance before the Florida State Legislature, individual State Legislators, the Governor, and state agencies. State lobbying services will include (but are not limited to) the following:

Strategy

Assist the state office in the development and implementation of its legislative agenda, key proposals and policy positions in partnership with the state board and local affiliate network;

Propose an annual strategic advocacy and political engagement plan designed to achieve legislative goals and support business objectives;

Develop a plan for off session activities and coordinate with state office staff;

Tracking and reporting

Identify, track and report on state legislation and legislative proposals that may have an impact on the Arc of Florida, it’s chapters, and individuals with I/DD.

Report activities at a minimum through the following:

Telephone or weekly updates on pending issues as they arise;

In-person briefing to Arc Board during its annual trip to Tallahassee for DD Day at the Capitol;

A brief weekly written status report during the Legislative Session for the state office and all local affiliates;

A final written report and in-person presentation at the end of Legislative Session for the state office and all local affiliates;

Track priorities and meetings of aligned partner organizations;

Organize state lobby registration, compliance and reporting;

Advocacy

Support the organization with a strong presence in the Capitol as the “eyes and ears” of The Arc of Florida and serve as day-to-day contact for legislators and other lobbyists on behalf of the state office;

Work to achieve Arc of Florida goals on legislation, issues or rules by lobbying members of the Legislature, legislative staff and state government officials;

Track and attend committee and rulemaking hearings, coordinate and assist in the preparation of testimony, submissions, and in-person testimony;

Attend and participate in interim hearings and meetings regarding issues important to Arc of Florida;

Relationship building

Assist in the development of relationships with key legislators, regulatory agencies, state agencies, local governments and community organizations, consistent with the annual strategic advocacy and political engagement plan;

Develop strong connections with other agencies and state membership organizations to support mutual goals as identified.

Fees/ Compensation:

The State Office prefers the proposer(s) offer their fee as a firm, fixed monthly fee.

Please remit an electronic version of the proposal no later than 5 pm on December 2, 2020 to: ceo@arcflorida.org.  

Any proposal received after the deadline will not be considered. Interviews are expected to take place immediately follow the deadline for submissions. Please direct any questions regarding this RFP to Jim DeBeaugrine at ceo@arcflorida.org. 

Due Date:

5 pm on December 2, 2020

Address:

Jim DeBeaugrine at ceo@arcflorida.org

Relevant agencies to consider include Finn Partners and Edelman PR.